A child’s brain needs the right nutrients to reach its full potential. Good nutrition lays the foundation for your child’s growing years. 360° mental development can be achieved through four key areas that are essential for a child’s well-rounded development: Cognitive, Motor, Emotional and Communication. Find out what food and nutrients you can prepare to support your child’s brain activity during his growing years.
SALMON, BLUEFIN TUNA, BLACK COD
Why they are important
Deep-water fish, such as salmon, are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids (DHA), calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for brain function
Calcium supports nerve and muscle function
Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus
NUTS AND SEEDS
Why they are important
Good sources of arachidonic acid (ARA), vitamin E and choline
ARA is a key omega-6 fatty acid in the brain, essential for brain and vision development
Choline plays a role in memory and learning by supporting brain cell signalling
AVOCADOS
Why they are important
They are fatty fruits, but they’re also a monounsaturated fat, and contributes to healthy blood flow, which promotes brain health
Provide vitamin E, vitamin C, folate and potassium
Folate helps the development and growth of blood cells in the brain and throughout the body
DARK GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES
Why they are important
High in iron, calcium and folate - Iron is vital to the formation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the brain and fuel its growth
Vitamin E protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids, which are abundant in the brain
BERRIES
Why they are important
Blueberries with vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid help the body metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fats
Strawberries and citrus fruits are a good source of vitamin C, which plays a significant role in the brain development
Mangos and bananas are high in vitamin B6, for good brain health
WHOLE GRAINS
Why they are important
Source of magnesium that builds bones and releases energy from muscles and selenium protects cells from oxidation
Provide iron, most of the B vitamins, vitamin E and folate, and are a good source of carbohydrates - Vitamins B1 (thiamin), B6 and B12 are
all essential to healthy development of the central nervous system - Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) helps the body use energy from the other nutrients
BEANS
Why they are important
Beans are rich source of soluble and insoluble fibre that can help to maintain healthy weight
The B vitamin folate is essential for the production of red blood cells in the human body
EGGS
Why they are important
Those fortified with omega-3 can provide DHA in addition to ARA, choline, vitamin D, protein and zinc, all essential to the development and functioning of the central nervous system
Protein helps build, maintain and repair tissues, and it can provide energy
MILK
What if my toddler is a picky eater
Supplement his meals with Enfagrow A+.
Enfagrow A+ is formulated to help meet the recommendation for daily DHA intake+. It also contains dietary fibre (Polydextrose), and prebiotics (GOS) that promote growth of good Bifidus bacteria to help maintain a healthy digestive system.
+ FAO/WHO recommends daily dietary DHA intake of 10-12mg/kg body weight for children 12-24 months or 100-150mg DHA+EPA for children 2 years old and above, 100-150mg DHA+EPA for children 4 years of age or 150-200mg DHA+EPA for children 4 years old and above, 200-250mg DHA+EPA for children 6-10 years old. Reference: FAO 2010. Fats and fatty acids in human nutrition. Report of an expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper no. 91. FAO:Rome.
