Development is particularly rapid during the first 12 years of a child's life. The continuous growth of bones, muscles, blood, and brain means that children have high demands for nutrients in relation to their body size. Meeting these requirements can sometimes be a challenge, as it is very common for children to be picky eaters. You may find that your child refuses to eat certain foods, dislikes certain textures or flavors, or is reluctant to try new foods. The good news is that children usually outgrow this phase, and there are several small, easy actions you can take to help meals go more smoothly.
National government dietary surveys have shown that children's diets can be low in certain nutrients, including vitamins A and D. Many children also do not eat the recommended 5 servings of fruits. Some foods may have lower than expected nutrient content and low levels of certain micronutrients as a result of various factors, such as modern agricultural practices, long storage of "fresh" foods before they are sold in some stores, and excessive cooking that can cause the breakdown of certain nutrients. It is important to promote a healthy diet and lifestyle in children and encourage positive dietary and exercise habits for their future lives. Dietary supplements do not replace a healthy and balanced diet naturally!