Is your kid unhappy because they are shorter or smaller than others in their age group? It is common for children to compare themselves to others, especially when it comes to physical characteristics.
However, it is important to understand that the pace of growth can vary greatly from child to child and is largely determined by genetics that determines approximately 80% of an individual's height1.
While some children may not develop as quickly, it simply means that they grow at a slower pace. As a parent, you can help your kid grow healthy and strong by providing them with a healthy and balanced diet and encouraging them to be active. In addition, you can consider adding formula milk for catch-up growth to their diet too.
Here are some tips for parents to support their kid's healthy growth!
Tips to help your kid catch-up on growth
-
Provide a balanced and nutritious diet
Good nourishment is very important in supporting the health, growth & development of children. Hence, it is important for parents to provide a balanced meal2 comprising of foods from different food groups to ensure it provides adequate levels of protein, fat and carbohydrate as well as vitamins and minerals for this purpose.
It's crucial to understand that while a nutritious diet supports the growth of children, certain food and beverages that are high in sugar such as sweets and carbonated drinks should be limited in your kid’s daily meals. Key nutrients that are important for growth are protein, vitamin A, zinc and iron. Some of the examples of nutritious food that are packed with growth nutrients include:
Berries
Strawberries and blueberries contain high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which help safeguard and enhance the immune system by protecting healthy cells from damage. It also makes a great snack for your kids to munch while helping them grow3.
Meat
Who doesn’t like meat? Turns out, eating meat can actually make your kid grow. Meat is a good source of protein that aids in building strong muscles and bones and also iron which is important to carry oxygen in the body.
Bright color fruits and vegetables
Carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and papayas are a few examples that are rich in beta carotene and other carotenoids which are transformed into active Vitamin A within the body. Vitamin A is essential for your kids to grow taller. So what are you waiting for? Let your kids try some of these fruits and vegetables!
-
Encourage physical activity and exercise
Make them move whenever you can. Exercising can actually help children grow taller4 as it focuses on the movement that can help increase muscle & bone strength and flexibility, which can all contribute to improved height.
Additionally, engaging in physical activity can also improve cardiovascular health, boost self-esteem, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. To encourage physical activity and exercise in kids, parents and guardians can:
- Encourage outdoor play such as playing sports or go jogging together. These types of activities are not only fun, but they can also create a positive bond with the whole family.
- Show good examples to their children by participating in physical activity. You will lead by example, and encourage your children to be active as well.
- Less screen time for children. Excessive screen time can make it difficult for children to concentrate and engage in other activities. By limiting screen time, children can participate in more physical activities that don't involve screens.
-
Sleep is important
Do not underestimate the importance of sleep in helping children grow and develop healthily. During sleep, a growth hormone (Human Growth Hormone or HGH)5 in children is released, which is essential for growth and development in children. It is responsible for regulating the body's growth and metabolism. HGH is released during sleep, which is why it's important for children to get enough sleep to support their growth and development.
Not getting enough sleep regularly can impact the release of HGH and negatively affect a child's growth. Moreover, lack of sleep can also lead to other health issues like decreased cognitive function6 such as poorer memory & reduced concentration, decreased mood, and decreased athletic performance. Therefore, it's important for children to establish a consistent sleep routine and get adequate sleep to support their overall health and growth.
-
Get regular check ups
Getting regular check-ups is important to ensure that your kid is growing and developing appropriately. During check-ups, a doctor will monitor your kid's height, weight, and other key indicators of growth and development. This information can help identify any potential growth-related issues and allow for early intervention if necessary.
Additionally, regular check-ups7 are also an opportunity for your doctor to monitor overall health and provide recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical activity, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep. Regular check-ups can provide peace of mind and help ensure that your kid is growing and developing to their full potential.
- Try catch-up growth formula to boost growth
Supplementing a kid's diet with catch-up growth formula like ASCENDA™8 can further support their growth. ASCENDA™ is recommended as a nutritional supplement for children who have growth concerns or insufficient dietary intake, while a balanced diet is being established.
ASCENDA™ is a high-energy, nutrient dense formula at 1kcal/ml and scientifically formulated to support the increase of height and weight. It meets 100% of the recommended daily requirement of iron & zinc*.
Now with New Look and Better Taste**
*According to Malaysia Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI) (2017) (in 2 servings), age 1-7 years
**vs previous formula
ASCENDA™ also contains key important nutrients including Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin A & Protein to support growth and development. You can help support your kid's growth and ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal development.
It's important to always consult with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your kid's diet or supplement regimen.
Choose ASCENDA™ today to help your little one catch-up on growth!
References:
1 Medline Plus. Is height determined by genetics? medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/height
2 Mayo Clinic. Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet.vwww.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/nutrition-for-kids/art-20049335#:~:text=Choose%20seafood%2C%20lean%20meat%20and,packed%20in%20its%20own%20juice
3 Health Xchange. 10 Foods for the Growing Child www.healthxchange.sg/children/food-nutrition/healthy-food-growing-children
4 Natalie Silver (2022). How to Increase Your Height: Is There Anything I Can Do? www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-height
5 Cleveland Clinic (2022). Human Growth Hormone (hGH). my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23309-human-growth-hormone-hgh#:~:text=Human%20growth%20hormone%2C%20also%20known,your%20body%20still%20needs%20hGH
6 Better Health Channel. Sleep deprivation www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sleep-deprivation
7 Children’s Medical Center (2021). Benefits of Getting Regular Checkup. www.toplinemd.com/childrens-medical-center-south-florida/regular-checkups-benefits/
8 Product information about ASCENDA™ on website. https://www.wyethnutrition.com.my/brands/wn/ascenda