By: Zyana Morris

Parents always have great concern about their children’s education and a little more than that for health. For a child’s better growth and development, it is necessary and recommended to give them a proper nutritious diet. As a kid has a growing body, an adequate amount of protein from the foods group is very essential for his growth. Being a building block for a body, they build and repair tissues of the body. Children need adequate amount of proteins for developing connective and muscle tissues. They transport oxygen, help in the most important activities like walking and even protect you from infections and diseases, and above all provide energy!

Foods that contain high amounts of protein include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, beans and dairy products. The requirements of protein increase as the child grows and according to The Institute of Medicine, both the quality and quantity are the important aspects of protein that a child needs during his development.

One thing important to note is that a child should not only take enough proteins but rather meet the calorie requirements. If he takes enough proteins but not meet his caloric requirement, protein would be used for energy rather than play its role in muscle mass development and producing hormones.

Picky eating is no exception when you talk about children and their eating habits. Their choices of food are also important to consider along with their need for nutrients considering their roller coaster behavior of eating habits. Not only are proteins important for your child but you should choose and focus from the variety of food groups that includes meat, vegetables, fruits, grains and not to forget water. A protein rich food combined with that of carbohydrates and healthy fats can be a great combination for your child to give him enough calories and maintain nutritional balance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children of 1-3 years require 13 grams of proteins in a day. Children of 4-8 years require 19 grams per day and when they are 14 years they (boys and girls) need 46 and 52 grams. Children who suffer from protein deficiency largely fall under the age of 5. If not provided with enough proteins, they can go under dangerous physical trauma such as lack of energy with retarded musculature and growth.

Health being the priority of your kids, make sure you are giving enough proteins along with other nutrients from the food groups to provide better healthcare and prevent your kids from diseases and making a better and healthier future for them.