7 Important Nutrients for Babies Optimal Development

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7 Important Nutrients For Babies Optimal
Development
7 important nutrients for babies are found
plentiful in most foods, except for Vit D.
Offering a good variety at mealtimes is the best
way to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Oh the exciting time of introducing solids! It is
so lovely to see babies develop their interest in
food.
I recently wrote the 5 S of a Successful
Introduction to Solids, for Kiddipedia about all
the reasons a baby needs a timely and
thought-through introduction to solids.
Parents are of course very aware of how important
nutrients are for babies, as they introduce
solids. The purpose of this piece is to reiterate
that good all-round nutrition starts with
offering a good variety of food to babies.
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So keep seeing the Forest From the Trees offer
variety! Always visit your GP or paediatrician,
if you are concerned about nutritional
deficiencies. It is better to check before
supplementing. Overall most nutrients babies need
are better absorbed from foods.
If you are interested in baby-led weaning, this
ebook is available to you its free to download.
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In the meantime here are the
7 important nutrients for babies
Iron Around 6 months of age, a babys iron
stores are depleted, particularly is mum was low
on iron herself or if the baby was
premature. Role growth and formation of healthy
blood cells. Iron is critical for oxygen to be
carried around the body, at a time of intensive
growth for a baby. Iron-deficiency anaemia can
impact mental and motor development. Babies with
an iron deficiency may be less physically active
and develop more slowly1.
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Sources Non-heme iron ? fortified cereals,
such as rice cereals. ? pureed tofu ? pureed
legumes, lentils and beans. ? eggs Always have
some fresh soft fruit/veggies on offer as well,
as Vit C is essential for non-heme iron
absorption. Heme iron ? Meat, Poultry, ? Fish
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Vit C
7 important nutrients for babies
Breastmilk and infant formula contains some Vit
C. The body does not make Vit C, so it is best to
offer Vit C rich food every day. Role Vit C is
an anti-oxidant, it supports immune function. It
helps with the absorption of iron. It is
essential for bone and blood vessel
health. Deficiency in infants/children may
result in symptoms such as irritability, pain
during movement, anorexia, and slowed growth. In
infants and children, bone growth is impaired,
and bleeding and anaemia may occur. A rare
condition called Scurvy may develop as a result
of a lack of Vit C. In 2016 it was documented in
some Australian adults. Sources Vitamin C is
light and heat sensitive, it also dissolves in
water. So fresh (and ripe) fruit and vegetables
are the best sources.
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? Fresh fruit and vegetables
Vit D
Vit D is mostly obtained through some degree of
exposure to the sun, the body can. There are
small amounts of Vit D in butter, margarine and
mushrooms for examples. It is worth discussing
Vitamin D injections with babies who do not get
any sun or are fully covered in clothing, those
who are born prematurely, those with dark skin.
Mums who breastfeed initially provide some Vit D
stores to babies, however, this also depends on
their own levels of Vit D. It is always worth
asking your doctor. Role muscle and bone
health. Vit D helps with the absorption of
calcium. Deficiency Children who lack Vit D may
complain or muscle pain, babies who lack Vit D
may experience seizures. A severe deficiency may
cause delayed dentition and rickets,
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Calcium
Babies get plenty of calcium through formula or
breastfeeding, which they can absorb well if they
have sufficient Vit D. It is recommended that
throughout childhood children are served some
calcium on 2 to 3 servings per day. Those with
lactose intolerance or milk protein allergy may
need alternatives, as per the recommendation of
their GP or paediatrician. Did you know that
Fussy eating children often consume vast amounts
of milk, thereby negatively impacting their iron
levels? Role the growth of strong bones and
teeth. Deficiency a deficiency in calcium may
result in rickets in growing children, and
osteoporosis in older age.
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Sources
? Dairy products (best-absorbed source of
calcium) ? Green leafy vegetables ? Sardines
(with bones) ? Salmon (with bones) ? Almonds ?
Fortified soy drinks
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Vit A
It is rare to have a deficiency in Vit A in
developed countries. In September 2019, a British
teenage boy made the news as, sadly, he developed
blindness, due to eating an extremely limited
diet of fries and chips. Role Vit A is
important for good eyesight, healthy skin and
teeth as well as immune function. Deficiency
Blindness, severe infections and
mortality. Source Animal sources contain formed
Vit A, the body can make Vit A, from pro-vitamin
A. Any Vit A supplementation has to be supervised
by a professional, as high levels are toxic.
Vit A ? Liver and fish oils ? Eggs. ?
Fortified cereals
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Choline
This Vitamin like compound has become the focus
of recent research years as an essential nutrient
for babies especially. Choline is water-soluble
so think twice about cooking veggies that contain
it. Role Choline plays a critical role in fetus
development. Choline is important for cell
membranes. Choline is also important for the
development of the central nervous system.
Deficiency in adults choline deficiency is
associated with fatty liver, liver damage and
muscle damage. Studies are looking to clarify the
relationship between choline intakes and
cognitive function and determine whether choline
supplements might benefit patients with
Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia.
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Sources
? eggs, ? liver, ? meat, poultry, ? fish, ?
cruciferous vegetable ? peanuts ? dairy
products ? soybeans
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DHA
or Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega 3 fatty
acid. Role it is essential for normal vision
and brain development. Deficiency studies are
looking to clarify the potential roles of DHA in
the mechanisms of Alzheimers disease.
Sources
? cold-water fish, ? mackerel, ?
sardine,  ? herring, ? tuna, ? halibut, ? salmon,
? cod liver, ? It can also be made by algae.  
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Hopefully, you are now convinced that variety is
key to providing the nutrients babies need. Its
important not to panic if your child needs time
to learn about the new food you introduce. The
worst thing would be to reduce the range you
offer based on todays refusal. Instead, keep an
eye on how well your child is developing their
eating skills, ensure that you are modelling
eating yourself. Here you will find my 7 keys to
successfully introduce solids to babies
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About Us
Issues arising around eating are numerous and may
trigger unwarranted stress. Difficulties with
fussy eating, confusion around nutrition,
demonisation of food and goal settings on size
and health, can further impair parents' ability
to know what to do and how to do it. Fussy Eater
Solutions' philosophy is to be inclusive of your
eating culture, personal beliefs, and financial
situation. We work together, either through
workshops or individual appointments, to help
children find pleasure, confidence, and
mindfulness in eating.
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Contact us
6 Riddell Parade, Elsternwick 3185, Victoria,
Australia
0421 843 038
mariefrance_at_fussyeater.com.au
www.fussyeater.com.au
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