May

11

Toddlers Have Different Dietary Requirements

Posted by Natural Health

May 11, 2008 |

We all know that diets low in fats and carbohydrates and high in fruits and vegetables is the healthiest sort of diet.  However, young children - especially toddlers - not only have different dietary needs, but can even suffer from mild malnutrition on the same diet that is perfectly healthy for adults, or even slightly older children.  It can lead to stunted growth and a general lack of important vitamins and nutrients in their bodies.

A recent study in the UK of the foods given to toddlers at preschools, written about in The Observer, showed that many people, even those whose job involves keeping informed on early child nutrition, misunderstand the nutritional requirements of toddlers.  They require more calories and energy-producing foods and lower fiber content than adults, and diets too high in fiber can even block the absorption of many nutrients they require.  Additionally, because their bodies are not properly equipped to absorb the nutrients efficiently yet, they require frequent small meals and snacks, instead of the standard three meals a day.

   
Creative Commons License photo credit: efleming

It’s important to remember that toddlers are not just little adults; they have very different needs than older people do.


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