DUBAI — The first meal of the day is a recommended solution to combat anaemia among children in the UAE.
Evidence by Nestle, a nutrition, health and wellness products provider, suggests breakfast is packed with a host of advantages for a healthy living and improved memory for children.
“Breakfast is crucial because it helps refuel the body and brain with energy and nutrients needed to kick-start the day. Kids need vitamins and minerals in their daily diet for overall healthy growth,” said Sarah Richards, Switzerland-based nutritional expert at Nestle during a presentation in Dubai on Monday.
A study done in the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Al Ain revealed that 36.1 per cent of children coming to the centre have anaemia.
“Iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder worldwide that can lead to anaemia which can negatively affect children’s cognitive and physical development. In the Middle East, irrespective of the family economic status and income, anaemia affects up to 45 per cent of the children and may be accompanied by folate and Vitamin B12 deficiencies,” added Dubai-based Nestle nutritionist Karine Antoniades.
Highlighting the importance of a healthy breakfast, Sarah stated that frequent eaters of cereals for breakfast have better vitamin and mineral intakes. “These individuals are more likely to meet their recommended levels of nutrients in the day. While the energy required by a person can be achieved by other meals in the day, but the micronutrients attained during the first meal in the morning cannot.”
A yearlong study by Nestle on schoolchildren, which used actual servings of breakfast cereal, demonstrated a better, sustained attention and memory in children as opposed to those who skipped breakfast or just had a glucose drink.
“A healthy breakfast refers to a balance of food groups.” Healthy breakfast options include cereal with skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurt with cereals and a fruit. “Kids who eat breakfast are generally less likely to indulge in high-calorie, low nutrition, junk food snacks later in the day. They also have healthier weights,” stated Wafaa Helmi Ayesh, Head of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Department at Rashid Hospital, Dubai.
However, the growing concern revolves around cereals for children that come in different flavours, thus reducing their nutrient value. “Healthy cereals give a little variety to children but are not high in sugar levels. The whole grain balances out the sugar content and provides more of a sustained energy release rather than hyperactivity. A bowl of 30gm of cereal with 150ml of low-fat milk is the ample daily requirement. Start with breakfast for a day of high energy,” concluded Sarah.
afshan@khaleejtimes.com