The Importance of Nutrition in Childhood

Hülya Yiğit, Specialist Dietitian at Üsküdar Üniversitesi NPİSTANBUL Hospital, highlighted the importance of nutrition during childhood and issued warnings to families.

Yiğit, noting that nutrition is critically important at every stage of life, explained the following:

"However, it becomes even more significant during childhood, when growth and development are rapid. Particularly in recent years, in developing societies, we are encountering more frequently a condition known as 'hidden hunger'—resulting from inadequate intake of vital minerals and vitamins such as iron, iodine, and zinc to the body. Malnutrition does not only mean eating too little food or no food at all; it also means that the food consumed has low nutritional value."

Not all food carries nutritional value

Yiğit, noting that the word "nutrition" derives from its nutritive quality, continued as follows: "Not every food we consume carries nutritional value. Based on this concept, we can say that jellybeans, corn chips, biscuits, pastries made with solid fat, and packaged fruit juices—which children particularly enjoy—have very low nutritional value; that is, their vitamin and mineral content is very poor. Because they do not meet any nutritional requirement of the body. They only provide energy. Additionally, we should not forget that they have effects of fattening the abdominal area—in other words, the internal organs—and have a greater potential to increase hunger."

Omega-3 is important for brain development

Hülya Yiğit explained that children have high calorie requirements during their development process and need more minerals such as protein, calcium, and iron, and provided the following information regarding daily nutrition for children in the development stage: "Every day they should consume at least 2 glasses of milk, yogurt, or kefir, 1-2 slices of cheese, and a total of 5 servings of vegetables and fruits. Particularly during this period when iron deficiency is frequently seen, it is important to aim for animal-source iron and protein intake on at least 3-4 days per week and consume red and white meat. Particularly for brain development and memory strengthening, fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, which are animal sources of Omega-3, should be consumed at least 2 days per week. Due to their magnesium, potassium, and plant-based Omega-3 content, daily consumption of 8-10 nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds, as well as dried fruits, should not be overlooked."

Stating that nutrition is not merely a behavior of satisfying hunger, Hülya Yiğit concluded her remarks as follows:

"It is even more important during childhood, when the foundations of adulthood are laid. How much children can grow and develop is related to their genetic makeup; however, research shows that children who are undernourished and receive unbalanced nutrition fail to reach their genetic potential. In addition to these, intellectual disability, learning difficulties, vision problems, and dental and gum problems are among the most commonly seen health issues resulting from malnutrition during childhood."