Constipation complaints are common in children. Usually this is related to the needs of fiber that is less in children. In fact, fiber is very important to expedite the digestive system.
Journal of Nutrition and Food in March 2014 explained, children only consume half of the recommended fiber portion in accordance with his age. This of course needs to be a reminder for parents.
Fiber is not only important for digestion. Fiber can also help blood sugar levels remain stable so that children will be more focused in school. Then, how much daily fiber requirement for a child?
The following daily fiber needs based on nutritional recommendations:
- Children aged 1-3 years need fiber intake as much as 19 grams per day.
- Children aged 4-8 years require fiber intake as much as 25 grams per day.
- Boys aged 9-13 years need fiber intake as much as 31 grams per day.
- Girls aged 9-13 years need fiber intake as much as 26 grams per day.
- Boys aged 14-19 years need 38 grams of fiber intake per day.
- Girls aged 14-19 years need fiber intake as much as 26 grams per day.
In the daily diet fiber found in two forms, namely water soluble fiber and fiber that is not soluble in water. Soluble fiber in water can be obtained from vegetables and fruits. Meanwhile, insoluble fiber in water can be obtained from fruits without peeled skin, nuts, and tubers.
To meet the needs of fiber in children, you can start the introduction of fruits and vegetables early and gradually. Combine these vegetables and fruits with carbohydrates, protein, or fat. You can also process fiber into soups, vegetable noodles, smoothies, and so on for better taste for the child's tongue.
source: klikdokter.com
