Hidden Nutrition: What mothers should know about nutrition for her growing child

Nothing can be compared to the love a mother has for her children. Her love is incomparable, unconditional and inseparable. Not only is a mother’s love unique but so are her hopes and dreams for her children. However, very few actually consider the important role nutrition plays in fulfilling these dreams.

Nutrition is an important key to developing and maintaining good health. Good health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Poor nutrition, however, can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity.

According to the World Health Organisation good nutrition means getting the right amount of nutrients from healthy foods in the right combinations. These healthy foods take the shape of essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and lipids (fats), as well as other essential items like fiber and water. However, at the same time it is important to note that a growing child's body is undergoing many changes, therefore, has different nutritional requirements to that of adults.

For example, when children reach the age of 15 they often need to eat more than adults to support their secondary growth spurt.  More specifically, according to research by Picot and others conducted in 2012, they need a lot more niacin, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Therefore, it is important to make sure that children eat more nutrient dense foods.

However, a study by Hettiarachchi and others in 2006 found that multiple micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron, folate and zinc, exist amongst Sri Lankan school children aged 12 to 16 years. Moreover,  a national cross sectional study done by Jayatissa and Ranbanda in the same year found that anaemia and vitamin A deficiency were prevalent in the population as well. These dietary behaviours place adolescents at increased risk of impaired physical and mental development unless their increased demand for micronutrients is met by their diet.

However, providing children with the right nutrition is not an easy task. According to Mitchell and others in 2013, many parents report difficulties related to their children’s eating habits. The most common problems stem from fussy eating and peer pressure. Research has found that while 'fussy eating' does not pose an immediate threat to health, over the long term, consumption of a poor diet can contribute to the development of a range of preventable diseases.

Additionally, mothers should be aware that young children today are more likely to eat processed/junk food which lack any positive nutritional value and are full of empty calories.

Another big issue in Sri Lanka is the prevalence of many food myths and taboos closely linked to the cultural and religious beliefs of our society. During puberty, body composition and biological changes emerge resulting in gender-specific nutrient needs. But, unfortunately, some mothers still believe that girls should be deprived of some foods because they wrongly believe them to be impure, sinful and harmful to them during puberty. As a result of this, adolescent girls that are on the threshold of womanhood can be deprived of vital nutrients their bodies require to maintain a healthy growth. Therefore, depriving them of essential nutrients and micronutrients would result in them becoming anaemic and undernourished young woman.

Furthermore, some people classify food as heaty, cooling, neutral, or windy and from such classifications arose a large number of food taboos that were to affect consumption habits. According to Prof. T.W. Wickramanayake's study in 1996, over 75% of girls in Sri Lanka avoid meat during puberty as these foods are said to arouse passion during puberty, menstruation and puerperium. However, it is stated that none of these different varieties of food have a warming or cooling effect on the body.

These myths and taboos restrict children from receiving a sensible nutritious diet which they require for their healthy growth and general wellbeing. Therefore, it is important to provide them with a balanced, nutritious meal that meets all their requirements.

References

1.    Hettiarachchi M, Liyanage C, Wickremasinghe R, Hilmers D C, Abrahams SA 2006, Prevalence and severity of micronutrient deficiency: a cross-sectional study among adolescents in Sri Lanka
2.    Jayatissa R & Ranbanda R M 2006, Prevalence of challenging nutritional problems among adolescents in Sri Lanka
3.    Mitchell GL, Farrow C, Haycraft E, Meyer C. Parental influences on children's eating behaviour and characteristics of successful parent-focussed interventions. Appetite. 2013 Jan;60(1):85-94.
4.    Wickramanayake WT (1996) Food and Nutrition.3rd edition. Publisher: Colombo Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute.

By Thilini Jayasinghe, Nutritionist . BSc (Sri Lanka), MSc (PGIA, Sri Lanka), MSc (Sydney)