As parents, we are aware about the importance of a balanced diet for our children. But what does a balanced diet really mean? A balanced diet is a diet which contains a proper balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins). A whole wheat chapatti or oats is just as essential for your child, as is a serving of fruit or a bowl of salad.

Let’s understand the benefits of micronutrients

Micronutrients are substances which are required by the body in miniscule amounts for the production of hormones, enzymes and various other substances which are required for proper growth and development of your child. Here are the 5 essential needs that micronutrients fulfill in your child’s body:

1. Prevention of anemia: Micronutrients like iron and folic acid are responsible for maintaining optimum haemoglobin levels in the blood, which keeps the body in a proactive mode. If you find your child is lethargic or lazy, perhaps it’s not just a ‘mood’!

• Best Sources: Green leafy vegetables, poultry, nuts, lentils, beans, eggs, seafood

2. Good eyesight: Yes, you would like your child to have perfect vision, and the micronutrient that will keep eye trouble at bay is Vitamin A. This micronutrient is not only important for good eye health but also for good functioning of the immune system, bone development and mental growth.

• Best Sources: Carrots, sweet potato, egg yolks, spinach, squash, melon, mango, bell peppers

3. Proper functioning of the nervous system:  B-complex vitamins such as Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 are responsible for the efficient functioning of the nerve cells. Not just that, they also aid digestion.

• Best Sources: Dairy products, eggs, poultry, meat, whole grains, nuts, beans

4. Maintaining good energy through the day: Vitamin B1 (also known as thiamine) is necessary for maintaining energy levels. It is also essential for healthy muscles and the nervous system.

• Best Sources: Nuts, sunflower seeds, beans, fish, oatmeal, cereals, oranges, whole wheat bread

5. Energy metabolism and DNA repair: B-complex vitamins such as Riboflavin and niacin are necessary for metabolism, and conversion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy.

• Best Sources: Green leafy vegetables, poultry, eggs, almonds, milk, legumes, mushroom, carrot, cheese, sweet potato, fish

The bottomline – do not miss out on these micronutrients at any cost! After all, your little one’s health is at stake. It is not a bad idea to boost the daily diet with supplements available in the market; for instance a Horlicks milk shake at breakfast will give that nutritional boost to your child, right at the start of the day!

Did you find the information given by our expert nutritionist useful? How do you ensure that your child gets the essential nutrients in his/her daily diet? Do share (in the comments section below) – and support fellow parents to provide the best nutrition to their growing up children. 

An awareness drive powered by Horlicks to emphasize the importance of micronutrient’s in a child’s diet.