Dietary Needs Children

Aims of this lesson To understand: what a child is Why children require specific nutrients What those nutrients are Where these nutrients can be found in food

Age range Different needs dependant on age

Why do we need specific nutrients?

What do we need?

What do I need and where can we find these nutrients? 18 months- 4 years Requirements or needs Sources 5-8 years 9-12 years

18 months – 4 years Needs - Increased demand for all nutrients Rapid growth and development Protein – growth and repair Carbohydrates – main source of energy inc. Full fat milk for increased absorption of Vitamins A and D – correct bone development Vitamin C – essential for absorbing iron Minerals – iron (healthy blood) and calcium (bone development alongside vitamin D)

5 – 8 years Needs – in addition to previous age group – increased requirement of calories for continued growth Increased levels of vitamin B –growth and function of nervous system/maintains muscle tone/helps release carbohydrate from the body – energy. Good source – marmite Increased requirements for calcium – bone bank

9 – 12 years Needs – in addition to previous age groups – increased requirement of calories for continued growth Increased levels of vitamin B –growth and function of nervous system/maintains muscle tone/helps release carbohydrate from the body – energy. Good source – marmite Increased requirements for calcium – bone bank Also increased iron requirements – blood volume increases due to increased muscle during growth

Sources of these Nutrients

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