Nutrirional Requirement for Pre-school Age Child
85PRE-SCHOOL AGE CHILD:
It is the period between 2 to 6 years: the most critical and dangerous in the growth of a child.
I. Nutritional requirements:
A. Nutritive needs - the nutritional needs of the child differ in many important aspects from those of the adult; among which are the following:
1. Large requirement for growth, so that practically every food eaten must carry protein, minerals and vitamins.
2. The activities of children of all ages are propotionately higher so that the daily calorie allowance per unit of body weight must be increased.
3. The selection of foods often requires some modifications in terms of ability to chew and digestibility.
RDA for Pre-schoolers and Specific Nutrients:
Age, years 1 - 3 4 - 6
Weight, kg. 13 18
Energy, kcal 1350 1600
Protein 27 32
Vit. A, RE 350 375
Vit. C, mg 35 45
Thiamin, mg 0.7 0.8
Riboflavin, mg 0.7 0.8
Niacin, NE 13 15
Folate, ug 40 60
Calcium, mg 600 600
Iron, mg 9 10
Iodine, ug 55 65
B. Rationale for the nutritional requirements
1. Energy - the energy needs for the child is determined by his basal metabolism and activity.
2. Protein - the child's protein requirements are relatively higher in relation to body weight than those of the adult.
3. Fat-soluble vitamins
Vit. A - is essential for the maintenance of the purple for vision in the dim light.
Vit. D - is important in promoting normal calcification of bones.
Vit. E - is needed in the synthesis of essential body compounds.
Vit. K - is necessary for the synthesis of prothrombin and proconvertin, two factors on which the ability of the blood to coagulate is dependent upon.
4. Water soluble vitamins
Vit. C - plays a role in the formation of collagen together.
5. Minerals - bone growth creates a need for calcium, phosphorus and flourine.
C. Feeding tips:
1. The pre-school child's diet is best taken equally divided between the three meals.
2. Pre-school children prefers mildly flavored foods, plain foods rather than mixed dishes, soft textured rather than dry or tough foods, lukewarm foods rather than very hot or very cold foods.
3. Fruits are well- liked, although simple desserts may be given. candies and sweets should be in moderation.
4. Snacks should be taken long before regular meals.
5. Avoid too much fried foods, high fiber foods or foods inadequately chewed such as nuts.
6. Satisfy his curiosity by giving him/her an oppurtunity to handle ingredients and acquanting him/her with names and pictures of food stuffs.
7. Adults should set a good example of eating right food.
8. Associate food with love and understanding.
9. Serve portions according to his means and attractive.
10. Give variety of food.
D. Signs of good nutrition in preschool children
1. Alert, vigorous and happy.
2. Endurance during activity.
3. Sleeps well.
4. Normal height and weight for age.
5. Stands erect, arms and legs straight.
6. Clear, bright eyes, smooth healthy skin, lustrous hair.
7. Firm and well-developed muscles.
8. Not irritable and restless.
9. Good attention.
E. Feeding problems:
1. Food jagging (eating too little and very limited number of foods). Encourage the use of a variety of foods.
2. Dawdling (the child lingers or plays with his food during mealtimes). Check on the child, he/she might not be feeling well or the food given to him/her is too large.
3. Gagging (the child feels like vomiting). Encourage the child to feed himself/herself in a well ventilated place.
4. A pre-school child is a difficult child, his/her appetite is variable and his/her behavior capricious.
F. Common problems and disorders
1. Diarrhea
2. Constipation
3. Food allergy - especially of seafoods and eggs.
4. Lactose intolerant - a deficiency in the enzymes, lactase, which prevents the hydrolysis of lactose to glucose and galactose.
5. Hyperacidity or hyperkenesis - the child is excessively restless, inattentive, have poor control of their impulses and often experience learning disabilities.
6. Dental canies
7. Energy protein malnutrition
8. Parasitism
