What are the Nutritional Requirements for Different Age Groups?
The nutritional needs of children vary by age group.
Infants (0-12 months): Breast milk or formula provides the necessary nutrients. Introduction to solid foods should begin around six months. Toddlers (1-3 years): A balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy is crucial. Toddlers need a higher fat intake to support brain development. Preschoolers (3-5 years): Continued emphasis on balanced meals with an introduction to more varied foods and textures. School-aged children (6-12 years): Nutritional needs increase with growth spurts. A balanced diet should include all food groups, with attention to portion sizes and healthy snacks. Adolescents (13-18 years): Increased caloric and protein needs due to rapid growth and development. Iron and calcium are particularly important.
