Toddlerhood is a transitional phase between the milkdependent diet to an independent omnivorous diet, where toddlers start understanding their likes and dislikes about food and start to develop selffeeding skills. Toddler nutrition plays a vital role in this transition.
As toddlers have small a ppetite, their meals shou ld ideally be nutrientrich and calorie-dense.i
• Carbohydrates are the major macronutrients which provide energy and help in growth. They are necessary for proper functioning of the brain and must come from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and starchy foods. Complex carbohydrates and fiberrich foods help support digestion and may help reduce the risk of constipationii , iii
• Proteins are the macronutrients important for growth, development, maintenance of tissues as well as important for production of hormones, and various enzymes. They are involved in key bodily functions including tissue growth, repair, and enzyme and hormone production,and are required for overall health and play an important role in toddlers’ growth and development and diverse sources of proteins can be included in their diet. Some good quality protein sources like eggs, chicken, fish, milk and milk products, lean meats, soy and soy products. iv
• Fats: Dietary fats are an important source of storage energy. Dietary fats help support brain development, immune function, heart health, and absorption of fatsoluble vitamins – A, D, E, K. Toddlers’ diet must include healthy fats like nuts, oilseeds, fatty fishes, full fat dairy, seed oils, avocado etc.
• Some essential micronutrients (iron, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, iodine and folate) for toddlers are required in small amounts but are essential for growth, vision, immunity, bone health and brain development.
• Calcium: Calcium is an important mineral in toddler nutrition as it is required for bone mineralization, skeletal growth and teeth development. Some of the sources are milk and milk products like curd, cheese, paneer, green leafy veggies, and millets like ragi. However, for better calcium absorption vitamin D is required.vi , vii
• Iron: Iron is required in toddlerhood for brain development, iron deficiency -anemia is very common amongst toddlers, and is associated with impaired cognitive development. Sources include bajra, masoor dal (lentil dal), red amaranth leaves, drumstick leaves, dill leaves, soya granules & chunks, cowpea leaves, rajma, radish leaves, buckwheat, Malabar spinach, horse gram. Absorption of iron can be enhanced by adding vitamin C rich sources (e.g. lemon). viii , ix
• Vitamin D supports bone health, calcium absorption, and immune function. Sources include fortified foods, fatty fishes (salmon, mackerel), egg yolk, cod liver oil and mushrooms (contains ergo calciferol) and sunlight exposure naturally would help toddlers with their Vitamin D levels. x
• Zinc supports normal growth and development, tissue repair, and protein and DNA synthesis. Sources include meat, seafood, eggs and dairy, some plant sources include beans, nuts and whole grains which can be included in toddlers’ meals.
• Vitamin A is crucial nutrient for vision as well as for immune responses, growth and development, cellular growth. Toddlers’ diet can include animal sources like eggs, dairy, fish, as well as plant sources like sweet potatoes, carrots, and green leafy vegetables.10
• Iodine is a critical component of thyroid hormone and Severe and longterm deficiency can effect intellectual impairment, hearing loss and restricted growth. Incorporating iodized salts and including seafood and eggs helps in adding iodine to the toddler’s diet. 10
• Folate: Folate is a water-soluble B Vitamin, responsible for protein metabolism and DNA and RNA synthesis. Some of the natural sources are green leafy vegetables, dairy products, liver, meat, seafood etc.10
• Well balanced meals and colorful plates provide essential macronutrients and micronutrients in toddler nutrition, required for healthy growth and brain development which help reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies . Sometimes parents may not be able to meet toddlers’ nutritional needs through food alone, to support growth and nutrition, health- based drinks like Complan NutriGro can be included. With 34 vital nutrients including iron, DHA and milk protein, Complan NutriGro provides nutrition that supports growth, immunity and brain development during childhood when taken as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
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