National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Child Nutrition is the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Child Nutrition
URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childnutrition.html
A healthy diet helps children grow and learn. It also helps prevent obesity and weight-related diseases, such as diabetes. The following guidelines will help you give your child a nutritious diet:
- Offer five servings of fruits and vegetables a day
- Choose healthy sources of protein, such as lean meat, nuts and eggs
- Serve whole-grain breads and cereals because they are high in fiber
- Broil, grill or steam foods instead of frying them
- Limit fast food and junk food
- Offer water and milk instead of sugary fruit drinks and sodas
Learn about your children's nutrient requirements. Some of them, such as the requirements for iron and calcium, change as your child ages.
A healthy diet helps children grow and learn. It also helps prevent obesity and weight-related diseases, such as diabetes. The following guidelines will help you give your child a nutritious diet:
- Offer five servings of fruits and vegetables a day
- Choose healthy sources of protein, such as lean meat, nuts and eggs
- Serve whole-grain breads and cereals because they are high in fiber
- Broil, grill or steam foods instead of frying them
- Limit fast food and junk food
- Offer water and milk instead of sugary fruit drinks and sodas
Learn about your children's nutrient requirements. Some of them, such as the requirements for iron and calcium, change as your child ages.
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Start Here
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Healthy Eating and Physical Activity across Your Lifespan: Helping Your Child (Tips for Parents)Healthy Eating and Physical Activity across Your Lifespan: Helping Your Child (Tips for Parents) http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/child.htm
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/su_hijo.htm
- Healthy EatingHealthy Eating http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/habits.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://kidshealth.org/parent/en_espanol/nutricion/habits_esp.html
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Healthy Eating and Physical Activity across Your Lifespan: Helping Your Child (Tips for Parents)Healthy Eating and Physical Activity across Your Lifespan: Helping Your Child (Tips for Parents) http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/child.htm
The top row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Basics
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Learn More
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Multimedia & Cool Tools
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For group Basics
For group Learn More
For group Multimedia & Cool Tools
The bottom row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Research
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Reference Shelf
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For You
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For group Research
For group Reference Shelf
For group For You
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Overviews
- Childhood NutritionChildhood Nutrition http://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/pages/Childhood-Nutrition.aspx(American Academy of Pediatrics)
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Diet and NutritionDiet and Nutrition http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/Diet_and_Nutrition.cfm(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
- MyPyramid Food GuideMyPyramid Food Guide http://www.girlshealth.gov/nutrition/mypyramid/index.cfm(National Women's Health Information Center)
- MyPyramid for PreschoolersMyPyramid for Preschoolers http://www.mypyramid.gov/preschoolers/index.html(Dept. of Agriculture)
- Nutrition for Kids: Guidelines for a Healthy DietNutrition for Kids: Guidelines for a Healthy Diet http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nutrition-for-kids/NU00606/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Latest News
- Keep Health in Mind When Planning School Day MenusKeep Health in Mind When Planning School Day Menushttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_102999.html(09/06/2010, HealthDay)
- Gardening, Cooking Parties Double Kids' Veggie ConsumptionGardening, Cooking Parties Double Kids' Veggie Consumptionhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_102023.html(08/10/2010, HealthDay)
- Western Diet Populates Kids' Stomachs with Bad BacteriaWestern Diet Populates Kids' Stomachs with Bad Bacteriahttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_101745.html(08/02/2010, HealthDay)
- More News on Child NutritionChild Nutritionhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_c.html#childnutrition
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Diagnosis/Symptoms
- Prealbumin TestPrealbumin Test http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/prealbumin/glance.html(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
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Specific Conditions
- Caffeine and Your ChildCaffeine and Your Child http://kidshealth.org/parent/food/general/caffeine.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Calcium and Your ChildCalcium and Your Child http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/calcium.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Carbohydrates, Sugar, and Your ChildCarbohydrates, Sugar, and Your Child http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/sugar.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Cholesterol and Your ChildCholesterol and Your Child http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/cholesterol.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Fats and Your ChildFats and Your Child http://kidshealth.org/parent/food/general/fat.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Fiber and Your ChildFiber and Your Child http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/fiber.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Iron and Your ChildIron and Your Child http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/iron.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://kidshealth.org/parent/en_espanol/nutricion/iron_esp.html
- VegetarianismVegetarianism http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/vegetarianism.html(Nemours Foundation)
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Related Issues
- Building Your Best Bones ForeverBuilding Your Best Bones Forever http://www.bestbonesforever.gov/bbf/building.cfm(Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)
- Children's Snacks: 10 Tips for Healthier SnackingChildren's Snacks: 10 Tips for Healthier Snacking http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childrens-health/HQ00419/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Feeding Your Child AthleteFeeding Your Child Athlete http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/fitness/feed_child_athlete.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Hassle-Free Meal TimeHassle-Free Meal Time http://www.healthychildren.org/english/healthy-living/nutrition/pages/Hassle-Free-Meal-Time.aspx(American Academy of Pediatrics)
- How to Please Fussy EatersHow to Please Fussy Eaters http://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/pages/How-To-Please-Fussy-Eaters.aspx(American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Hunger and MalnutritionHunger and Malnutrition http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/hunger.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Making Sure Your Child Is Eating EnoughMaking Sure Your Child Is Eating Enough http://www.healthychildren.org/english/healthy-living/nutrition/pages/Making-Sure-Your-Child-is-Eating-Enough.aspx(American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Nutrition and Media LiteracyNutrition and Media Literacy http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/163/7/680(American Medical Association) - PDF
- School LunchesSchool Lunches http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/lunch.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://kidshealth.org/parent/en_espanol/nutricion/lunch_esp.html
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Snack Smart for Healthy TeethSnack Smart for Healthy Teeth http://www.nidr.nih.gov/health/pubs/snaksmrt/main.htm(National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/F1A3AB73-F8A5-448B-A32C-48B65913E7DC/0/sanas.pdf
- Snacks for PreschoolersSnacks for Preschoolers http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/preschool_snacks.html(Nemours Foundation)
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Tweens and Teens Need Calcium Now More Than Ever!Tweens and Teens Need Calcium Now More Than Ever! http://www.nichd.nih.gov/milk/milk.cfm(National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
- Unexplained Weight LossUnexplained Weight Loss http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/weight-loss/DG00020/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation in ChildrenVitamin and Mineral Supplementation in Children http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/163/2/192.pdf(American Medical Association) - PDF
- What You Need to Know about Mercury in Fish and ShellfishWhat You Need to Know about Mercury in Fish and Shellfish http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/advice/(Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water)
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Health Check Tools
- How Many Fruits and Vegetables Do You Need?How Many Fruits and Vegetables Do You Need? http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- MyFoodapediaMyFoodapedia http://www.myfoodapedia.gov/(Dept. of Agriculture)
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Tutorials
- Analyze My PlateAnalyze My Plate http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/activities/analyze_my_plate.html(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Recipe Re-mixRecipe Re-mix http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/activities/recipe_remix.html(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Games
- Smallstep KidsSmallstep Kids http://www.smallstep.gov/kids/flash/index.html(Dept. of Health and Human Services)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.smallstep.gov/kids_esp/html/index.html
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Child Nutrition DisordersClinicalTrials.gov: Child Nutrition Disorders http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/term=%22nutrition+disorders+%22+%5BCONDITION%5D+AND+child+%5BAGE-GROUP%5D(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Child NutritionClinicalTrials.gov: Child Nutrition http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/term=nutrition+%5BCONDITION%5D+AND+child+%5BAGE-GROUP%5D(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Child Nutrition DisordersClinicalTrials.gov: Child Nutrition Disorders http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/term=%22nutrition+disorders+%22+%5BCONDITION%5D+AND+child+%5BAGE-GROUP%5D
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Dietary intake patterns of low-income urban african-american adolescents. Article: Dietary intake patterns of low-income urban african-american adolescents. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20800126?tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: The beneficial effect of family meals on obesity differs by...Article: The beneficial effect of family meals on obesity differs by... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20800125?tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Where can i find resources to assist in the determination...Article: Where can i find resources to assist in the determination... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20656102?tool=MedlinePlus
- Child Nutrition -- see more articlesChild Nutrition -- see more articles http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=(child+nutritional+physiological+phenomena[majr]+NOT+breast+feeding[mh])+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt]+OR+africa[mh]+OR+asia[mh]+OR+australasia[mh]+OR+south+america[mh]+OR+latin+america[mh])+AND+%22last+1+Year%22[edat]&tool=MedlinePlus
- Adolescent nutrition -- see more articlesAdolescent nutrition -- see more articles http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=adolescent+nutrition+physiology[majr]+AND+english[la]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+editorial[pt]+OR+case+reports[pt]+OR+africa[mh]+OR+asia[mh]+OR+australasia[mh]+OR+south+america[mh]+OR+latin+america[mh])+AND+%22last+1+Year%22[edat]&tool=MedlinePlus
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Dictionaries/Glossaries
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Fruit and Vegetable of the MonthFruit and Vegetable of the Month http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/index.html(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Vegetarian Glossary of TermsVegetarian Glossary of Terms http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6375(American Dietetic Association)
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Directories
- Child Nutrition Agencies by StateChild Nutrition Agencies by State http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=14&tax_level=2&tax_subject=227&topic_id=1223(Dept. of Agriculture)
- Find a Registered DietitianFind a Registered Dietitian http://www.eatright.org/iframe/FindRD.aspx?(American Dietetic Association)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) State AgenciesWIC (Women, Infants, and Children) State Agencies http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Contacts/statealpha.HTM(Food and Nutrition Service)
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Organizations
- American Academy of PediatricsAmerican Academy of Pediatrics http://www.aap.org/
- Food and Nutrition ServiceFood and Nutrition Service http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/sp-default.htm
- KidsHealthKidsHealth http://kidshealth.org/(Nemours Foundation)
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National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentNational Institute of Child Health and Human Development http://www.nichd.nih.gov/
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Law and Policy
- Frequently Asked Questions about WICFrequently Asked Questions about WIC http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/FAQs/FAQ.HTM(Food and Nutrition Service)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/FAQs/sp-FAQ.htm
- School Meals ProgramSchool Meals Program http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/(Dept. of Agriculture)
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Statistics
- Food Environment AtlasFood Environment Atlas http://ers.usda.gov/foodatlas/(Dept. of Agriculture)
- Nutrition and the Health of Young PeopleNutrition and the Health of Young People http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/nutrition/facts.htm(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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MedlinePlus Magazine
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6 Easy Steps toward Healthier Eating6 Easy Steps toward Healthier Eating http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/sprsum10/articles/sprsum10pg10-11.html
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6 Easy Steps toward Healthier Eating6 Easy Steps toward Healthier Eating http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/sprsum10/articles/sprsum10pg10-11.html
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Children
- Eating for SportsEating for Sports http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/sports.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://kidshealth.org/kid/en_espanol/sano/sports_esp.html
- Food Guide PyramidFood Guide Pyramid http://kidshealth.org/kid/nutrition/food/pyramid.html(Nemours Foundation)
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Food Labels Tell the Story!Food Labels Tell the Story! http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/baylor/food3.htm(National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)
- Why Drinking Water Is the Way to GoWhy Drinking Water Is the Way to Go http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/water.html(Nemours Foundation)
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Teenagers
- Eating Well While Eating OutEating Well While Eating Out http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/eating_out.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Energy Drinks and Food Bars: Power or Hype?Energy Drinks and Food Bars: Power or Hype? http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/energy.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Fiber: An Important Part of Your Teen's DietFiber: An Important Part of Your Teen's Diet http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/nutrition/pages/Fiber-An-Important-Part-of-Your-Teens-Diet.aspx(American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Figuring Out Fat and CaloriesFiguring Out Fat and Calories http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/fat_calories.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Food Guide PyramidFood Guide Pyramid http://kidshealth.org/teen/nutrition/general/pyramid.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Guide to Eating for SportsGuide to Eating for Sports http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/sports/eatnrun.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Recipes for TeensRecipes for Teens http://kidshealth.org/teen/recipes/(Nemours Foundation)
- Soy Foods and HealthSoy Foods and Health http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/soy.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Teenager's Nutritional NeedsTeenager's Nutritional Needs http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/nutrition/pages/A-Teenagers-Nutritional-Needs.aspx(American Academy of Pediatrics)
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Patient Handouts
- Eating extra calories when you are sick - childrenEating extra calories when you are sick - children http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000034.htm
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000034.htm
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You may also be interested in these related encyclopedia pages:
- Age-appropriate diet for children - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002455.htm
- Cow's milk for infants and children - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002448.htm
- Eating extra calories when you are sick - children - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000034.htm
- Food jags - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002425.htm
- Kwashiorkor - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001604.htm
The primary NIH organization for research on Child Nutrition is the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development - http://www.nichd.nih.gov/
MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA