10 Nutrients Your Child Needs to Grow Healthy

You find nutrition information on milk and food packages, but do you know what these nutrients are for? Aside from knowing their nutritional value, it's also important to know the possible effects of the lack of these nutrients on your child’s health. 

 

One of these effects could include a weak immune system, which can make children sickly. A child may also get tired easily and have appetite loss, which may lead to poor performance in school.

 

Make sure your child gets enough nutrients to ensure good health. We’ve listed down the best sources for each, too, so you can include them in your meal planning.

 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for vision and bone growth. It also protects the body from infections. This nutrient is vital in keeping cells and tissues in the body healthy, such as hair, nails and skin.

Best sources: Liver, root crops such as sweet potato, fruits (papaya and mango), and yellow and green leafy vegetables (carrots, squash, spinach, and broccoli.)

 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is responsible for the absorption of minerals like calcium, and helps build strong teeth and bones.

Best sources: Fish, yogurt, eggs

 

Vitamin E 

Vitamin E is in charge of limiting the production of free radicals, which can cause damage to your child’s cells.

Best sources: Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds

 

Calcium 

Helps build strong bones and teeth, ensures healthy nerve and muscle function, and aids in converting food to energy.

Best sources: Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese; green vegetables

 

Essential fatty acids 

These are important for healthy brain function and vision. It also builds immunity and helps the body absorb nutrients.

Best sources: Canola and soybean oil, nuts, tofu, peanut butter

 

Magnesium

Magnesium keeps the bones strong and the heart rhythm steady. It also maintains muscle and nerve function.

Best sources: Whole grains, broccoli, squash, beans, nuts, legumes, green leafy vegetables

 

Potassium 

Potassium controls the body’s water balance, helping maintain blood pressure.

Best sources: Fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, meat, and cereals

 

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C boosts the immune system and keeps infections at bay. It also aids in iron absorption, which helps with metabolism. Vitamin C is important as well in strengthening the immune system so your child is less prone to sickness and infection.

Best sources: Guava, calamansi, mango, and green vegetables

 

Iron 

A micronutrient which helps convert food into energy, iron gives your child enough strength for his/her daily activities.

Best sources: Meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, and chicken

 

Zinc 

Zinc builds resistance, helps in ensuring normal child growth, and increases appetite.

Best sources: Pork, eggs, shellfish, and monggo

 

Did You Know?

Most meals that children take lack micronutrients such as Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin C. To make sure your child gets all the essential nutrients, give him/her a balanced meal everyday with a glass of BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink. It’s made even better –and more delicious – with 100% Vitamin C and high levels of Iron and Zinc! These help in strengthening your child’s immune system, providing enough energy for school and play, as well as for normal physical growth.

So learn your ABCs when it comes to essential nutrients and teach your child the value of getting to know them as well!