Optimizing Children's Growth Early on

Children are the fruit of every married couple. Every family must try their best for the growth and development of children. One of the important factors that affect the growth of children is nutrition from food. Various kinds of nutrition are needed to maximize children's growth so that they run as well as possible. However, do we, parents, understand what kind of nutrition our children need?

  1. Calcium: is a mineral that is important for bone health and also for bones to grow optimally and provide sufficient density. Calcium also contributes to heart function, blood clotting, and helps muscle function. The food/drink that has the highest calcium content is milk.
  2. Vitamin : Vitamin A to maintain eye health and bone growth (beef, chicken liver, milk, and brightly colored fruits). Vitamin C for the formation and repair of red blood cells, bones and tissues in the body (papaya, pineapple and melon). Vitamin D to help absorb minerals such as calcium for the formation of strong teeth and bones (eggs, tofu, tempeh and fish). Vitamin E to ward off free radicals and maintain the immune system (spinach, seeds, and avocado).
  3. Protein: the most important substance in the child's growth period. Plays a role in building and repairing damaged tissue in the body. According to research, children who are given high-protein foods will have a height that exceeds the average normal height of children of their age. Foods high in protein such as eggs, milk, tuna and almonds.
  4. Iron: serves to distribute food and oxygen throughout the body. Iron also produces new red blood cells, and is good for improving motor skills in children. Foods that contain natural iron include lean red meat, beef or chicken liver, seafood such as clams, tuna, salmon, shrimp, and green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and kale.

*summarized from various sources*