“Good Nutrition is a foundation of a child’s survival, health, and development”.
What are your insights on this quote?
I strongly believe in the importance of good nutrition for a child's development and growth. "Good nutrition is a foundation of a child's survival, health, and growth" emphasizes the importance of nutrition in a child's survival and development, particularly during the first 1000 days. This is a unique period opportunity to lay the foundation for the best health and growth throughout life. During the 1000-day period, the child's nutrition and care have an impact on not just their ability to survive, but also on their ability to grow and learn. As a result, it helps to ensure the long-term health, stability, and prosperity of society.
The developing brain is one of the most important aspects of growth during the first 1000 days. A child's brain develops rapidly during the third trimester of pregnancy and the first two years of life, and its plasticity – or ability to modify and rewire itself – is at its peak during this time. Evidence shows that supporting brain development in the first place by preventing nutritional deficits is far more effective than relying on replacement therapy after a deficit has occurred. A wide range of nutrients plays a role in the proper development of the brain. Throughout the first 1,000 days, iron in particular is important. Iron deficiency in infants and toddlers can have a negative impact on their learning, social, and emotional development.
Protein, zinc, iodine, and folate are other nutrients that are particularly important during the first 1,000 days. The sole source of nutrition for a growing fetus during pregnancy is the mother's diet and pre-pregnancy stores, emphasizing the importance of eating well during this time. A baby's brain is learning functions such as balance, coordination, and posture during infancy, and these functions require adequate nutrition to develop normally. Breastmilk contains a unique combination of nutrients, growth factors, and hormones that adapt to the needs of the baby and are critical for brain development at this stage.
We all have a fair share in whether or not children have a good start in life. When we as a society fail to nurture a child's development, we all suffer the consequences. Many of the problems have their roots in how well a child is nourished and nurtured during their first years of life. Improving children's nutrition during the first 1,000 days is critical for them to reach their full developmental potential and for us all to have a brighter future.
References:
SR Nutrition. (2020, December 14). The Importance of Nutrition During the First 1000 Days of Life. https://www.srnutrition.co.uk/2020/12/the-importance-of-nutrition-during-the-first-1000-days-of-life/#:~:text=Other%20nutrients%20of%20particular%20importance,eating%20well%20during%20this%20stage.
UNICEF (n.d.). First 1000 Days. https://www.unicef.org/southafrica/media/551/file/ZAF-First-1000-days-brief-2017.pdf
Thousand Days (n.d.) A Foundation for Brain Development and Learning NUTRITION IN THE FIRST 1,000 DAYS.. https://thousanddays.org/wp-content/uploads/1000Days-Nutrition_Brief_Brain-Think_Babies_FINAL.pdf