Why is Protein Important for Your Child? #63PercentMoreProtein

A mother can have a unique parenting style. But have you thought about what is the one thing that is a common concern for all moms? It is the nutrition and diet of their child. All moms want their children to eat a healthy and balanced diet but the main issue is that children today are picky eaters. For proper growth and development, a child needs a well-balanced diet, and protein should be  part of the same. As parents,we trackthe protein intake of our children because it is an important part of their daily diet.

What is Protein?

Protein is essentially the building block needed by the body and is very important for growth. The body is capable of producing some amino acids, but the essential ones cannot be produced and have to be taken in through food. Proteins are needed for both the physical growth and development of a child.

Importance of Protein (source)

Do you wonder why protein is so important? Let us read on to know some of the reasons why it should be a part of all meals for your child.

Growth and Maintenance of Tissues

Muscles are important for growth and development and proteins are the building block of the same. As the child is growing, this phase requires higher protein intake.

Support Bodily Functions

Enzymes in the body are made up of proteins and these are what help the metabolism in the body. Some bodily functions such as digestion, blood clotting and muscle contraction are dependent on enzymes.

Hormones

Amino acids make up some of the hormones in the body, aiding in communication between cells, tissues and organs and for proper bodily growth. 

Immunity booster

Proteins help form antibodies, which ultimately fight infections. They keep disease-causing bacteria and viruses in check.

Foods for High Protein Diet

Now that we have seen how protein plays a very important role in the growth and development of a child, we must also know what foods to include in their diet to ensure they get their share. Before that let us see how much protein kids need at each age. (source)

Age	Protein per day
6-12 months	1.23 grams
1 to 3 years	0.97 grams
4 to 6 years	0.87 grams
7 to 9 years	0.92 grams

To ensure the child gets the above amount of protein daily, parents can give the following foods:

1. Eggs
2. Dairy products like cheese, milk, cottage cheese and yoghurt                                       
3. Leans meats      
4. Plant-based proteins like soy milk, peanut butter, legumes, nuts, seeds, etc

Many times, it is not possible to give food that meets the daily nutrition requirements. This could be because of lack of time or the child being very choosy. In such times it is important that whatever the child eats, is nutritious, does not have empty calories and is well-balanced. Try to make the food appealing by adding variety. If the child does not like the taste of plain milk, try adding Complan.

Complan has 34 essential nutrients including 100% milk protein and has 63% more protein than other nutrition drinks. The drink supports memory and concentration and also supports  2x faster growth. With a yummy taste, this is loved by kids and is a win-win solution for all.

Commonly, kids are always keen to have junk food over healthy food. Thus, as parents, we need to ensure they eat a tasty meal that is healthy too. One of the ideal ways to do this is to ensure they eat a protein-rich breakfast and also their evening snack is filled with proteins. Along with their balanced diet when they have their milk with Complan, as a parent, you are stress-free. We need to find the right balance and ensure the child eats a healthy meal where their nutrient requirements are for overall growth and development.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Complan.