Are you trying to find the best nutrition in toddlers? The internet is full of them. While using the internet in search of information, you will come across some myths about nutrition in toddlers. One should make sure of the information source written in it. If it’s an article on nutrition, the author should be an expert in that field (like nutritionist, dietitian, or doctor). Many concepts are going viral every second; therefore, the information must be authentic.
Some myths about nutrition in toddlers on the internet are mentioned below that will help to clear a few misunderstandings, and in turn, will aid in giving you the right direction while choosing the right food for your child!
This article will try its best to help you clear some myths on the internet about nutrition in toddlers, based on recent research done by scientists in this field.
Different Myths About Nutrition In Toddlers On The Internet
Myth 1: Drinking Milk Leads To Fractures!
Fact: There are some studies with inconsistent findings of this relationship between milk and fractures. Many reviews state the consumption of milk is beneficial for bones. It is recommended to breastfeed your toddler until the age of 1 and further until the baby wishes to be breastfed.
Breast milk is the sole reservoir of nutrients for the baby that provides an adequate amount of nutrients required for proper growth. Research states that the mother’s milk/breast milk (nutrient) composition changes as per the baby’s requirements.
Fact: It is recommended to continue with the breast milk, which remarkably composes the baby’s body fat, as the milk contains the exact proportion of fat needed by the toddler. If the child is not consuming mother’s milk after a year, whole cream milk can be a good replacement for breast milk (except for lactose intolerant babies). Without worrying about health complications, provided not more than 1-2 cups daily.
Anything in excess can lead to problems, so one should be vigilant of the dosages. Some babies may tolerate 2 cups per day while the others will not drink more than 1 cup per day; so, it depends on the baby’s tolerance levels! Keeping your child physically active is what parents should consciously take care of to avoid health-related complications that many of us as adults face!
Myth 3: Salt Intake For A Toddler Is 1 g Per Day.
Fact: According to RDA, toddlers can eat up to 2 g of salt per day. Salt is a rich source of sodium. Due to this sodium content, kids and adults are advised to stick to homemade food prepared with healthy food sources and healthy cooking methods. Avoid outside food and savory snacks like chips, fries, bread, cakes, chocolates, pizza, cured meats.
According to studies, a high intake of sodium leads to the risk of high blood pressure, other heart complications, metabolic complications like diabetes, etc. Hence, sodium intake in toddlers should be kept in check to prevent such fatal complications.
Myth 4: Leafy Vegetables Are Rich Sources Of Iron.
Fact: Rich sources of iron are organ meats like liver, leafy vegetables are a fair source of iron. The availability and rate of absorption of iron in the body through these sources is also fair enough and not adequate. If you are a vegetarian, you can include a diet rich in vitamin C for your toddler; it enhances iron absorption in the body.
You can sprinkle lemon juice on the vegetables, or include amla in the diet. Though the leafy vegetables are fair sources of iron, they are rich in antioxidants. It will help to keep your kid away from cancers, heart complications.
As a parent, be careful about what you read and believe. You must first check the source of information before considering it, especially regarding your child’s health and nutrition. Toddlers need well-balanced nutrition as it is a crucial period for them in terms of growth and development.
At this tender age, children develop a sense of taste, as they are introduced to a variety of food other than milk. As a parent, you can teach healthy eating habits in your child. First, you need to bust myths about nutrition in toddlers like these, and clear some concepts!
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