Did you know only 10% to 30% of children’s energy intake needs to come from protein, with the rest provided by carbohydrates and fats?
Do you feed your child meals that are high in protein?
Why is it essential for children’s diets to incorporate protein-rich foods?
What are the most significant protein sources for children?
What happens if children are denied protein-rich foods?
Like so many of us and adults are concerned about our own protein consumption, it’s not surprising that we’re concerned about whether our children are receiving enough. It’s natural to be concerned about whether our children are getting enough protein, especially if they aren’t big meat eaters or don’t drink milk on a regular basis.
Let’s learn how much protein kids need and its benefits and the best kid-friendly Protein-rich sources!
What is Protein?
Protein is required for your child’s body to grow and function properly, including the formation of new tissues and the production of antibodies that help in the fight against infections. Children would be far more susceptible to serious diseases if essential amino acids (protein building blocks) were not available. Protein provides the building blocks for muscle growth in children.
Recommended Intake of Protein
According to ICMR, recommended daily allowance (RDI) of Protein is
- Lactating women (0-6 months) – 74 g/day
- Lactating women (6-12 months) – 68 g/day
- Infant (0-6 months) – 1.16 g/kg/day
- Infant (6-12 months) – 1.69 g/kg/day
- Child (1-3 years) – 1.69 g/kg/day
- Child (4-6 years – 20.1 g/day
- Child (6-9 years) – 29.5 g/day
- Boy (10-12 years) – 39.9 g/day
- Girl (10-12 years) – 40.4 g/day
