Medical experts warn against machine-made junk foods, cite dangers for children
Medical experts warn against machine-made junk foods, cite dangers for children
Hyderabad, Nov 23 : Medical experts are advising complete avoidance of machine-made junk food, including chips and chocolates, as they are identified as significant threats to children’s health.
During a discussion on “The Integral Role of Nutrition Intervention in Children’s Overall Health and the Importance of Catch-up Growth,” organized by Abbott on Thursday, Prof. Pedro Alarcon (Pediatric Gastroenterologist based in Chicago, USA), Dr Ganesh Kadhe (Director, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Abbott’s Nutrition business), and Dr D Ramesh (Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology and Head of the DNB Pediatrics Program at Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad) emphasized the critical role of nutrition for children below five years.
They highlighted that nutrition in preschool children is extremely important, as inadequate nutrition during this stage can result in lifelong consequences such as stunted growth, compromised brain development, and lower IQ.
The experts expressed concern over the global issue of child stunting, revealing that among the 150 million stunted children worldwide, 40.9 million are from India.
Commenting on the nutritional status in Telangana, they noted a recent study by NIN and INCRISAT indicating that nearly one-third of children in the state are facing malnutrition, including both underweight and overweight cases, due to the consumption of inappropriate foods.
Dr Ganesh Kadhe emphasized the pivotal role of nutritional intervention in promoting optimal growth and development. He urged parents to focus on a balanced nutritional intake, including macronutrients and micronutrients. Abbott, through initiatives like the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions, aims to address and prevent malnutrition globally.
Prof Pedro Alarcon addressed the issue of stunting and recommended oral nutrition supplements for fussy eaters, emphasizing the importance of understanding the role of nutrition in children’s development. Nutritional supplements can bridge gaps or enhance the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals from regular food consumption.
Dr D Ramesh stressed the need for a balanced diet, including vegetables, fruits, protein, dairy, and cereals, to ensure children receive the necessary nutrients for healthy holistic growth.
