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Singapore children are not eating right
Singapore children not eating rightBy Ng Kheng Wei - Apr 12, 2007 Mother knows best. Or does she? A recent survey on children's nutrition has revealed that more than half of mothers are unsure of what makes a balanced meal for their children. This is despite 75.2 per cent of the 214 mothers surveyed saying they believe that their children's diets are complete and well-balanced. The survey, carried out by Abbott Nutrition, suggests a disconnect between the mother's confidence levels and what they are doing to ensure their children are eating right. Almost half of the mothers do not include vegetables into their children's meals, while only 39 per cent of them add fruits into the diet. And surprisingly, most of them (97 per cent) do not mind their children eating snacks and oily food. Dr. Terence Tan, Consultant Paediatrician at Mount Alvernia Hospital, said: "The survey findings suggest that many mothers may not be aware of the proper measures to ensure their growing kids are getting the nutrients, vitamins and minerals essential for optimal growth and cognitive development." "In addition, the findings suggest some mothers are not in control or monitoring their kids' diets and may also tend to accommodate their children's unhealthy eating habits just to ensure that they take their meals." The survey also revealed that more than 70 per cent of the mothers do not supervise what their children eat. Out of 88 mothers who felt that their kids were picky eaters, a quarter of them give in and allow their kids to eat as they please. Only 5.7 per cent will try to provide supplements to ensure that their children get a nutritional diet. An incomplete diet will affect the growth of children, who will also suffer from a shortage of vital nutrients that contribute to mental and physical development. According to the Health Promotion Board (HPB), the body requires 40-60 different nutrients to maintain health and well-being. A complete and balanced meal provides a balanced amount of carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals. "It is important for parents to ensure their children get a complete and balanced diet. Mothers should be aware of a growing child's nutritional requirements, and make an effort to manage their children's meals to provide the necessary components," said Dr. Benny Kerzner, Professor of Paediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine. Dr Kerzer added that supplements "should not displace a balanced diet and normal eating behavior," but are viable alternatives which parents should consider in their children getting the essential vitamins and nutrients which maximise development potential. Abbot Nutrition develops and markets a wide range of science-based infant formulas, medical nutritionals, nutrition and energy bars and related products to support the growth, health and wellness of people of all ages. Here's a well-balanced dietitian-prepared sample menu for three to six year olds: Breakfast 1 slice of wholegrain bread1 tsp of peanut butter or jam or 1/2 scrambled or boiled egg 1 glass of Milk Mid-morning snack 1 wholemeal biscuitLunch 1/2 to 3/4 bowl of macaroni or porridge4 prawns or minced meat balls 2 spoonfuls green leafy vegetable 1 small banana or apple 1 glass of plain water Mid-afternoon snack 1 small sandwich or 2 crackersDinner 1/2 to 3/4 bowl soft rice1/2 bowl of green leafy vegetable soup 2 spoonfuls chicken, meat or fish 1/2 slice of papaya 1 glass of plain water Bedtime 1 glass of MilkFor more information on PediaSure Complete, please click here. If you’re trying Abbott products for the first time, click here for a free sample. . . . . . .
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