Is your child too short for their age? How diet helps?

health

Is your child too short for their age? How diet helps?

By Alpro Pharmacy

June 26, 2024

Undernutrition issues, especially stunting and underweight among young children under 5 years old, continue to be significant concerns, resulting in a higher prevalence of children being shorter and lower in weight than their peers. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) of Malaysia, there has been a rising trend in underweight and stunting over the past decade (Table 1).

Table 1: Trend in nutritional status of young children below 5 years in Malaysia

This trend not only limits their ability to fully engage in activities but also impacts their overall growth and development. Addressing these issues through early intervention and adequate nutrition is crucial to ensuring children reach their full physical and cognitive potential.

How Diet Helps: The Role of Complementary Foods

By around six months of age, an infant’s nutritional needs surpass what breast milk alone can provide. At this crucial stage, introducing complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed is vital. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding up to two years or beyond, along with incorporating a variety of complementary foods. Ensuring a daily intake from at least five different food groups, including animal sources, is linked to a reduced risk of stunting in young children.

Here are the essential food groups to include:

Grains, roots, tubers (rice, cereals, potato, sweet potato)
Pulses (beans, peas, lentils), nuts, and seeds
Dairy products (milk, infant formula, yogurt, cheese)
Meat, fish, poultry
Eggs
Vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables (orange, carrot, spinach)
Other fruits and vegetables

This variety ensures children receive a balanced diet that supports their growth and development.

My child is not eating well, can Growing-Up Milk help?

According to parents, difficulties with feeding and poor dietary habits are key factors contributing to undernutrition in young children below 5 years old.

With that said, Growing-Up Milk, or Follow-Up Formula designed for children aged 1 year and older may help. It could bridge nutritional gaps during the transition to complementary foods, especially when the food provided lacks certain essential nutrients. Unlike regular formula, growing-up milk offers higher levels of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals to support children who fall behind on growth charts or need to recover from nutritional deficiencies.

Practical tips for parents

Monitor Growth Patterns: Regularly measure your child’s height and weight to track their growth against standard growth charts.
Consult Professionals: If you’re concerned about your child’s diet or growth, seek advice from a Dietitian or Nutritionist from nearest Alpro Pharmacy. They can provide tailored recommendations to ensure your child receives adequate nutrition.

Need More Information? Talk to Our Expert!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alpro ePharmacy or visit the nearest Alpro Pharmacy. Our team, consisting of pharmacists, doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, audiologists and dietitians, is ready to assist and provide support.