NUTRITION; ITS EFFECTS ON CHILD’S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Nutrition which is the science that interprets the interaction of nutrients and other substances in food in relation to maintenance, growth, reproduction, health and disease of an organism is essential in the growth and development of a child. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in how kids grow up, which is why parents are most concerned about what their children eat, and how much of it they eat. Childhood growth does not end once toddlerhood arrives. Kids continue to grow at a rate of between two and three inches per year until puberty. Another rapid period of growth occurs in early to mid-adolescence, coinciding with hormonal changes and other developmental milestones. If a child lacks poor nutrition during this period, it can have an affect well into adulthood. A child who does not receive enough vitamins and minerals will be shorter and weaker than one who eats properly. Though growth depends partially on genetics, nutrition also plays a major role.
Nutrition affects the intellectual development of a child as the child’s intellect will be connected to the kind of nutrition he or she gets. It also contributes to the  emotional development of the child, due to the fact that minerals such as calcium are critical in helping a child develop an emotional system. In fact, undernourished children have more chances of having autism, anxiety, depression, or even schizophrenia. It also plays a role in the behavioural development of a child as children's behaviour stems from what they eat. It might be hard to believe though. In fact, for the first two years, if the child doesn’t get adequate nutrition, they could show signs of becoming withdrawn, could be very less active and generally stay away from helping.
Since nutrition and child growth and development are interwoven, the necessity to feed well cannot be overemphasized as it interferes into every spheres of the human health. Pay a regular visit to your nutritionist/ dietitian and Enjoy a full sense of wellness.