“Good Nutrition is a foundation of a child’s survival, health, and development”.
I agree with this quote because I believe that nutrition is essential in every life stage, but it is important, especially in the early stages of childhood. Child development requires a multitude of proper nutrients to grow healthy and strong otherwise we risk malnutrition. In the Philippines, 95 children die from malnutrition every day. The effects of malnutrition are detrimental to growing children as it causes a delay in their physical and motor development and makes them more susceptible to diseases. Furthermore, malnutrition is associated with a lower intellectual quotient, greater behavioral problems, and deficient social skills. Other common issues that are rooted in undernutrition include obesity, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and fatigue. All of these are threats to proper child growth and development which in its entirety can be solved through good nutrition.
Good nutrition comes in the form of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of the newborn’s life. As children grow, their bodies need more nutrients than a mother’s milk can provide, and this is sourced in fresh produce and foods that provide vitamins, nutrients, fibers, and minerals. These macro and micronutrients will enable children to establish a strong physique, stable energy, improved mental health and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Good nutritional and lifestyle choices enable growing children to develop to their fullest health and capacity.
References:
Children’s Bureau. (2018). Importance of Good Nutrition for Kids and Young Children. https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/importance-of-good-nutrition-for-young-children/.
Nationwide Children’s. (2021, March 11). The Importance of Good Nutrition for Kids. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2021/03/importance-good-nutrition-kids