During the first year of life, the baby will grow as never before in its life. He will likely triple in weight and go through several growth spurts over the months. During this period, the baby’s food needs to contain the essential nutrients so that it can develop in the healthiest possible way.
And what better and more complete source of food for babies than breast milk? It contains all the necessary nutrients for the baby up to six months of age, exclusively, as recommended by the Ministry of Health. And it can be maintained, in a complementary way, up to two years of age or more.
Do you want to know what are the most important nutrients for the child’s health that breastfeeding mothers should ingest in order to transmit them through breastfeeding?
Continue reading to check it out.
Ferro
During the first six months of life, breast milk supplies the baby’s iron needs.
This nutrient is essential as it helps to develop blood cells and the brain. This early development lays the groundwork for everything to come.
The lack of it can cause diseases such as: iron deficiency anemia, delay in neuropsychomotor development, decrease in the body’s defenses and intellectual and motor capacity.
Calcium
Nutrient that builds strong bones and teeth and should be offered to children in adequate amounts along with a balanced diet.
fats
In breast milk, after carbohydrates, fats, also known as lipids, appear in greater abundance. They function as energy reserves and perform metabolic functions. In addition to participating in the synthesis of hormones, bile salts, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and also in the formation of cell membranes.
In childhood, fats such as Omega 3, Omega 6, DHA and ARA, for example, have important physiological and structural roles, such as: – Better
formation and functioning of all organs and tissues
– Better physical, immunological, brain and metabolic development
Proteins
They are especially important for babies, as they participate in the formation of muscle tissues and help in the growth and development of the body.
carbohydrates
Main suppliers of energy, so its balanced consumption is very important to favor the proper growth of the baby. Offering them in the diet is important to allow the child to gain weight and continue to grow normally.
Prebiotics
They are components similar to fibers that have the ability to assist in the formation of the intestinal microbiota, and with that can help reduce intestinal discomfort (such as colic) and reduce the incidence of infections and allergies.
Vitamin D
Like calcium, vitamin D helps maintain bone health by absorbing calcium. It has the function of helping the body absorb ingested calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones.
Zinc
It plays an important role in the baby’s growth, as it helps cells to grow and repair themselves, strengthens the immune system and stimulates the development of reproductive organs and the brain.
Vitamin A
Contributes to the maintenance of healthy eyesight and immune system.
Complex B vitamins
They help in energy metabolism and have the function of balancing the neurological and immune system. B2 also protects the body’s cells from damage. B6 already keeps the brain and immune system healthy. Finally, vitamin B12 has the function of keeping nerves and blood cells healthy, in addition to producing DNA (the genetic material present in each cell).
Vitamin C
In childhood, it plays an important role in helping iron absorption.
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