Negros Oriental - It takes a lifetime to achieve mental and physical health. But did you know that a person's "First 1,000 Days"—from conception to two years—are the most crucial for brain, body, metabolism, and immune system development? Malnutrition during this period has been associated with a variety of health problems, including obesity and stunted growth.

Parents have a critical influence on their children's nutritional well-being. Both unborn and in early life, babies require adequate calories, proteins, and nutrients to thrive. Here are a few nutritional things to consider.

Iron

A certain quantity of iron is present when a baby is born. This naturally depletes around six months, thus it's critical to provide the baby with iron-rich meals. About one in ten children is iron deficient, which can cause irritability, poor social behavior, learning impairments, depression later in life, and other problems.

Even if an iron deficiency is corrected during the First 1,000 Days, the cognitive effects can continue until adulthood. It is therefore critical to concentrate on iron from conception until age two.

Iodine

Iodine is essential for brain development, and lack of it may induce cognitive impairment.

Folate

Folate is a critical nutrient during pregnancy and after birth since it is required for the brain and spinal cord. Folate is found in leafy green vegetables, certain fruits, grains, and folic acid-fortified prenatal vitamins.

Calcium

Calcium is essential when children's bones become dense. The nutrient also helps to maintain the health of your teeth, neurons, and muscles and prevents blood clotting.

Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (DHA)

The appropriate kinds of fat, especially long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids like DHA, are good for your brain and immune system. That is one of the reasons why pregnant women are advised to eat low-mercury fresh fish during their pregnancy.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for your cells, main organs, and vision. Deficiency is uncommon, but it is a worldwide problem.

After exclusive breastfeeding and when your baby reaches six months, feed him foods and natural ingredients for his complementary feeding. Train your baby's taste buds by introducing him to different texture levels: single-ingredient purees (in flavors like apple or banana), multi-ingredient soups, and chunky puddings that contain chayote, carrots, and squash. // ND II Jhianne Mae Nicole C. Tugaoen, RND