Peeling the nutritional content and benefits of milk powder for children

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Peeling the nutritional content and benefits of milk powder for children
Peeling the nutritional content and benefits of milk powder for children
Anonim

Milk powder is the choice of parents to meet the nutritional needs of their baby. This is because there are many nutritional content in milk powder that are useful to support the child's growth and development to maintain endurance

Milk powder is milk that is processed by the spray drying method. In this method, fresh liquid milk is heated quickly so that the water content in it disappears and the milk turns dry or powder.

Peeling the nutritional content and benefits of milk powder for children - Alodokter
Peeling the nutritional content and benefits of milk powder for children - Alodokter

The processing method makes milk powder has several advantages, including having a long shelf life, practically carried, and easy to serve.

Nutritional content in milk powder

Just like dairy products in general, milk powder also contains nutrients that are good for the health of the body and support optimal growth and development of children. The dose of nutritional content in milk powder is usually adjusted to the nutritional needs of children at each stage of his age.

The following are a variety of nutritional content contained in powdered milk:

  • Carbohydrate
  • Protein
  • Fat
  • Calcium
  • Phosphor
  • Zinc
  • Various vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin D3

In addition, some milk powder products for children on the market have also been added with other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids. This nutrition plays an important role in maintaining the development of the brain and heart health of the child.

Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body. So, to meet the body's needs for this nutrition, children must eat foods that contain omega-3.

The benefits of milk powder for health

As one source of nutrition, milk powder has a number of benefits that can be obtained by children, including:

1. Support growth and development

Protein is one type of macronutrients that children need during growth. This substance plays a role in the body's metabolic processes and functions to increase muscle strength and mass, repair damaged body tissue, and strengthen the child's immune system so as not to get sick easily.

To meet the child's protein intake, parents can give them high in protein, such as eggs, poultry meat, fish, and milk and processed products, such as yogurt or cheese.

2. Give energy to move

Milk powder contains carbohydrates, fats, and protein. These three nutrients are a source of energy for the body to carry out daily activities. When the energy intake is sufficient, the child will be more powerful and enthusiastic in carrying out the day.

3. Maintaining bone and teeth health

The content of vitamin D and calcium in milk powder can reduce the risk of problems in bones and teeth as adults later.

Children aged 4-9 years are advised to consume around 15 mcg of vitamin D and 1,000 mg of calcium every day. Meanwhile, children aged 10 years and over need 15 mcg of vitamin D and 1,200 mg of calcium per day.

Calcium and vitamin D needs can be met by eating foods and drinks that contain both nutrients, including milk powder.

4. Optimizing brain function

Some milk powder products available on the market are also added with other nutrients. One of the common nutrients added to milk powder for children is omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have benefits that are no less important for children's growth and development, especially for brain development.

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to be able to optimize the function of the child's brain, so that the ability to learn and the power of concentration will increase. That way, children can be more responsive and able to absorb various things that they learn better.

5. Maintain endurance

Although vitamins are only needed in small amounts, the needs of children's vitamins still need to be met. Vitamins play a role in increasing the immune system to fight bacteria and viruses that cause disease.

The intake of vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D, can be obtained from milk powder that has been defined or added nutrients. In addition, vitamin intake can also be obtained through the consumption of various other foods, such as vegetables and fruits.

How to choose the right milk powder for children

In choosing milk powder products, Mother needs to be selective and pay attention to the nutritional content in it. Choose milk powder with nutritional content that can support the growth and development of your child. Also make sure you choose free/low sugar milk powder.

No less important, Mother also needs to ensure that the chosen milk powder is suitable for consumption and has a distribution permit from the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM RI). In addition, follow the method of presentation and consumption limits listed on the milk powder packaging.

The selection of the right milk powder will support the growth and development of children. To ensure the exact dose of milk powder for your child, Mother can consult a doctor, especially if your child has certain medical conditions.

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