Food And Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Children Aged 2–12 Years
A Background Paper Date of Publication: June 1993
Second Edition: June 1997
Ministry of Health
ISBN 0-478-20826-X
Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. They have many special dietary needs which are quite different from those of healthy adults.
Appropriate nutrition during the childhood years is essential for the maintenance of growth and good health. Childhood is a time of change between the infant diet and the adult diet.
Little research has been conducted on children in New Zealand with regard to their dietary intake and nutritional status. Children living in New Zealand come from a variety of different ethnic backgrounds including European, Maori and Pacific Island, each with their own traditions and beliefs about food and health.
This background paper has been prepared to support Eating for Healthy Children 2-12 Years (see Appendix 2).
These guidelines recommend that healthy children need to:
- eat enough for activity and growth
- have treat foods now and then
- take part in regular physical activity.
This background paper reviews: energy, protein, fat, fibre, iron, calcium, folate, fluids, supplementation, fortification, snacking, treat foods, vegetarian diets, eating behaviour, eating disorders, food allergies and physical activity. Sample diets and advice on planning menus for children are listed in Appendix 3 of this paper.
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