A healthy childhood is considered the basis for a better future. Health experts say that all parents should ensure that children get healthy and nutritious food regularly. Diets rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients not only help in the better development of children but also help protect them from many types of diseases in the future by boosting immunity. Is your child getting all the nutrients required through diet?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed serious concern in a report regarding the nutritional value of diet in Indian children. WHO said, more than 77 percent of children aged 6-23 months in India are not getting adequate nutrition. Experts have expressed concern that most children are not getting the diet recommended by WHO. This is worrying for the future in many ways.
Children are not getting enough nutrition.
Health experts said that mother's milk is necessary for children from newborn to six months and a balanced intake of milk, eggs, legumes, fruits, and vegetables is necessary for children above one year of age. However, most children are not getting nutrition.
The study based on the data of the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) has highlighted that these diet-related problems are being seen most in areas like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The number of children not getting nutritious food in Sikkim and Meghalaya is close to 50 percent.
My diet has already improved.
According to the WHO, the diet for children can be considered nutritious only when it includes five types of food items. The survey has found that there has been improvement at present as compared to the NFHS-3 data of 2005-06, but still, a lot of work remains to be done in this direction. Compared to earlier, the amount of eggs, legumes, and nuts in the diet of children has increased, however, this is not enough to provide sufficient nutrition required for children.
Most newborns do not get their mother's milk.
Health experts said that the biggest concern is that most newborns and children below six months of age are not able to get their mother's milk. This is considered most important for better nutrition. Most children aged one year and above also do not get milk and other dairy products which are considered essential for calcium.
This is considered the most essential nutrient for the growth of children, strengthening of bones, and keeping teeth healthy.
What do experts say?
Health experts said the survey has found that cases of nutrition problems have been seen more in children living in rural areas and born to illiterate mothers. Due to lack of nutrients, children may be at risk of anemia, which can affect both physical and mental development.
The authors of the study emphasized the need for a holistic approach. Experts said it is very important to ensure that children get adequate nutrition. This becomes very important to keep them healthy in the future as well.
(PC: Freepik)
