Every age has its problems.
In infants
The risk of deficiencies is very low as long as the child is fed with his mother's milk (exclusively up to 5-6 months) and/or with an infant milk (1st age, from birth to 4-5 months) or a follow-up milk (from 4-5 months to 12 months). These infant formulas are designed to provide the child with thebulk of his or her nutritional needs when consumed at a rate of at least 500 ml per day (the equivalent of 2 or 3 bottles per day). At the time of dietary diversification, the small quantities of food introduced gradually have little impact on nutritional intakes; these are mainly provided by infant milk. Thus, as long as the child drinks enough milk, he or she is protected from deficiencies.
On the other hand, any substitution of these infant milks by cow's (or goat's) milk or by vegetable juices would lead to a depletion of the nutritional intake and therefore to the appearance of multiple deficiencies incompatible with the correct weight and height development of the infant.
After the age of one year
Cow's milk may be introduced, or a growth milk (enriched with iron). The quantities of food have become sufficient to provide enough nutrients, minerals and vitamins compatible with the needs of the young child. It is sufficient for the child to eat everything in sufficient quantities to avoid deficiencies (with the exception of vitamin D, which requires regular supplementation ).
On the other hand, eliminating entire families of foods may expose the child to deficiencies:
- no meat or fish, beware of the risk of lack of iron and omega 3,
- no dairy products, beware of the risk of calcium deficiency,
- no fresh fruit, beware of the risk of lack of vitamin C.
No food is perfect, but they all complement each other: it's all about balance.
Here is an example of a balanced and nutritionally satisfying day for a 3-year-old child:
- For breakfast: a bowl of hot chocolate and a slice of buttered bread - a clementine or a small glass of orange juice.
- For lunch: a small piece of meat or fish (30 to 40g) or an egg accompanied by vegetables and starchy foods (potatoes, rice or pasta) - a small piece of cheese (about 20g) and a small piece of fruit (clementine, strawberries, etc.).
- Snack: a small Swiss cheese and a compote (or fresh fruit) - possibly a biscuit
- At dinner: a plate of vegetables and starchy foods - half a yoghurt and fresh fruit
In conclusion, the more a child eats of everything in sufficient quantities, the less risk of deficiency!
Dr Laurence PLUMEY
Nutritionist. Paris Hospitals IDF
Professor of Nutrition
Author of numerous books for the general public