Nutrition plays a crucial role in child growth and development, as it provides the essential building blocks for children to grow, learn, thrive, and meet important milestones. Child malnutrition, either due to undernutrition or overnutrition, is detrimental to a child’s overall development and affects one in three individuals worldwide. Dr. Ganesh Kadhe, Director, Medical and Scientific Affairs at Abbott’s Nutrition business delves deeper into intricate interplay talking about stunting and the role of nutrient-dense food which paves the way for growth.
A common form of malnutrition among kids is stunting, where they are below a healthy height for their age. Today, there are approximately 149 million stunted children below the age of five globally, with India accounting for nearly one-third of the global childhood stunting burden. A report by the WHO shows that India accounts for nearly one-third of the global childhood stunting burden with 40.6 million children stunted under the age of five.
Unlocking the Potential of Child Growth and Development starts with nutrition. Proper nutrition helps children grow, learn, thrive, and meet important milestones. Undernutrition can have serious consequences for kids, including immune deficiencies, compromised cognitive function, behavioral problems, diminished bone health, and decreased muscle mass. Addressing nutrient deficiencies early helps children reach their full growth potential. Parents and caregivers should continually assess their child’s growth and speak with a healthcare professional if they believe their child is falling behind. Nutritional supplement drinks can help bridge nutritional gaps and enhance the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals from foods.
Key nutrients that play an indispensable role in helping a child reach their growth potential include calcium, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, protein, fluids, and electrolytes. Calcium acts as a foundation for bone and dental health, while vitamin D supports immune cells and plays a pivotal role in proper growth.
