Daily Nutrition for Kids

Children's brains, muscles, and bones all need proper nutrition to develop normally. Children who eat a variety of healthy food and get all needed nutrients perform better intellectually and behaviorally.

Significance

• A lack of nutrients in a child's body over time leads to malnutrition and slow development. Children who are under nourished are ill more often and get lower grades.

Function

• Vitamins help your child's body to grow and function. Each day a child's body needs 100 percent of the recommended daily food allowances of vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. Fruits, cereals and vegetables are good sources of these vitamins.

Benefits

• Minerals are also needed for the body to grow properly, function, and absorb nutrition. Every aspect of health benefits from minerals. Copper, zinc and iron are a few of the minerals needed. Meats, fruits, vegetables and grains are all good mineral foods to serve.

Considerations

• Protein is essential for optimal health and good nutrition. Every part of the body needs protein to function properly. The body is primarily made of protein. Children's bodies need amino acid daily. Poultry is a good source of amino acid.

Prevention/Solution

• Children who eat a variety of healthy foods from each of the food groups every day will receive all of the vitamins, minerals and proteins that they need. They will grow healthy, strong muscles and bones. They will receive the most from their educations, be active and energetic and enjoy overall good health.

Fun Fact

• For added nutritional benefits, consult with your pediatrician about giving your child a vitamin each day. This ensures that your child is getting all of the nutrition he needs and will help to keep his immune system strong.