Tuberculosis is a growing concern regarding public health. Experts recommends few nutrients and why these should be added in diet for children suffering with TB.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a powerful foe in public health, particularly among our most vulnerable populations—children. While medical measures such as vaccination and infection control are critical, we frequently ignore a silent protector – a balanced diet. A well-nourished body is a fortress, with critical nutrients boosting the immune system to combat tuberculosis bacteria. Speaking with India.com, Dr. Brundavani, Consultant – Nutritionist, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Hyderabad enlisted nutrients to add in your kids’ diet.
Importance of Balanced Diet for Kids with TB
Providing children with a well-balanced diet is critical to preventing TB. A variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients required for a healthy immune system. The amount of protein infants and children need varies depending on their age.
Babies from 0 to 6 months old require around 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram (kg) of their ideal body weight each day. This amount increases to 3 grams of protein per kg of ideal body weight daily for babies aged 7 to 12 months. Toddlers (1 to 3 years old) need slightly more protein, ranging from 3 to 4 grams of protein per kg of ideal body weight each day. Children between 4 and 13 years old require approximately 1.5 grams of protein per kg of ideal body weight every day.
Nutrients For Kids
- Proteins: Protein is the fundamental building block of life, necessary for tissue growth, repair and healthy muscles. It is critical to ensure that children get enough protein from foods such as chicken, fish, eggs, lentils, nut butter, dairy, tofu, etc.
- Healthy Fats: Foods like Avocados, dry fruits, seeds, and olive oil also include healthy fats, which give energy and vital fatty acids necessary for a healthy immune response.
- Vitamin D Vitamin D, called the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ is essential for immunological function. Encouraging youngsters to bask in the early morning sun and incorporating vitamin D-rich foods like fortified milk, salmon, and eggs into their diet will significantly boost their body’s ability to fight against tuberculosis.
- Vitamin C Vitamin C is well-known for its antioxidant qualities, which protect cells from harm and increase the body’s resilience to infection. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli are good sources of this strong vitamin and should be included in children’s diets. It is recorded that Scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, killed as many as 2 million sailors between the 16th and 18th centuries. So, vitamin C is essential in preventing TB and also different life-threatening diseases like scurvy.
- Zinc & Probiotics: Zinc is essential for keeping your immune system healthy. Zinc-rich foods, such as lean meats, nuts, and whole grains, should be included in children’s meals regularly to ensure they obtain this crucial mineral to combat tuberculosis.
Probiotics, or ‘good’ bacteria, are essential for gut health, which is strongly linked to general immunity. Including milk, curd and fermented foods in children’s diets can help maintain a healthy gut, giving an extra layer of protection against tuberculosis.
To effectively prevent tuberculosis in children, a comprehensive strategy is essential. This includes equipping them with a nutritious diet to strengthen their immune system, instilling good hygiene practices, ensuring proper ventilation in living areas, and adhering to the recommended vaccination schedule. Together, these measures form a robust defense against TB, promoting the health and well-being of our youth.