Vitamins, macro and microelements

The biological value of nutrition is largely determined by the presence in it of vitamins .Their lack in the diet of children causes the appearance of common disorders, such as asthenia, increased morbidity, disruption of growth and development. In addition, the lack of vitamins, which in most cases is observed in winter and spring, leads to the appearance of various specific changes.

Presence of various macro and microelements in children's nutrition is responsible for providing growth processes, development of bones, nerve tissue, muscles, brain and teeth. Of these, special attention should be paid to calcium and phosphorus, which are found in dairy products, as well as in meat, fish, eggs and oatmeal. Such chemical compounds as iron salts participate in the process of hematopoiesis, and magnesium salts in the formation of enzymatic systems, in carbohydrate and phosphorus metabolism. The chemical elements sodium and potassium are involved in all the basic biological processes of the body, water metabolism, in addition, they are responsible for maintaining the alkaline reserve of blood. Iodine is responsible for the normalization of thyroid function.

Water, in addition to being a solvent and medium in which chemical reactions occur at a higher rate, directly participates in the processes of hydrolysis and hydration. The main channel for water intake is the consumption of various liquids. In addition, some volume of water is formed in the body during oxidation of food products, as well as as a result of oxidative processes in tissues. The need for water necessary for a child's body is higher than that of an adult organism. This is due to the higher daily water consumption of a child's body, which is equivalent to 10-15% of the body weight of a healthy early child, when as an adult - only 2-5%.

The water requirement for a child aged 1-3 years is 100 ml of water per 1 kg of body weight, at the age of 3-6 years - 60 ml, and in 7-17 years - 50 ml per 1 kg of body weight.

Materials used:
Shilov VN, Mits'yo VP"Healthy food"