Information on Child Nutrition

The American Dietetic Assn. provides many services, including making available pamphlets and brochures on nutritional information free of charge. To obtain the materials on child nutrition, write to the American Dietetic Assn., 430 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611.

Here is a guide to nutrients needed by--and what they do to--growing children from a pamphlet called “Meal Time! Happy Time! A Guide for Parents.”

GUIDE TO NUTRIENTS PROTEIN (from animal and plant foods):

--Essential for growth and lifelong body maintenance.

--Builds resistance to disease. FATS (from animal and vegetable products):

--Essential to carry vitamins A, D, E and K.

--Source of energy (calories) best used in limited amounts. MINERALS

Calcium (from milk and other dairy products):

--Forms healthy bones and teeth.

--Aids in normal blood clotting.

--Helps nerves and muscles react normally. Iron (from liver, meat, egg yolks, dry beans, dark greens):

--Helps blood cells carry oxygen from lungs to body cells.

--Protects against some forms of nutritional anemia.

(Other minerals, such as zinc, iodine, phosphorus and magnesium, are important too. Eating a wide variety of nutritious foods will provide these minerals.) CARBOHYDRATES (from sugar or starch such as bread, cereal foods, fruits and vegetables):

--Major source of fuel for most bodily functions.

--The human brain depends exclusively on carbohydrates for its energy.

--Source of important nutrients needed for overall good health. VITAMINS Vitamin A:

--Protects eyes and helps night vision.

--Helps keep skin healthy.

--Builds resistance to disease. Vitamin B-complex (thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, niacin, B-1, B-12):

--Protects the nervous system.

--Keeps appetite and digestion in working order.

--Aids body cells in using carbohydrates, fat and protein for energy. Vitamin C:

--Keeps body cells and tissues strong and healthy.

--Aids in healing wounds and broken bones. Vitamin D:

--Aids in absorption and use of calcium and phosphorus by body cells.

--Helps build strong bones and teeth.