The Effect Of Nutrition On Early Children 's Development And Health

A Child’s health can greatly affect their personal development. Eating well with plenty of fruit and vegetables and being active is more likely to result in a positive development than a child whose immune system is compromised or someone that is not active and eats unhealthy foods. When a child is unable to socialise with other children

Nutrition is important to understand because it is a significant contributor to the health and wellness of a human being. Nutrition can determine the weight of a person, the performance of organs and the body’s ability to prevent or accelerate certain diseases. Health and nutrition can be influenced by several factors such as family, friends, peers as well as physical and mental stress. As a young child, the immediate family is the biggest influence on nutrition because they are the first role models and establish the initial habits that the individual will develop. Through daily meal plans given to children, they can develop a standard of care in regard to nutrition and then incorporate key food groups into their daily diet. A child’s

Children and young people’s health and development is closely linked to their dietary choice as they need the right amount of nutrients necessary to keep their energy and to maintain the body for growth, tissue repair, healthy skin, hair and teeth, red blood cells and strong immune system.

Children in need of these nutrients can suffer from stunted growth never reaching potential height. Statistics have shown stunted growth children score significantly lower on intelligence tests than do normal children. Hunger interferes with physical, emotional and academic development. According to Freedom from Hunger, “more than 4 million children will die due to hunger related causes.” NASW(2016) shows an important connection food security and nutrition play in physical and mental health.

Some people believe that parents have control over their child’s development. Genetics, the environment, education, health, diet, culture, as well as social influences do as well. Each child is going to develop differently due to these factors; not all children are going to have the same characteristic or upbringing. However, if children receive poor nutrient from their parents, it can affect them in the same way. Without the proper nutrition, children can lack the energy to

Just as nutrition can have drastic effects on one’s physical health, nutrition can affect one’s mental health as well. The most common mental disorders that are prevalent in numerous countries are depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The dietary pattern of the general population in many countries reflect that they are often deficient in many nutrients, especially essential vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Deficiency in these vitamins can lead to depression.

A major part of any culture is food and dining, and children are a part of that. Children often lose some of their appetite between ages two and six, and because parents worry, bad food habits are put into place. Sugary foods are offered if a child finishes a meal, and many foods have vitamins and nutrients added. However iron, zinc, and calcium are seen to be deficient because juices and sodas are replacing milk, and cereals and processed foods replace fresh fruits and vegetables (Berger, 2006). It is also hard to maintain good eating habits during this age, because children often

A child’s physical development is likely to be affected as they will not grow and thrive at the appropriate rate, becoming under developed as well as under nourished.

Fruits and vegetables have a very essential role in our diet. Studies have shown the importance of sufficient fruit and vegetable consumption in stopping chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and obesity. According to 2000 report, “2.7 million deaths and 1.8% all diseases worldwide could be attributed to inadequate F&V intake” (Najimi, 2013). Starting to eat well when young is important. Research has proven that interventions at a young age can impact good behavior such as good nutritional habits that get carried on into adulthood. Furthermore, ages 7 to 12 is when a child should get nutrients for growing. Therefore, the significance of a child’s nutrition becomes more of a need than ever (Najimi, 2013). Examples of the benefits of kids eating healthy when young are good mental activities, prevention of problems and complications like anaemia, obesity, digestive disorders, and tooth decay and chronic and dangerous diseases in the long term (Najimi, 2013).

Diet - Studies have shown that children with a better nutrition are more likely to have a higher IQ. They will be more alert to the world around them and they will most likely also have a higher attention span. A good diet will provide the child with the right amount of energy for the day ahead and this has a positive impact on the child’s development because then they will be happy and healthy. If children know what type of food they should be eating (1/3 of fruit and vegetables, 1/3 of bread, rice, potatoes and pasta and 1/3 of dairy, meat, fish, eggs, beans and food and drinks which are high in fat and sugar. But if children don’t eat healthy then they will not be able to concentrate at their work, they won’t have any motivation to play or join in with their friends, no carbohydrates and will have a poor attention span. Child A isn’t able to concentrate

Foods and their nutrients are essential to life. In the beginning years of life an infant’s nutritional health depends on the family unit. Parents must have knowledge of the changing food needs of the child and must also have sufficient resources to provide food, shelter, and clothing for the family. Equally important, parents create the cultural and psychological environment that influences the

The effect of receiving sufficient nutrients and support during this 1000 days opportunity window does not end at 2 years of age but does have long-term impact.(2). It is very important to have enough nutrition and supportive environment in the early childhood since it is a period where the vital development is growing. (3)

Obesity is the most prevalent nutritional problem in the world, eclipsing undernutrition and infectious disease as the most significant contributor to ill health and mortality (Lau, Douketis & Morrison 2006). Due to this, life altering decisions have to be suggested in client care, related to nutrition, to maximize the continuation of health and wellness. Obesity occurs when there is a disparity between the overall energy input and energy output of an individual and the input is greater than the output. Energy input refers to the ingestion and ultimate metabolical breakdown of nutrients to be utilized or stored by the body while energy output refers to any work that the body does. For the efficient running of the human body an individual should not just eat, but ensure that a balanced diet is obtained. A balanced diet comprises of food from the main food groups which are vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, dairy and oils. For a newborn baby or an infant these nutrients should be accessible through breastmilk or a suitable supplemental alternative. The integral process of balancing this energy input and energy output is essential for the efficient functionality of bodily processes. The effect of proper nutrition is paramount on several body systems but it is most obvious in the musculoskeletal system. Proper nutrition in infancy is, therefore, a significant issue and is important in the development of the musculoskeletal system which would enhance the process of growth and

It is imperative for children to develop with healthy nutrition during their first five years of life in order to sustain a healthy well being. When a child experiences stunted growth, they often have difficulties learning and

The concept of the first 1000 days is very important as this is a period from the start of conception until a child’s second birthday (Save the Children 2012). It is also the period where foundations on a child’s future health are laid (Save the Children 2012). Many mothers’ worldwide suffer from malnutrition (Save the Children 2012). Subsequently, mothers’ have a greater risk of death or giving birth to a preterm, underweight or malnourished infant (Save the Children 2012). Good nutrition during the first 1000 days is important to lay the foundation for optimal child brain development (Save the Children 2012). This is so they have better cognitive, motor and social skills, can be successful at school and be productive members in their communities and country (Save the Children 2012).