Foods to treat malnutrition in children
Foods to treat malnutrition in children
Parents are looking for foods to treat malnutrition in children, so in this article, we will provide a comprehensive and comprehensive guide on that.
Foods to treat malnutrition in children
Learn about foods to treat malnutrition in children as follows:
Foods to treat malnutrition in children
Some children suffer from malnutrition for various reasons, so parents should take care of their children’s health by feeding them properly to avoid being malnourished.
In general, malnutrition is treated depending on the cause and the severity of the deficiency in the child, as it is sufficient to modify the diet in mild or moderate cases. Here are the most important foods to treat malnutrition in children as follows:
1. Proteins
Proteins perform several important functions in children’s body, which makes their need essential in their daily diet. It is recommended to eat a variety of foods, such as:
fish:
It is recommended to eat two servings per week, one of which should be: salmon or sardines.
Red meat:
They are a rich source of iron, which prevents anemia, and vitamin B12, which is important for health.
grains:
They are low in fat and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, such as: beans, legumes, and lentils.
Other sources:
Other sources include eggs, soy products, raw nuts, and unsalted seeds.
2. Dairy products
Dairy products are an example of foods to treat malnutrition in children because they contain calcium, vitamin D, proteins, and fats that are important in the development of the child.
Calcium helps the child grow healthy and strong bones and is important for nerve and muscle functions. Vitamin D plays a role in bone growth; It enhances the absorption of calcium in the body.
Therefore, the child should be encouraged to eat low-fat products from milk, yogurt or cheese, and in general, it is recommended to give whole milk to children up to the age of two, unless his diet contains multiple foods, then he can be given skimmed milk.
3. Vegetables and fruits
The child should be encouraged to eat 5 daily portions of a variety of vegetables and fruits, as the portion is approximately the size of the child’s palm.
The child can eat fruits or vegetables, whether they are fresh, canned, sorted or dried, and any added or additional sugars should be avoided when eating canned or dried fruits that contain high calories.
4. Snacks
It is preferable to give the child sugar-free foods and drinks between meals, including:
milk or water.
Sliced fruits and vegetables, including bananas, carrots, oranges, and cucumbers.
Bread greased with a small amount of butter or jam, honey, and fat-free chocolate.
Unflavored breadsticks or unsalted rice cakes.
Natural yogurt can be added to it fresh or frozen fruit.
Whole grains and unsweetened grains.
Sandwiches stuffed with lean meat, eggs, bananas or tomatoes.
The recommended amount for children
Emphasis is placed on foods to treat malnutrition in children by eating the child at least 3-5 servings of varied foods each day and at each meal.
Find out the classes according to each age group, as follows:
1. Grain
Here is the recommended amount, as follows:
2 – 3 years
85 g
4 – 8 years
141 g
9 – 13 years old
141 grams for female
170 grams for males
2. Vegetables
The recommended amount of vegetables for children is as follows:
2 – 3 years
1 cup
4 – 8 years
cup and a half
9 – 13 years old
two cups for women
Two and a half cups for males
3. Fruits
Here are the quantities:
2 – 3 years
1 cup
4 – 8 years
cup and a half
9 – 13 years old
cup and a half
4. Milk and dairy products
The allowed quantities are in the following table:
2 – 3 years
Cuban
4 – 8 years
Two and a half cups
9 – 13 years old
3 cups
5. Meat or grains
Find out the quantities below:
2 – 3 years
65 grams
4 – 8 years
113 g
9 – 13 years old
141 g
Important tips for feeding children
After learning about a group of foods to treat malnutrition in children, learn also important information to maintain the health of the child through his food, as follows:
Avoid adding flavorings to milk because it reduces its benefits and increases its sugar content and calories.
Do not offer the child fried meat, such as: chicken pieces or fish sticks more than once a week, or avoid them completely.
Completely avoid the high-fat meats found in sausages or hot dogs or more than once a week.
Be sure to stay away from drinks that contain a lot of added sugar: tea, soft drinks, or fruit juice.
Choose healthy meals when eating out and stay away from fast food.
Avoid giving sweets on a regular basis to the child but offer them as a healthy snack between meals.
