Yogurt is a nutritious food that many parents include in their child’s daily diet. Yogurt is believed to be very beneficial for children's health, especially their digestive system; however, whether children eating a lot of yogurt is good or if it causes any unusual disorders is still a matter that requires attention.
1. Benefits of yogurt
Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious food for almost everyone, especially children. Yogurt is good for the digestive system and immune system of children, specifically as follows:
- Provides calcium for children:
Yogurt is rich in calcium, which strengthens bones and supports children’s growth. Additionally, there are other essential minerals and vitamins in yogurt, such as potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. - Provides beneficial bacteria:
Yogurt is rich in beneficial bacteria for children's digestive system; by consuming yogurt, the digestive system gets supplemented with these good bacteria, helping to prevent gastrointestinal disorders. - Supplies a large amount of protein:
Protein is extremely important and needs to be provided to the body daily. Eating yogurt every day supplies a large amount of protein, providing energy for the child’s daily activities. - Helps to control the child's weight:
The rate of obesity in children is increasingly rising due to improper nutrition and exercise, so adding yogurt to children’s diets is considered a way to keep them feeling full, providing enough energy for activities without excessive snacks high in fat, which can lead to overweight.
2. Is eating a lot of yogurt good for children?
Although yogurt is beneficial for health, it should be given to children at the right age and the quantity should vary according to age. Parents should introduce yogurt to children starting at 6 months old, with whole milk yogurt being the preferred choice as it contains good fats for the child's body. For children aged 6 to 10 months, 50g of yogurt per day is recommended, increasing to 80g per day for infants, and around 100g per day for children over 2 years old.
Parents should give children the right amount of yogurt and avoid overfeeding to prevent digestive issues. Eating too much yogurt can increase stomach acid, overstimulate digestion, and cause appetite loss.
Currently, there are many types of yogurt on the market, so choosing safe, nutritious, and hygienic yogurt should be a priority. Additionally, yogurt should be consumed after meals because the beneficial bacteria can only thrive in an environment with a pH of around 5.4 or higher. After children consume yogurt, parents should help them rinse their mouths because although the beneficial bacteria in yogurt are good for children’s intestines, they can harm tooth enamel.
Yogurt should be eaten cold because heat can destroy its beneficial bacteria. If the child is undergoing treatment with antibiotics or medications containing sulfa, yogurt should not be given during this time, as these medicines will kill the bacteria, preventing them from functioning.
Yogurt is one of the very good nutritional supplements for children, particularly for their bone health and digestive system. However, parents should ensure that children consume it in moderation to avoid excess, which can lead to some internal reactions in the body.
To keep children healthy and developing well, a balanced and adequate diet is necessary. If children do not receive sufficient and balanced nutrients, it can lead to deficiencies or excesses adversely affecting their physical, mental, and motor development.
Improper eating can put children at risk of lacking trace minerals, leading to poor appetite, slow growth, and malabsorption. If parents notice these signs, they should supplement their children with products containing lysine and essential trace minerals and vitamins, such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins, to meet their nutritional needs. Additionally, these essential vitamins help with digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and improve appetite, helping children to eat better.
Parents can learn more about:
- Signs that a child lacks zinc
- Nutritional deficiencies and failure to gain weight in children
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