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One in four South African Children have stunted growth. Undernutrition affects our children physical growth, cognitive development and ability to learn.
A child that is not getting enough nutrition can only survive and not thrive, play or learn easily.
Dr Lelo Latakgomo, founder and lead medical practitioner of Dr Concierge, spoke to Express about the importance nutrition plays in children’s physical growth, cognitive development and brain development.
1. What is nutrition and how important is it during early childhood?
Dr Lelo: Nutrition is the process by which we take in and utilise food in the body to grow and sustain life. Optimal nutrition is required throughout, however, it is particularly more important in early childhood to support growth and development for the child to meet their to full potential.
2. Where do children get nutrition from?
Dr Lelo: Depending on their age/stage of life, children get their nutrients from breastmilk or formula from birth and as they grow from the food they eat.
3. How affordable and accessible is nutritious food?
Dr Lelo: Nutritious food does not have to be expensive or inaccessible. Unfortunately food security remains an issue in South Africa for many families. However, a balanced diet must contain all the micro and macronutrients - water, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals and carbohydrates.
4. Is early childhood nutrition information easily accessible to parents?
Dr Lelo: Yes, it is and can be from
- Healthcare professionals - our primary healthcare facilities and practitioners, paediatricians and dietitians
- Online resources e.g., WHO, Unicef websites and South African Food-Based Dietary guidelines
- Initiatives such as the Nido 3 plus Master Classes - the last one is 30 July 2022 on Facebook live at noon
5. So what happens when children don't get that needed nutrition? And how will that affect their growth and development?
Dr Lelo: Undernutrition is a very serious problem that it is directly linked to suboptimal physical and neurocognitive development in children.
A child who is not getting enough nutrition can only survive . . . and not thrive, play or learn easily. The physical impact on the child that is undernourished will be wasting (low weight for height), stunting (low height for age), undernutrition (low weight for age as well as micronutrient deficiencies).
Eating a well-balanced diet that contains the optimal amount of energy, balancing the key macronutrients – proteins, carbohydrates and fats and essential micronutrients – means that we are able to avoid these consequences of the child’s body.
Neurocognitively, the growing human brain requires all the essential macro and micronutrients, minerals and water to form and maintain its structure, hence optimal nutrition is essential for brain development and cognitive function in children. And remember during the pre-school years, children acquire important skills that contribute to school readines. Children who do not receive adequate nutrition and psychosocial stimulation are likely to underperform in school and have poor levels of cognition and education.
6. What advice can you give to parents to promote healthy eating habits in their children from an early age?
Firstly, as parents we model the correct behaviours. Our children copy and learn from us first, so if we are doing the correct things, they will pick it up from us. Secondly, involve them in the process of preparing their meals and feeding themselves as soon as possible.
Also from an early age we can start to offer them healthy foods, the more colourful and whole/unprocessed, the better. Avoid added sugars, salts and fats.
About Dr Lelo
She holds a medical degree from the University of Cape Town.
She is an experienced family physician who is passionate about all things related to primary health, preventative care and optimisation of health for the whole family – from children to grandparents.
Dr Lelo is also mom to 3-year-old boy Enzokuhle and 1-year-old girl Zobuhle, who keep her busy and on her feet and excited about life.
