Categories of Nutrient for Children Health Proteins Proteins are necessary throughout life for the replacement of worn-out cells. They also promote growth, so they are essential for pregnant women and children. During a long illness or after a serious operation the body is severely deprived of protein. The body cannot store protein, so some must be eaten daily. 8-10% of total daily calorie requirement Can be found in meat, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, peas, beans, nuts, cereals. Carbohydrates All starches and sugars are broken down into glucose by the body to provide heat and energy. They are essential in moderation, but any excess is turned into fat by the body. 65-80% of total daily calorie requirement. Sugar and all products sweetened with it (such as sweets, cakes, puddings, and jam); potatoes and some other root vegetables; bread, flour, cereals. Fats Fats are a concentrated source of warmth and energy. People tend to eat fatty foods more in the winter, but it is easy to take them in excess at any time: a summer meal of ham salad with helpings of mayonnaise contains a large amount of fat. 5-10% of total daily calorie requirement. Butter, margarine, cooking fat, cooking oil, lard, dripping, meat fat, cream, milk, cheese, egg yolk, olive oil, fish oils, mayonnaise. Vitamins Vitamins are essential for good health and are present in many foods in minute quantities. Lack of them leads to deficiency diseases. Anyone eating a well-balanced diet will automatically take in enough vitamins. If the patient’s diet is inadequate, the doctor will prescribe a vitamin supplement. It is important to make sure the patient does not forget to take the supplement. Vitamin A Vitamin A protects the body from infection and contributes to the processes of growth. A lack of it leads to diseases of the eye. It is possible to take too much vitamin A. Professional workers in child health clinics are alert for symptoms of overdose. Liver and fish liver oils: milk, butter, cheese, eggs; can be manufactured by the body from carotene, a substance found in carrots, tomatoes, and the outer skin of green vegetables. B vitamins This very complex group of vitamins has several different components. Lack of any one of them leads to diseases of the skin or nervous system, and is also thought to cause some types of mental confusion. Unrefined cereals, liver, yeast, nuts, some meat and legumes. Vitamin C Vitamin C aids the body’s healing power. It cannot be stored in the body so must be taken daily. Without it a condition known as scurvy arises, which can prove fatal if no recognised and treated. Although, obvious cases of scurvy are rare, a number of elderly people who live on a diet of tea, bread and butter do suffer from a mild degree of the disease. Fresh citrus fruits, early summer fruits such as strawberries, potatoes and some green vegetables such as the outer leaves of cabbage. Vitamin D Vitamin D is essential for the proper use of calcium and phosphorus in the body; lack of it leads to a disease of the bone known as rickets. It is possible to have too much of this vitamin; parents who give their children cod or halibut liver oil should not exceed the stated dose. Workers in health clinics are alert for symptoms of overdose. Eggs, fish liver oils; can be made by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, although this source is only reliable in certain climates. Vitamin E Vitamin E helps to prevent cells from damage and degeneration. Wheat germ, milk, cereals, egg yolk, liver Minerals (especially iron) The body needs small quantities of minerals to maintain its functions and in a well-balanced diet there are enough of these. Iron, however, vital for the formation of red blood cells, is often in short supply. If the body has insufficient iron a condition known as iron-deficiency anemia results. This is common, especially in pregnant women. Eggs, cocoa, liver and baked beans; in some cases of iron deficiency anemia the doctor may prescribe iron tablets. Remember to keep these tablets in a safe place: they are brightly colored and look like sweets but are highly dangerous to young children. If enough are taken, they can be fatal. Waters Water is vital to life. The body is 70% water: nearly all body tissues contain water and many glands produce quite large quantities of watery secretions. Water is constantly being lost from the body: through the skin, the air breathed out and the elimination of water and feces. Many people do not realize how essential fluid is and do not drink enough. Water is taken in when liquids are drunk and when food is eaten, since many foods contain a high proportion of water.

• published: 17 Mar 2016
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