Picky Eaters, Healthy Kids: What Parents Can Do To Ensure Kids Get Enough Nutrients

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting children’s physical development, cognitive progress, and a strong immune system. However, children in Malaysia are still lacking the necessary nutrients from food alone.

According to Malaysia’s 2024 Health Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), 1 in 2 children eat fewer than five out of the recommended ten food groups daily.

Fortunately, a recent SPROUT study – the first-of-its-kind conducted in the Asia Pacific region- showed that oral nutritional supplements alongside dietary counselling can help children meet their nutritional needs.

The study evaluated 330 children aged 2 to 5 years who were undernourished or at-risk, all below a healthy height for age.

Over eight months, children who had oral nutritional supplements and dietary counselling showed 50% greater gain in lean mass, 37% fewer sick days compared to those who only received dietary counselling, and up to two times height improvement. These children also showed better appetite and higher energy levels.

To find out how parents can ensure their children are meeting nutritional goals, we spoke with Dr Nina Mazera Mohd Said, Abbott’s Nutrition Medical Director in Malaysia, who has also provided some practical guidance for parents.

One of the challenges parents face are picky eaters. Dr Nina said it’s important for parents to nurture healthy eating habits in their children, especially during the early childhood years (the first five years). Children learn by observing and copying what their parents do so it’s important for parents to model healthy eating too.

Once the child learns to chew and bite, Dr Nina recommends adding one new fruit or vegetable at a time. For picky eaters, snack time is a great time to explore new textures and flavours together. The key to smart snacking is serving nutrient-dense options that complement main meals.

Parents can further engage with their children by making the process fun and positive. They can do this by showing curiosity about food, trying new flavours together, and teaching their children about the food on their plates. It helps if parents remain patient, offer a variety of healthy foods, and set regular meal routines so children approach meal times on a more positive and enjoyable note.

How can parents monitor whether their children is eating enough food and getting enough nutrients?

The 2024 survey also showed that Malaysian children are not consuming enough portions of fruits and vegetables to get the necessary nutrients for healthy growth, strong bones, and brain development.

Without proper intake of nutrients, children are at risk of immune deficiencies, compromised cognitive function, behavioural problems, poor bone health, and decreased muscle mass, especially under prolonged undernutrition.

To ensure children are eating enough nutritional food, Dr Nina recommends the Malaysian Healthy Plate (Suku Suku Separuh/Quarter Quarter Half) concept. The Malaysian Healthy Plate is a single-meal intake guide of a healthy and balanced diet developed by the Ministry of Health Malaysia for both children and adults.

The Malaysian Healthy Plate ‘’measurements’’ are as follows:

For children who have trouble getting the necessary nutrients through food sources alone, parents can look into supplementing meals with nutritional supplements.

When choosing nutritional supplements, Dr Nina recommends getting those that provide quality calories and nutrients that are proven to support growth such as:

If the child consistently avoids certain food groups like proteins and vegetables, parents may want to consider to consult a paediatrician or nutritionist. Small nutrition gaps can add up over time so getting professional guidance can help ensure the child’s growth is on track.

Are nuggets and fries truly that bad? Early this year, there were reports that a primary school student allegedly permanently lost her vision after only eating chicken nuggets, sausages, and biscuits since infancy.

Here are the facts: Fried foods like nuggets and fries are high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. They’re also low in essential nutrients that support healthy growth. While they’re mega tasty, fried food should be eaten in moderation. Families are more likely to maintain healthy eating habits when they follow a balanced diet which has a combination of food they love and other nutritional options.

Taking care of a child’s health and wellbeing go beyond nutrition; it includes physical activity and movement. To help children grow holistically, parents should encourage active play as well.

In short, a healthy diet following the Malaysian Healthy Plate helps to ensure children are getting the necessary nutrients. Additionally, oral nutritional supplements can help fill nutritional gaps; providing a balanced nutrition that supports growth, development, and overall health.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.

...