Question
An 8-year-old boy has a picky eating problem, consumes little food, has poor spleen and stomach function, and has poor calcium absorption. The boy often catches colds and has a fever, has a weak physique, and is not focused on learning, resulting in poor academic performance. How should one arrange the three meals of the day through dietary supplementation to promote the child’s healthy growth?
Answer
To promote the growth in height and weight of a child, essential nutrients include protein, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, minerals magnesium and zinc. Protein is an important substance for muscle formation and repair, while calcium is the raw material for bone formation, helping to enhance bone density and promote growth. Drinking two cups of milk daily is a good way to accumulate bone mass for the child. Picky eating should be avoided to ensure that the child receives a balanced diet.