Childhood is a period of rapid growth and development, but sometimes children may experience delays due to malnutrition. Insufficient nutrient intake can lead to growth impairment, chronic illnesses, or environmental factors. There are approximately 149 million stunted children below the age of five worldwide, with India accounting for nearly one-third of the global childhood stunting burden. Malnutrition is the primary cause of stunted growth in children, and children often experience spontaneous catch-up (CU) growth when they regain their initial growth trajectory.
Minerals, such as calcium, iron, and zinc, are crucial for a child’s growth and development. Encouraging active engagement in physical activities is also essential for nurturing children’s overall well-being. Nutritional intervention is crucial from an early age, as undernutrition can result from insufficient dietary intake, suboptimal nutrient absorption, or utilization of inefficient nutrients. Focusing on a child’s life at an earlier stage will mitigate the serious consequences it can have on their growth potential, ensuring they reach their full developmental capacity.
Encouraging healthy and holistic growth in children is crucial. To ensure a child’s development, parents should regularly monitor their growth, providing a balanced diet that includes cereals, pulses, milk, meat, fruits, and vegetables daily, and engaging them in shopping, meal planning, and cooking. Establishing a balanced play regimen, limiting screen time, and engaging in at least 3 hours of physical activity daily can also help promote comprehensive development.Nutrition supplements can help fill gaps in a child’s diet by acting as gap-covers and catalysts, enhancing the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals from the foods they consume. By addressing malnutrition and promoting a well-rounded diet, parents can help their children reach their full developmental potential.
