Parents worldwide are concerned about their children’s growth, particularly tracking key milestones like height and weight, as childhood is a fast-paced phase, and falling behind can cause anxiety and concern. This lag in growth can be linked to various lifestyle factors including dietary habits, and physical activity, manifesting in forms of malnutrition including stunting (low height-for-age), underweight (low weight-for-age) and wasting (low weight-for-height).
The World Health Organization’s 2022 report revealed that 149 million children under five were found to be too short for their age. India accounts for nearly one-third of the global childhood stunting burden with 40.6 million children stunted under the age of five. Dr. Subhasis Roy, MBBS, DCH, MD (Ped), Consultant Pediatrician, Columbia Asia Hospital says, “According to the state level NFHS report 2019 2020, while 33.8 percent of the children under the age of 5are stunted 69 percent children are anaemic. Hence, parents should provide a mix of balanced diet that ensures children receive necessary protein, vitamins, and minerals for healthy holistic growth.”
Nutritional supplements can help children absorb up to 50% of essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc from their diet, bridging nutritional gaps and enhancing the absorption of these nutrients from regular food consumption.
