Nutrition in Childhood Nutrient Allowances

Energy/ Calories
Childhood is a period of life from 1 to 12 years of age.
 Preschool age
 School age
Nutrition in Preschool Age
The preschool age period is from 1-6 years of age.
 Changes occur in children’s rate of growth and development
e.g., continuing maturation of fine and gross motor skills
 Personality development influences both the amount of food
they consume and the foods acceptable to them.
 Children at this stage need a considerable amount of energy
and nutrient requirements to support their growth.
Age-Related Food Guidelines
1-2 years old
- Provide simple finger food
- Avoid choking hazard
- Introduce one new food at a time.
2-3 years old
- Continue with the introduction of new tastes/new look
- Provide variety and observe the right kind and amount of food
- Make mealtimes enjoyable
- Child joins at the family table and is taught proper table manners
3-5 years old
- Bring your child in food shopping, include his suggestions in
meal-planning
- Guide selection using items in the food pyramid.
 Determined by age, activity, and basal metabolism
 Average energy requirement during the first 12-18 months is
55 kcal/kg body weight
 If the child’s diet lacks calories, the body will utilize the
proteins for energy resulting in protein-calorie malnutrition
(PCN). If protein is also not adequate, tissue reserves are used
for energy and body-building needs leading to Marasmus.
Protein
 About 1.5 to 2 g/kg of body weight is required.
 This amount will provide for the increase in skeletal and
muscle tissue
 Recommended that foods in this group should be served
about once or twice a day
Vitamins and Minerals
Fluids
 The total fluid requirement of a healthy child is 4-6 glasses, 1-
1/2 quarts o1 1,000 to 1,500 ml.
Feeding the Preschool Child
 Children should not be forced to eat because a normal,
healthy child will eat without prodding.
 Snacks should not be given 1- 1.5 hours before a meal
because this reduces appetite.
 Preschool children do best with small servings of food offered
several times during the day because of their smaller capacity
and variable appetite.
 Snacks should be dense in nutrients and should not promote
dental caries.
 Children should eat sitting down so they can concentrate on
chewing and swallowing.
Nutrition in School Age
School-age years are generally considered to be 6-12 years of age.
 Characterized by a slow, steady growth compared with the
extremes of growth and development seen in infancy and
adolescence.
 Increased body promotions, enhanced mental capabilities, and
more mind and body coordination.
 Weight generally increases an average of 2-3 kg per year until
9-10 years old.
 Body composition remains relatively constant.
 Fat gradually decreases during early childhood reaching a
minimum at 6 years old. After this, it increases preparation for
pubertal growth spurt.

Nutrient Allowances
Energy
 Allowances for school children decline gradually to
approximately 80-90 kcal/kg for aged 7-9 years old and 70-80
kcal/kg for aged 10-12 years.
 Must be adjusted individually since there are wide variations in
the children’s physical activity.
Protein
 Approximately 35 g is recommended
 Milk, cheese, and/or yogurt may be given 3 servings per day.
Meat, fish, and alternatives are given 2 servings per day.
Vitamins and Minerals
 Calcium is needed for the continued mineralization of bones
and prevention of osteoporosis.
 Iron is essential for the growth, development and prevention of
anemia, especially for girls who start to menstruate at the age
of 11-12 years.

Feeding the School-Age Child

 School children eat less frequently than younger children,
perhaps 4-5 times on school days and they do not eat well
when tired.
 A quiet activity or rest immediately before eating is conducive
to a relaxed, enjoyable meal.
 Breakfast is an important meal and provides ¼ to 1/3 of the
daily nutrient allowances.
 Make green leafy and yellow vegetables and fruits a “must” in
daily family meals.
 Pack a nutritious lunch. Remember that one packed lunch
should supply at least 1/3 of the child’s daily food needs.
 Avoid serving too spicy and highly seasoned foods because it
can destroy their appetite for bland, highly nutritious foods.
 Make snack counts. Serve nutritious snacks like root crops,
beans, or fresh fruit instead of candies and soft drinks.