Why should we give more protein rich food to growing children?

Why should we give more protein rich food to growing children?

Protein is essential for your child’s growth, maintenance and repair for the body. It contains key nutrients that are needed for your child’s health. Key nutrients that we also get from protein foods include iron, omega 3s, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin D, calcium and selenium.

Why does a growing child need more nutrients?

Children and teens need the right fuel for growing, learning and developing. This means your kids need foods and beverages with plenty of nutrients and not too many calories, fats or sugars —providing a strong foundation for a healthy life.

Why is protein needed for growth?

Proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones.

How does protein help with growth?

Protein is the building block of your muscles. Therefore, eating adequate amounts of protein helps you maintain your muscle mass and promotes muscle growth when you do strength training. Numerous studies show that eating plenty of protein can help increase muscle mass and strength ( 8 , 9 ).

What is protein needed for in the body?

Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones. Protein is also important for growth and development in children, teens, and pregnant women.

Why is nutrition important for growth and development?

Adequate nutrition is one of the important factor influencing growth & immunity. A balanced diet must contain sufficient amount of carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and fibre in the required amounts. Each of these nutrients has a vital role in the all-round growth and development of children1.

Why nutrition is important for growth?

How nutrition affect the growth and development of children?

During childhood, under-nutrition causes children to have less energy and less interest for learning, which negatively influences cognitive development and academic performance. Under-nutrition will also affect physical growth and maturation, thus affecting growth rate, body weight and ultimately, height.

Why is protein necessary?

Why is it important for children to eat protein?

Protein is a macronutrient that is vital for child growth and development, yet research shows that one in seven school-aged children do not meet their daily protein intake goals. 1. If a child is growing slowly or is small for their age they may not be getting all the protein and nutrients needed for healthy growth.

What foods are good sources of protein for children?

“Milk is a really easy source of protein to give to kids, and it provides calcium and vitamin D, which are important nutrients for bone growth,” says Williams. She also recommends other dairy products, like Greek yogurt, drinkable yogurts and cottage cheese.

Why is it important for kids to eat a variety of foods?

Including a variety of high-quality protein sources in your child’s diet (especially if you have a picky eater) will help ensure that their body has what it needs for energy, growth, and a strong immune system.

Is it safe for kids to take protein supplements?

Still, taking protein supplements or adding protein powders to foods, shakes or smoothies is a popular trend for growing children and teenagers. You may notice this trend more if your child is an athlete — especially if they want to bulk up and get bigger and stronger.