Protein
Protein is an important nutrient, which is vital to the growth and development of children. However, studies have shown that one in seven school-age children does not meet their daily protein intake goals. If children grow slowly or are smaller than their peers, it may be because they do not have all the protein and nutrients they need for healthy growth.
Calcium
As they get older, children need more calcium to support bone growth: children between the ages of 1 and 3 need 700 mg of calcium per day. Children aged 4 to 8 need 1,000 mg of calcium per day. Children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 18 need 1,300 mg of calcium per day.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is one of 16 essential minerals. These are the minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Although the main function of phosphorus is to build and maintain bones and teeth, it also plays an important role in the formation of DNA and RNA (the genetic building blocks of the human body).
Iron
Iron helps to transfer oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body and helps muscles store and use oxygen. If your child lacks iron in his or her diet, he or she may develop iron deficiency.
Zinc
As we all know, zinc plays a vital role in biological processes including cell growth, differentiation and metabolism. The lack of this micronutrient limits the growth of children and reduces the resistance to infection, which greatly increases morbidity and mortality in children.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins in the growth of children. This vitamin is essential for bone growth, good eyesight and immune system regulation, and helps prevent infection. Vitamin A promotes the production of white blood cells and helps fight free radicals and bacteria in the child's body. In addition, this vitamin is essential for helping to form the surface layer of the eyes, urethra, intestines and respiratory tract.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 releases energy from protein and helps red blood cell production and brain function.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for brain development, neural myelination and cognitive function.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also highly concentrated in immune cells, which indicates that it is an immune enhancer. Your child's growing body cannot produce vitamin C on its own.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for children to achieve optimal linear growth and development of bones. Rickets is a disease in which the growth plate and bone-like mineralisation of growing children are damaged.