'O' BABY

Malnutrition is very common in some parts of the world, not only among poor people who cannot afford to buy feed but also among well to do families who, because of ignorance, superstition or religious beliefs, do not give their children proper food.

Parents are often under the wrong impression that solid food cannot be given to a child before teething. A child does not chew with his incisors, which erupt when he is about seven months old.  He chews with his molars, which appear usually after he is a year old.  Solid food can be mixed and grinded to a pasty consistency which the child can swallow without biting or chewing.

To grow strong and healthy the child's body needs proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. In fact, children need proteins, even more than adults.

Proteins are perhaps the most important for normal growth.  They are the building material of the body and are essential for everyday tissue repair.  Animal protein comes from egg, meat and milk and  vegetable protein comes from lentils nuts.  Recently, Soybean has caught the fancy o nutrition experts.  It contains 40% protein and can be grown easily.  Unfortunately, most people do not relish it.  However, some newer methods of processing have improved its taste.  It can also be mixed with other cereals or foods to mask it's taste.  The quality of vegetable proteins is not as good as those of egg, meat and milk.  High protein foods also contain many minerals and vitamins.  Liver, for instance, is one the most perfect form of meat as it consists lot of proteins, minerals, vitamins and specifically iron.

Carbohydrates and fats supply energy to the body.  Carbohydrates are found in cereals, in all fruits and vegetables and in sugar.  Fats come from both animal and vegetable sources, including butter, cream, ghee and oil. 

Vitamins are needed in small amounts for the body to function properly. Vitamin A is essential for good eyesight and for maintaining the linings of the intestines, urinary system and the breathing passages. Rich natural sources of vitamin A are dark green leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables, butter, ghee, egg yolk and cheese.

Vitamin B is necessary for the normal functions of the nervous system and for prevention of digestive troubles and deafness. Good sources of vitamin B are nuts, unpolished rice, whole wheat, vegetable, milk meat and fish.

Vitamin C is necessary for the development of bones, teeth blood vessels and other parts of the body. During illness the level of vitamin C in the body gets low.

Does taking Vitamin C prevent Cold and Cough?

Many mothers swear that their children recurrent colds stopped by taking vitamin C regularly. However, there is not enough scientific proof that giving extra vitamin C would prevent colds, cough or any other diseases. Rich natural sources of vitamin C are oranges, lemons, grape fruit, tomatoes and raw cabbage. orange juice is the most widely used food for vitamin C.

Vitamin D is required for the growth of teeth and bones and for tissues which need calcium. The human body also manufactures Vitamin D in the presence of Sun Shine. Other sources of vitamin D are fish, liver and milk. Its deficiency causes rickets, which results in various deformities.

IODINE is an important trace element which is necessary for synthesis of Thyroid hormone. Best source of iodine is sea food and green vegetables, especially spinach.  Milk, meat and cereals are other sources of iodine.  Deficiency of iodine leads to goitre, that is swelling of thyroid glands in the neck.

Although all these nutrients are essential, proteins and the vitamins are the most important.  If your child is given a balanced diet, he will receive all the nutrients his body needs.

Take care  your little ones.