5 Important Minerals and Vitamins for Infant Food
Author : Manish Jha | Published On : 13 Dec 2023
The development and functioning of infants depend heavily on vitamins and minerals, sometimes referred to as micronutrients, as many of the millions of chemical reactions that take place inside their bodies would not be possible without them. Only very tiny quantities are required and the bodies are ‘designed’ to absorb the majority of them from food.
The surge in demand for plant-based infant foods drives the market growth. This is due to the combination of increasing health consciousness among parents, environmental concerns, and the rise in the prevalence of dietary allergies and restrictions. Diets based primarily on plants are growing more popular among the general public. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the UK infant food market is likely to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.28% over the projection period from 2023 to 2031.
Here are some important minerals and vitamins for infant food:
Iron: The nutrient iron is necessary. It aids in the movement of oxygen throughout the body as a part of hemoglobin, which is a component of red blood cells. The first few months of a baby's existence are usually when their bodies have enough iron stored but this supply runs low after five or six months.
Protein: Protein is crucial for the growth and development of the child because it is necessary for the synthesis, upkeep, and repair of bodily tissues. Protein is composed of amino acids and is present in every cell in a baby's body. It is "essential" in that certain amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body.
For newborns, the ideal protein intake comes from breast milk and formula with added iron. But if the baby is 5–6 months old, it becomes really important to make sure that their meal has enough protein to promote normal growth and development.
Vitamin D: Immunity and bone mineralization depends on vitamin D. 400 IU per day must be given to babies as soon as possible after birth. Infants who are breastfed or mainly breastfed require extra vitamin D supplements, but formula-fed infants get enough of it in their formula. It's crucial to make sure infants get the recommended daily dosage of vitamin D to support healthy growth and development.
Zinc: Zinc is essential to a baby's growth and development. It is an essential mineral that promotes the healthy operation of the immune system and aids in the synthesis of proteins and DNA. A zinc shortage can cause stunted growth and heightened infection susceptibility.
In addition, zinc is needed twice a day for infants 0–6 months old and three times a day for individuals 7–3 years old. Breastfed infants should get zinc-rich meals after six months to satisfy nutritional requirements, even if formula can offer zinc until the age of one.
Omega 3 fatty acids: Eating omega-3 fatty acids Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is critical for good health and can promote the development of the unborn child's immune system, brain, and eyes. A person must make sure their kid eats enough solid foods to get these essential nutrients because the body is unable to create them on its own.
