“Good Nutrition is a foundation of a child’s survival, health, and development”
I agree with this quote, because good nutrition is very vital especially to the children as they need more energy and nutrients to develop their mind and body. Moreover, well-nourished children are better able to grow, learn, play and participate in their communities. They are also more resilient in the face of crisis (UNICEF, n.d.).
As for the first 1000 days of the baby, the most important aspect of growth is the brain. There are a variety of nutrients that contribute to the proper development of the brain. Iron in particular plays a significant role throughout the first 1,000 days. Other nutrients of particular importance during the first 1,000 days are protein, zinc, iodine and folate. In pregnancy, a mother’s diet and pre-pregnancy stores are the sole source of nutrition for a growing fetus, highlighting the importance of eating well during this stage (Stirling - Reed, n.d.).
Thus, proper nutritional support to the children is necessary not just for the children but also for the babies in the womb. However, despite being a very important factor in a child's development, it is still a problem in our society. A lot of children still haven’t received adequate amounts of nutrition. And this is an issue that needs to be addressed the soonest possible as it would really affect the children not just now but in the future.
Reference:
Stirling - Reed (n.d.). The Importance of Nutrition During the First 1000 Days of Life. Retrieved from 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.). Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/nutrition#:~:text=UNICEF%2FUN0253412%2FPasquall-,Good%20nutrition%20is%20the%20bedrock%20of%20child%20survival%20and%20development,need%20to%20survive%20and%20thrive.