According to Professor Koen Joosten of Erasmus MC, the current diet of children between 1 and 3 years old promotes deficiencies in vitamins, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and iron. It supports standard screening of the diet and lifestyle habits of young children, so that possible health risks are addressed at an early stage. This brings back Vakblad Early.
Young children with an unhealthy lifestyle – which includes unhealthy food, insufficient exercise and a lot of screen time – are more likely to be overweight, nearsighted, tooth decay and joint ailments. Joosten explains that growing children have different nutritional needs than adults. For example, they have different needs for micro and macronutrients. For example, children should consume more calories and protein per kilogram than adults. The recommended daily amount of iron is five times higher for children than for adults. They need 3.5 times more calcium and seven times more vitamin D.
Not enough fruits, vegetables and nuts
Recent research shows that the current diet of children between 1 and 3 years old does not meet this requirement. For example, young children do not eat enough fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish. And only 59 percent of these children are getting vitamin D drops or tablets. At the same time, they’re getting too many calories and protein, as well as salt, sugar, and saturated fat.
Last quarter
If it’s Joosten’s turn, women start eating healthy already during pregnancy. “Learning to eat vegetables begins in the womb. By eating a variety of vegetables in the last trimester of pregnancy, that flavor is passed on to the baby in the belly. “
Edited by: National Care Guide / Johanne Levinsky
