Encourage healthy behavior in children

Growing children need to eat well. With an ample supply of macro and micronutrients, organs and organ systems, such as the brain, digestion, nervous system and muscles, can develop properly. This development often determines the rest of their lives. It is therefore very important to encourage healthy behaviour.

From birth to puberty

The period from birth to adulthood is perhaps the most tumultuous years of a person’s life from a physical point of view. After the first year of life until puberty, a child grows an average of about 7 cm per year. In puberty, this increases to 10-12 cm per year, the so-called growth spurt. In the same period, body weight increases from a few pounds to about 70 kg. In addition, a child goes through different stages of development and undergoes various physical changes. Many micronutrients are involved in all these growth and development processes. Therefore, a good supply of vitamins and minerals is of the utmost importance. Growing children actually need proportionally more vitamins and minerals than adults.

Pattern of treatment often leaves much to be desired

Unfortunately, many children don’t have very healthy eating habits, so they may not get enough nutrients at an early age. Several studies have shown that the diet of school-age children is unbalanced: too many refined sugars and saturated fats and too little fiber, unsaturated fats and various micronutrients. Children generally eat little vegetables, fruit and fish, but often fast and junk food, white bread and high-calorie snacks, such as candy, chips, cookies and soft drinks.

Nutrition influences behaviour

Teenagers who start the day with a good breakfast are more pleasant to deal with. In addition, a good breakfast can also be an important source of vitamins and minerals. Children who eat a portion of fruit and fish regularly twice a day also develop better in terms of behavior.

Movement has a major influence

Another aspect that affects nutrient status is the amount of exercise. The absorption of nutrients is less good with insufficient exercise. In addition, the risk of obesity increases. Children should exercise moderately intensively for at least one hour every day and do muscle- and bone-strengthening activities at least three times a week. In 2017, 55.5% of children between the ages of 4 and 11 and 31% of children between the ages of 12 and 17 met these guidelines. Teenagers spend an average of 10.4 hours sitting every day. This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and is unfavorable for the mineral composition of the bones.

Research conducted on children

A number of large studies have been conducted on nutritional status in children. Read more information about the studies and results regarding vitamins, minerals, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids here.

A healthy lifestyle in children has lifelong consequences

Starting healthy living and eating habits as young as possible is very important to be able to function optimally physically and mentally later on. Nutritional supplementation, even at a young age, can make a valuable contribution. According to Prof. Jantine Schuit, Professor of Health, Behavior and Society at Tilburg University, it is important to take action at a very young age. Learned young is done old. Starting a healthy lifestyle at a young age has lifelong health consequences.

Encourage healthy behavior

Encourage healthy behavior. Developing a healthy diet at an early age not only promotes normal growth and cognitive development, but is also associated with a lower risk of chronic conditions as an adult. Several agencies have formulated recommended daily doses of vitamins and minerals for children of various ages. Nutritional supplementation can make a valuable contribution to a good supply of nutrients.