Protein: Essential for Growth

Article

Mar 31, 2020

5 mins

Your child is growing so fast that sometimes it seems to be happening in the blink of an eye

Children need high-quality protein-rich foods to grow. Optimal protein helps to support and maintain their metabolic health and muscle function during those rapid growth periods.

The Right Quantity of Protein

A healthy eating pattern for your child should include high quality protein, in adequate amounts across all meals throughout the day. A preschool child’s daily protein needs vary depending on age, body size, growth rate, appetite and activity level. As a rule of thumb, a growing child should have 2 – 3 servings of protein a day.

Here is a guide for one serving of protein:

The Right Quality Protein

The quality of protein is determined by the content of its amino acids (building blocks of protein). Animal products, such as milk, contain protein considered to be of excellent quality. Cooking can improve the digestibility of protein, as long as it is not cooked at extremely high temperatures.

OPTIPRO® - Right Quality and Quantity

The 3 – 5 year old age group is an important stage in growth. This makes parents worry if their children are getting the right nutrients. Food products that contain high-quality proteins, such as supplementary, complementary or rehabilitation foods, have been found to be effective for good growth. NESTLÉ® NANKID® 4, made specifically for 3 – 5 year old children, contains OPTIPRO®. This is an optimised protein consisting of the right quantity and quality to support your growing child’s specific needs.

Build a strong foundation for life – give your child NESTLÉ® NANKID® 4.

IMPORTANT NOTICE. A-well balanced diet, both during pregnancy and after delivery, helps sustain an adequate supply of breastmilk. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first 6 months of life followed by the introduction of adequate nutritious complementary foods, along with sustained breastfeeding up to two years of age and beyond.

NESTLÉ® NANKID® 4 is not a breastmilk substitute. As babies grow at different rates, seek advice with your health professionals on the appropriate time when your baby should start receiving this product.