Child Development at 1 Year Old: Nutritional Benefits of UHT Milk for Brain Development, Immune System Boost, and Healthy Growth.
Did you know that the nutrients you choose for your child can determine their future? Food and nutrition in young children are fundamental to their long-term health and intelligence, including intellectual intelligence (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ). Studies have shown that malnutrition in young children can have negative consequences that continue into adulthood, affecting their health and future economic and social status [1,2].
According to a survey by Southeast Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS), 50% of Thai children are at risk of deficiencies in nutrients such as protein, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D [4]. Children under 4 years old have a low chance of having a strong immune system and are at high risk of getting sick because they have not yet developed a complete permanent immunity like adults [22]. Therefore, choosing the right nutrients and sufficient amounts for your child is important. Young children over 1 year old should eat 3 main meals, 2 snacks, and supplement with 2-3 glasses or cartons of plain fortified milk per day.
Recommended nutrient intakes for children at different ages [20,21]
| The recommended nutrient intake for children at different ages. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| nutrient | amount | ||
| 1 - 3 years | 4-5 years | ||
| Energy (kilocalories) | 980 | 1200 | |
| DED A + EPA (milligrams) | 100-150 | 150-200 | |
| Dietary fiber (grams) | 3 | 9 | |
| Vitamin C (milligrams) | 25 | 40 | |
| Vitamin A (RE) | 300 | 433 | |
| Vitamin B1 (milligrams) | 1 | 1 | |
| Vitamin B2 (milligrams) | 1 | 1 | |
| Calcium (milligrams) | 500 | 700 | |
| Iron (milligrams) | 5 | 6 | |
Therefore, fortified UHT milk is essential for supporting brain development, building immunity, and promoting healthy growth in children. When choosing fortified UHT milk, mothers must consider the amount of essential nutrients in sufficient quantities to meet the needs for brain development, immunity, and all three aspects of child growth.
Nutrients that affect brain development [9,10]
Data from research in the United States shows that the first 1,000 days are a crucial period for children to receive adequate and appropriate nutrition for brain development, so that children have the foundation for developing analytical thinking, social skills, and emotional management skills appropriately [11].
- DHA and Omega 3 6 9 : are fatty acids that are involved in the development of the nervous system and brain by affecting the strength of nerve cells (membrane integrity), nerve signaling (signaling), which affects the ability to learn, memory and analytical thinking and problem solving [12].
- Sphingomyelin: It is a phospholipid formed from the combination of fatty acids, glycerol, and phosphate. It is a component of nerve cell membranes and myelin sheaths, helping to strengthen nerve fibers and nerve cell connections [13].
- MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) : is a membrane surrounding fat particles found in breast milk. Its structure is composed of various proteins and fats. It functions to aid in brain development, strengthen nerve fibers and nerve cell connections [14].
- Vitamin B12 : Vitamin B12 helps in the creation of DNA, nerve cells and the formation of myelin sheaths (Myelination) which helps in the connection of nerve cells [8].
- Choline : Helps in the production of neurotransmitters and myelination [8].
Nutrients that boost immunity
Because a child's immune system is still developing and not as strong as an adult's, it is important to take care of the health and strengthen the immunity of young children during this period. The development of the immune system is gradual, from birth to adulthood. [18]
- GOS BIO-ACTIVE : Oligosaccharide found in breast milk which is food for healthy microorganisms (prebiotics) helps increase the amount of healthy microorganisms in the large intestine, helps in the functioning of the large intestine, helps in bowel movements, helps the intestine absorb more calcium, iron and magnesium, helps in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases [15].
- Vitamin C : is important for the immune system and is an antioxidant. It helps increase iron absorption, aids in tissue repair and growth and collagen. The body cannot synthesize vitamin C, so it must be obtained from food [8].
- Vitamin E : It is an antioxidant that helps strengthen red blood cells and blood vessels, is a component of cell membranes, and helps boost immunity [8].
Nutrients that affect growth [5,6]
- Calcium : is a major component of bones and teeth, helps in blood clotting, helps in the functioning of muscles and nerves, causes contraction of general muscle cells, and also helps in the functioning of the heart muscle. Children aged 1-3 years need 500 mg of calcium. Children aged 4-8 years need 800 mg of calcium. [19]
- Vitamin D : Helps strengthen bones, increases calcium absorption by intestinal cells, and is also a precursor to the production of steroid hormones [8].
- Vitamin A : Helps with vision, helps with the growth of various cells, the creation of red blood cells, gene expression and also helps strengthen the immune system [8].
Dr. Phanida
Saengsak
Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Phyathai 3 Hospital
Dr. Phanida
Saengsak
Pediatric Gastroenterologist
And the liver.
Phyathai 3 Hospital
Dr. Phanida
Saengsak
Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Phyathai 3 Hospital
reference
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