Being a mom is one of the many challenges of a woman especially when it comes to our children's eating habits. Because their feeding behavior can affect their optimal growth, development and immunity.
Studies show that 6 out of 10 mothers report
that their children have feeding difficulties.
And those feeding difficulties in young children are often overlooked and therefore remain
under-diagnosed. We, parents often misdiagnose the problem and simply
pass it off as picky eating and / or fussy eating.
Feeding
Difficulties is more than just a phase:
Feeding difficulties effect may last up to 11 years of a child’s life and children with severe and
prolonged feeding difficulties may experience impaired growth and low nutrient
intake which result in physical and cognitive problems if not reversed.
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| Dr. Rita Paz Rowena A. De Guzman |
"Feeding
difficulties can be severe enough to impact on growth and nutrient intake, so
it is important not only to address the eating behavior but also to provide
adequate calories and nutrients to children as part of their management,"
said Dr. Rita Paz Rowena A. De Guzman, Fellow and Board Member, Philippine
Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
The most common
nutrients lacking in a child with feeding difficulties include Vitamin A,
Vitamin D, Iron and Zinc. In order for a child to reach their optimum growth
potential they require these essential nutrients as well as adequate calories.
Feeding difficulties can have potential risks like Impaired growth, compromised Immune System and lower development scores.
