Children have different dietary needs than adults, and these vary as they grow. The sacrosanct benchmark of five fruits and vegetables a day would not necessarily be essential in children, according to Prof. Patrick Tounian, head of the pediatric nutrition department at Trousseau hospital in Paris and specialist in obesity in the child. For him, meat intakes are essential as well as dairy products, a little fish and more surprisingly … delicacies! This is enough to ease many parents …
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Five fruits and vegetables a day? It is already difficult for adults, but then for children … Few parents succeed in this challenge! And besides, are these 5 fruits and vegetables really essential for children? A balanced diet is also a diet that correctly prevents potential deficiencies nutritional. For Prof. Patrick Tounian, four fundamental pillars in children’s nutrition must be respected: iron, in calcium, in lipids and phytonutrients, not to mention the delicacies!
Iron intake
The iron deficiency or iron deficiency is extremely prevalent in children worldwide, including in developed countries. The consequences of an iron deficiency are numerous: a less good defense against the infections, a anemia, potential disturbances in attention or mood. Growth milk is recommended for ages 3 to 6; it contains enough iron to effectively prevent this deficiency. Iron can also be provided naturally through the consumption of meat. For Pr. Patrick Tounian, two meat intakes per day are necessary to cover the iron needs in children.
Calcium and vitamin D intake
A lack of calcium affects the skeleton and increases the risk of fractures. For Pr. Patrick Tounian, three to four dairy products per day cover the child’s calcium intake.
But that’s not all, calcium has need vitamin D to be properly absorbed. Supplementation in vitamin D is recommended until the age of 18! The ideal is to give the child one dose per day (400 to 800 units / day). For more convenience, quarterly doses exist (50,000 units in a single dose) and can be administered from the age of 2 years. Children with black skin, who have little exposure to Sun, who are vegetarians or obese should receive double these doses.
Lipid intake
Lipids are necessary for neurological development. From 6 to 12 months, they represent 40% of the contributions. After 1 year, it’s 35%. Lipids can be provided by oil or butter. Essential fatty acids can be supplied by fish, once or twice a week from the age of 1 year.
Phytonutrient intake
Most phytonutrients are found in foods of animal origin, except fiber and vitamins B9 and C. Deficiencies in fiber, vitamin B9 or vitamin C are extremely rare! According to Prof. Patrick Tounian, a single fruit or vegetable per day would probably be sufficient in children. This is potential good news for parents!
Pleasure foods
For Prof. Tounian, a pleasure food can be eaten after each meal, if it was balanced. Pleasure must be an integral part of eating, from an early age!
In conclusion, there are several ways to provide children with all the nutritional elements they need. To have a balanced diet, remember the ” Eating well means eating everything, but in the right amounts! ” of the National Health Nutrition Program.
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