Even though caloric needs diminish during this time, protein requirements, though less, remain higher than for other age groups.
Vitamin and mineral requirements particularly calcium, phosphorous, and iron (essential for bone and muscle growth) increase slightly.
This can create concern since the eating patterns and behaviors often consist of food fads and decreased food intake.
Measures should be taken to help reduce the amount of fat in the toddler’s diet by providing lowfat meats and limiting foods that are high in salt and other additives.
It is also important to advise parents to offer nutritious foods during mealtimes as well as for snacks.
This issue is especially important with the explosion of data related to childhood obesity and the link to health concerns such as diabetes and hypertension (see Research Highlight).
Toddlerhood is an opportune time to develop healthy eating habits as well as including daily physical activities (Refer to Figure 9-5).