Table of contents:
- Actually, how important is the protein requirement for children?
- Then, how much protein a child needs in a day?
- Boys
- Girl
The same goes for carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals; protein is an essential nutrient for the body that everyone must fulfill - including children. Especially during the growth period, children's protein needs must be met properly to support their rapid growth rate.
Therefore, as a parent, make sure you always pay attention to the right protein needs for your little one, not too little or too much. So, how much protein needs children every day? Stay tuned for the following reviews.
Actually, how important is the protein requirement for children?
Although it is rarely known, protein has a big role in the growth and development of your baby. This is because protein is one of the main foundations for building, maintaining, and replacing damaged tissue in the body.
Not only that, protein also plays a role in maintaining a healthy metabolic process and acts as an antibody to maintain the immune system. Interestingly, children's protein needs that are properly fulfilled can replace the role of carbohydrates in producing calories, to provide energy for the body.
Given the important role of protein in the body, it is important for you not only to meet your little one's daily intake. However, also consider the protein needs of children from food and drinks that they consume according to their age level.
Then, how much protein a child needs in a day?
According to the Nutrition Adequacy Figures from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia through the Minister of Health Regulation No. 75 in 2013, the protein needs of children will certainly be different. This depends on gender, age, and daily activities. In general, here are the protein needs that children must meet every day:
- 0-6 months of age: 12 grams (g) per day
- Age 7-11 months: 18 g per day
- 1-3 years old: 26 g per day
- 4-6 years old: 35 g per day
- 7-9 years old: 49 g per day
When the child enters the age of 10 years, the child's protein needs will be differentiated by sex:
Boys
- 10-12 years old: 56 g per day
- Age 13-15 years: 72 g per day
- 16-18 years old: 66 g per day
Girl
- 10-12 years old: 60 g per day
- Age 13-15 years: 69 g per day
- 16-18 years old: 59 g per day
You can make a reference from the Ministry of Health as a range of daily protein intake for your little one. This is because, as previously explained, the protein needs of each child may differ due to age, gender, and even the child's daily activities are not always the same.
There are children who play actively throughout the day or take several lessons, but there are also children who spend more time resting, doing assignments, or drawing. These are some of the things that you should consider in order to adjust the protein intake from children's food and drinks.
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