BINC

What are the fundamental micronutrients for babies' healthy development?

Micronutrients, often referred to as vitamins and minerals, are crucial for healthy development and disease prevention.
Except for Vitamin D, micronutrients are not produced in the body and must be derived from the diet.

- Zinc promotes immune functions and helps infants resist infectious diseases including diarrhea. Good sources of Zinc are seeds, whole grains, red meat, milk, yoghurt, eggs, legumes (particularly lentils and beans), shellfish and nuts.

- Iron is critical for motor and cognitive development. Children and pregnant women are vulnerable to the consequences of iron deficiency. Recommended sources of iron are spinach, beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, soybeans, red meat, eggs, pumpkin seeds, fortified cereals, dried fruit, turkey, broccoli and fish.

- Vitamin A supports immune system functions. Children with vitamin A deficiency face an increased risk of blindness and are more exposed to infections and diarrhea. Vitamin A can be found in tomatoes, kale, spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, red bell pepper, mango, papaya, apricot, fish oils, milk, eggs, cheese and fortified foods.

- Vitamin D is an important building block to strengthen bones by helping the body absorb calcium. Common sources of vitamin D include salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines, egg yolk, fortified cereals, milk and orange juice,

- Folate (Folic acid) is a form of vitamin B9. In the prenatal period, it is essential for fetal growth and for the healthy development of the brain and spine. Folate is typically found in leafy greens (such as spinach, kale and arugula) asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado, beans, lentils, peas, peanuts, beetroot, sunflower seeds, fresh fruits and juices, whole grains and eggs.

To learn more about babies' nutritional requirements read our newest article: https://binc-geneva.org/en/2021/11/23/what-are-babies-and-toddlers-nutritional-requirements-over-time/
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World Prematurity Day (WPD) takes place every 17th November and is aimed at raising awareness of preterm birth and the struggles it brings upon babies’ and families’ lives worldwide. Every year, around 15 million babies are born preterm accounting for 1 in 10 babies. Very sadly, prematurity is the leading cause of death in children under 5, and WPD is organized to spread the word and increase resources and knowledge to prevent it as well as to educate staff to better support the families affected by it.
Additionally, the global pandemic and the safety measures put in place have caused many parents and babies to be separated. Therefore, this year’s theme is Zero Separation and it emphasizes the importance of babies being with their parents for healthy development.
For more information and to know how you can contribute, please find the link below.
https://www.efcni.org/activities/campaigns/wpd/wpdmaterial/

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