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8.4.1 - Nutritional requirement of school children

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Nutritional Requirements Overview

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we are learning about the nutritional requirements of school-age children, which is crucial for their growth. Can anyone tell me how calories play a role in their daily diet?

Student 1
Student 1

Are calories important because children are very active?

Teacher
Teacher

That's right, Student_1! School-aged children need more calories because they are engaged in various activities. For instance, boys aged 7-9 need about 1,690 Kcal per day!

Student 2
Student 2

What about girls? Do they need the same amount?

Teacher
Teacher

Good question! Girls have a slight difference in requirements when they reach 10-12 years old. They also need about 2,010 Kcal when they get older.

Student 3
Student 3

So it seems like their requirement changes as they grow?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Recognizing these changes is vital for planning meals. Let’s remember 'GROW' — Growth Requires Optimal Watts, referring to the energy needed!

Specific Nutrient Needs

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Teacher
Teacher

Now that we know about calories, let’s discuss the specific nutrients. Can anyone tell me why protein is essential?

Student 4
Student 4

Protein helps in building muscles, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly, Student_4! Children aged 7-9 need about 29.5 grams of protein daily, and this requirement increases slightly for older children.

Student 1
Student 1

What about calcium? I've heard it’s good for bones!

Teacher
Teacher

Great connection, Student_1! Calcium is crucial for bone development, with required amounts rising from 600 mg to 800 mg as they grow. Let’s use 'PICK' — Protein Is Calcium and Key nutrients! — to remember these.

Meal Planning

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s move to meal planning. Why do you think we should plan balanced meals for our school-age children?

Student 2
Student 2

To make sure they get all the nutrients they need?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! We need to include cereals, fruits, vegetables, and proteins. To remember, think 'MVP' — Meals with Variety and Proteins!

Student 3
Student 3

Can we also limit sugars and unhealthy foods?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! Reducing sugars and saturated fats is vital to maintain their health and prevent obesity. This can be captured with 'NO SUGAR' — Nutrition Over Sugary Unhealthy Grains and Refined options.

Factors Influencing Diet

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s identify factors that influence children's dietary choices. What influences them the most?

Student 4
Student 4

Family seems important since they are the ones who make food at home.

Teacher
Teacher

You're right! Family habits significantly shape children's choices. Media also plays a big part. What do you think, Student_1?

Student 1
Student 1

I think advertisements could make them want unhealthy snacks.

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! It’s essential to promote healthy choices at home. Let’s use 'FAM-ME' — Family and Media influence in kids’ Eating habits.

Health Risks

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Teacher
Teacher

Lastly, we need to talk about health risks. What could happen if children don’t eat well?

Student 2
Student 2

Maybe they could become overweight or face other health issues?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Obesity and conditions like diabetes are rising among children today. Remember 'HEALTHY' — Healthy Eating and Active Living To Help Youths!

Student 4
Student 4

So, we really have to pay attention to what we eat?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, it is crucial as it helps them grow and thrive. Great work today, everyone!

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section outlines the nutritional needs of school-age children, emphasizing the importance of balanced meals to support their growth and development.

Standard

As children transition into school age, their nutritional requirements evolve due to increased activity levels and growth rates. This section details the appropriate energy, protein, and micronutrient needs of children aged 7 to 12 years, while also discussing meal planning and the impact of various factors on their dietary intake.

Detailed

In this section, we explore the nutritional requirements for school-age children (7–12 years), emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet that meets their heightened energy and nutrient demands during this critical growth phase. While the energy needs vary by age and gender, a typical energy intake is suggested to be around 1,690 Kcal for young boys, escalating to 2,190 Kcal for older boys and girls, with specific protein and micronutrient needs also highlighted. Planning balanced meals is crucial, as children require a variety of foods from all food groups, along with proper limits on sugars and fats to promote healthy growth and prevent obesity. Furthermore, external factors including family dynamics, media influence, and peer pressure significantly shape children's dietary choices and habits.

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Audio Book

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Overview of Nutritional Needs

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Though it is a latent period of growth there are several activities to pack in the child’s day now. Retaining her/his energy is therefore very crucial. Nutritional requirements are the same for both boys and girls up to the age of 9 years after which there is a change in some of the nutrient requirements for boys and girls.

Detailed Explanation

During the school-age years, children continue to grow and develop, but the pace of growth slows down compared to earlier years. Even so, they stay very active and have many activities packed into their days. This makes it essential for them to have enough energy from the right kinds of foods to keep up with their activities. Up until the age of 9, boys and girls have similar nutritional needs. However, as children reach this age, their nutritional requirements start to differ, particularly for protein, iron, and calcium for girls, in preparation for future growth changes.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a car that needs fuel to run. Up until a certain age (like a car being used for short distances), boys and girls require the same type and amount of fuel (food). However, as the car gets ready for long journeys (the age of 10), the fuel requirements start to change for different types of journeys (the needs of boys and girls).

Specific Nutritional Requirements

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You may recall that the energy requirements for girls remain almost the same throughout but they need increased amounts of protein, iron, and calcium to help bone growth and preparation for menarche. Boys of 10-12 years need enough calories to maintain adequate reserves for the spurt in their growth during adolescence.

Detailed Explanation

As girls grow, their energy needs remain stable; however, they will require more protein, iron, and calcium as they prepare for physical changes, such as puberty (menarche). For boys, around the age of 10-12, they will start needing more calories to support their rapid growth spurts that commonly occur during adolescence. Therefore, it’s important for both boys and girls to have a balanced intake of these nutrients to ensure proper growth.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine planting a garden. Just as some plants need more water and nutrients at certain times (like roses needing extra care during bloom), girls and boys need specific nutrients at different stages to grow healthily. For example, during their growing years, the girls are like plants preparing for blooming, while boys are like young trees growing taller and stronger.

Planning Balanced Diets

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Following all aspects and guidelines of diet planning for preschool children, it may appear that by school age the children establish a particular pattern of food intake. To an extent you are right but planning balanced meals for school children differs in other aspects.

Detailed Explanation

While preschool children are still developing their eating habits, by school age, children typically have more established patterns of food intake. However, planning their diets requires consideration of the different nutrition guidelines appropriate for their age. A varied diet is crucial because no single food can provide all the essential nutrients needed daily. It is crucial to encourage different foods to ensure children get a mix of nutrients.

Examples & Analogies

Think of making a smoothie. If you only add one ingredient—like bananas—it won’t taste very good or provide all that you need for a balanced snack. You need berries, yogurt, and maybe some spinach for color and health. Similarly, kids need a variety of foods to meet all their nutritional needs.

Encouraging Healthy Habits

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Aim for variety: We know that no single food can provide all the nutrients in the amount the child needs every day. The most consistent nutrition message therefore is to eat a variety of foods.

Detailed Explanation

Children's diets should include a wide variety of foods to ensure they are getting the necessary vitamins and minerals. Eating a range of foods not only helps with nutrient intake but also encourages children to try new flavors and textures, leading to healthier eating habits.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a box of crayons. If you only have a blue crayon, you can only draw in that color. But with a box full of crayons in all colors, you can create beautiful, diverse pictures. Similarly, different foods in a child's diet help them grow strong and healthy.

Breakfast Importance

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Breakfast is a special meal. It should contain more of protein and energy. After the long night’s fasting the child should never be allowed to skip breakfast.

Detailed Explanation

Breakfast is an important meal as it breaks the overnight fast and provides energy for the day ahead. Skipping breakfast can negatively affect a child's performance in school and activities due to lack of nutrients and calories. A proper breakfast should include protein and energy to fuel their busy mornings.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a phone that's been charging overnight. Just like you wouldn’t want to use the phone only to find it runs out of battery quickly because it wasn’t fully charged, children need a nutritious breakfast to start their day with energy and focus.