Keep your child happy and healthy
PARENTING has never been easy. The process of raising successful kids can be exciting, filled with joy and, without a doubt, challenging.
Are you constantly fearful when your kids become ill and worrying whenever they miss school days? What can you do to nourish your kids?
Below are the nutrients that are vital to support your kids’ health during their growing up years.
> DHA – nutrient for brain and eyes development
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found in cold water fatty fish, including mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, salmon, and fish oil supplements. It cannot be manufactured in the human body, therefore it needs to be obtained through diet.
Rapid brain growth occurs during the first year of life, with the infant’s brain tripling in size by the first birthday.
During this stage of rapid central nervous system growth, the brain uses 60% of the total energy consumed by the infant.
Fats are a major component of the brain cell membrane and the myelin sheath around each nerve.
So it makes sense that getting enough of the right kinds of fat, especially DHA, can improve brain development and performance.
Besides, DHA is used as a supplement for premature babies and as an ingredient in baby formula during the first four months of life to promote better mental development. This practice probably started because DHA is found naturally in breast milk.
DHA is also important for proper eye function and visual acuity. Accumulation of DHA in retina and visual cortex occurs rapidly during the first six months of infancy. Constant supply of DHA is needed to maintain eye health and for better vision.
> Calcium – key mineral for stronger bone development
Our body uses calcium to build strong bones. When kids get enough calcium and physical activity during childhood and the teen years, they can start their adult lives with the strongest bones possible. The achievement of peak bone mass during childhood and adolescence is crucial to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later years.
Younger kids and babies with little calcium intake are at increased risk for rickets. Rickets is a bones oftening disease that causes severe bowing of the legs, poor growth, and sometimes muscle pain and weakness.
> Vitamin C – vital vitamin for immune system
Many young children under the age of eight suffer from recurrent respiratory tract infections, sore throat, swollen tonsils and adenoids, sinusitis, cough, and excessive mucous congestion. Thus, adequately feeding their immune system to boost the fighting power is vital to cut down on missed school days because of illness.
Vitamin C is an essential immune booster and plays multiple roles in the body. It increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies that prevent invasion of pathogens. Adequate intakes of vitamin C can reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of cold and flu.
• This article is contributed by Vitahealth. For more information, contact Vitahealth at 03-7729 3873.