Journal of Nutritional Disorders & Therapy

Healthy Diet and Nutrition for Children in Different Ages

Zhaing Ruan^* Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Oregon State University, Oregon, United States of America
^*Correspondence: Zhaing Ruan, Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Oregon State University, Oregon, United States of America, Email:

Received: 22-May-2023, Manuscript No. JNDT-23-22194; Editor assigned: 24-May-2023, Pre QC No. JNDT-23-22194(PQ); Reviewed: 15-Jun-2023, QC No. JNDT-23-22194; Revised: 22-Jun-2023, Manuscript No. JNDT-23-22194(R); Published: 29-Jun-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2161-0509.23.13.249

Description

Children need adequate energy and nutrients to support their growth and development. However, the amount and type of energy and nutrients they need vary depending on their age, gender, physical activity level and health status. Therefore, it is important to provide children with a balanced diet that meets their individual needs and preferences. The other micronutrients which are beneficial include omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and prebiotics. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. They may help to reduce the hypermetabolic response, improve wound healing, and prevent infection in burn patients. These are only general guidelines and each child’s energy needs may vary depending on their height, weight, growth rate and activity level. It is recommended to calculate each person's specific energy needs using kilocalories per kg of body weight or every cm of height.

Probiotics are living microbes that, when given in sufficient quantities, boost the host's health. They may help to maintain the gut microbiota balance, prevent bacterial translocation, and enhance the immune function. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The most important vitamins and minerals to monitor and supplement are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, selenium, and iron. Vitamin A is involved in epithelial regeneration, collagen synthesis, and immune response. Vitamin C is involved in collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and immune response. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. Zinc is involved in wound healing, protein synthesis, and immune response. It is mainly produced by intestinal bacteria and can also be obtained from dietary sources such as fermented foods, cheese, and meat. Copper is involved in collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and immune response. Selenium is an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and supports thyroid function.

Optimal energy and nutritional intake in children is essential for their growth, development, health and well-being. By eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all the food groups and limiting nutrient-poor foods, children can achieve optimal energy and nutritional intake and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The recommended nutritional intake for children depends on their age, gender and health status. However, these recommendations may not be accurate for all patients, as they do not account for individual variations in metabolism and activity level. Therefore, Indirect Calorimetry (IC) is considered the gold standard for measuring the Actual Energy Expenditure (AEE) in patients and adjusting their energy intake accordingly. IC is a non-invasive technique that measures the oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production of the patient using a device attached to a mask or a ventilator. The optimal protein intake also debated, but most guidelines recommend providing 1.5 to 2 g/kg/day for adults and 2.5 to 3 g/kg/day for children. However, these recommendations may not be sufficient for patients (>40% TBSA), who may require up to 3 g/kg/day for adults and 4 g/kg/day for children. Protein intake should be monitored by measuring serum albumin levels, prealbumin levels, or urinary urea nitrogen levels.

Conclusion

To ensure adequate nutritional intake, children should eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all the food groups and limit their intake of nutrient-poor foods, such as sweets, chips, soda and fast food. They should also drink enough water to stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol. Nutritional intake refers to the amount and quality of nutrients that children obtain from food and drinks. Nutrients are substances that are needed for various bodily functions, such as growth, development, immunity, metabolism and repair. The main types of nutrients are macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).