The growth of the child is of utmost importance. If any organ or system growth is retarded at the early years, there can be lifelong handicap for the child. Fortunately the parents today are far more informed and they know exactly how to take care of the baby. It is very essential that the parents keep consulting a medical practitioner till at least 5 years of the child, since till then the child is not able to express his pains, inabilities or health related problems clearly. Thus, these can be identified only through close observation. A proper nutrition chart for a child will essentially contain:
Folic acid for growth of the nerves
The early years are important as the brain and nervous system develop now. In order to ascertain the right development of brain and intellect, the child must be given folic acid and nutritious food. Generally green vegetables like spinach, foliage and green leaves are very rich in folic acid. They may preferably be given as soups or salads.
Micro nutrients for immunity development
The natural body immunity develops in the early ages. Children prone to cough and cold and viral infections show signs of lower immunity that may make the child a weak individual. In order to ascertain proper immunity development, the child must be given a lot of fruits and vegetables. These contain micro nutrients in large quantities like the vitamins A, B-complex, C, K and E, and minerals like calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, iron and magnesium. While apples, strawberries, oranges, papaya, cucumber, olives and peas ensure these, mushroom must be consumed as it is the only source of vitamin D as
Milk for bone development
Milk has vitamin C and calcium that helps in bone development. It also helps improving body immunity. It is difficult to make the child have milk daily, but adding health drinks to them help. These health drinks also have some of the micro nutrients that help in replenishment.
Protein intake for muscle and tissue
Easily digestible protein like chicken or bird meat, fish and boiled eggs are a must for the children. In fact, these help in growth of the different tissues and muscles of the body. Lack of these nutrients may cause deficit and weakness when they grow into bigger kids or adults. Proteins are essential for development of various organs and systems. Fishes in addition have omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for brain and eye development.
Rich carbohydrate food intake
Care should be taken to provide the child enough of energy during the day. Children spend more energy and have higher BMR than adults. So their energy requirement is also consistently high. Besides playing, studies and other activities, they need extra energy for growth of body. The energy giving food includes cereals and pulses. They should make a significant part of the daily diet of the child. However, excess should be avoided to control child obesity.
The best is to consult a medical practitioner. It is a doctor who can prescribe a perfect nutrition for the child.