There are many causes of malnutrition in children, of which malnutrition is mainly due to caregivers having incomplete knowledge and making basic mistakes about food and nutrition.

To prevent malnutrition in children, parents need to pay attention to the following:

For children under 1 year old

Nutrition for children under 1 year old needs to provide enough daily energy, to ensure the body’s metabolism, growth and daily physical activity. Therefore, to ensure adequate energy supply, the nutritional diet for children under 1 year old also needs to contain all necessary nutrient groups, including:

– Protein: Necessary for the growth of bones, muscles and tissues in the body. Protein-rich food groups that need to be supplemented for children are eggs, meat, and milk. However, for babies under 6 months old who are exclusively breastfed, mothers need to eat a lot of protein-containing foods so that the baby can absorb enough.

– Lipids (fats): The source of nutrients plays the most important role in producing energy for children. The fat group also acts as a solvent to absorb a number of other nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, K. At this stage, breast milk is the richest source of fat, the fatty acids needed for growth. brain develops. Children who start weaning need to supplement with lipid-rich foods, because milk is no longer the main food.

– Glucid (carbohydrate): Breast milk contains lactose, a carbohydrate that is easily absorbed by the baby’s body. The older you get, the greater your need for carbohydrates, so add a variety of food sources when your baby first starts weaning.

– Vitamins and minerals: Breast milk contains a lot of vitamins such as B and C, but very little vitamin A and D, so it needs to be supplemented in other ways. Vitamin A depends heavily on the mother’s nutrition during pregnancy, because it is stored in the liver from birth. Vitamin D in breast milk is low in content, so it needs to be supplemented daily with a dose of 200 IU – 400 IU, depending on the month of age.

– Calcium, zinc, iron: This is a group of minerals that must be supplemented for children under 1 year old. Calcium is present in breast milk to support the development of the skeletal system, and iron is necessary for hematopoiesis, but there is only enough reserve for the first 3 months after birth, so it needs to be added to the diet in the following months. Zinc helps the body grow and develop the immune system, giving children a good appetite.

For children from 1 to 5 years old

Children between the ages of 1 and 5 years old will have more changes than children under 1 year old. Both physical and mental development happens more slowly, but there are many important milestones. Nutrition always plays a big role in determining a child’s development in the first years of life.

Children from 1 to 3 years old: During this age, children’s digestive system begins to mature, their energy needs are about 1,300 Kcal per day. Therefore, children also need to fully supplement nutrient groups such as vitamins and minerals, protein, glucose, and lipids. Note that you should give your child enough water, prepare soft foods, change dishes every day, and do not let your child eat the same dish for many meals, because it will easily cause boredom.

Children from 3 to 5 years old: At this stage, children are more active, so their energy needs also increase, about 1600 Kcal per day. Need to supplement a balance of substances such as Protein, lipid, glucose, prioritize protein from animals. Parents should also train their children to have scientific eating habits.

Need to monitor growth chart

During the first 2 years, the child should be weighed once a month and recorded on the chart. Children from 3 – 5 years old should be weighed every 2 – 3 months. If you see that your child’s weight has not increased or lost weight for 2 consecutive months, it is an early sign to detect malnutrition.

Vaccinations are required as recommended

Vaccinations must be performed in the first year, mainly vaccines for tuberculosis, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and measles. Vaccinate fully and on time.

In addition to full vaccination, it is important to remember to periodically deworm children, clean the house, use and prepare food with clean water… These are effective measures to prevent malnutrition. child care. In particular, mothers should guide and help their children clean their hands and feet before eating and after using the toilet.