The Role of Nutrition in Children's Growth and Development at Early Age: Systematic Review
Joaquim Pinto
Abstract
Background: Nutrition is an important part of health and development.Better nutrition is linked to improving the health of babies, children and mothers as well as improving the immune system during safer pregnancy and childbirth, without reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases.The results of the Timor Leste Demographic Health Survey show the infant mortality rate decreased by 1.2 per 1,000 live births (-2.71%) from the previous year.As a result, the infant mortality rate in Timor-Leste reached its lowest figure in 2021 with 43.1 deaths per 1,000 live births.Providing adequate nutrition food for child, they will grow up to be a strong, healthy child who will have perfect brain development so that the child will become intelligent.The function of nutrition for babies and toddlers is so important, so it is necessary to fulfill the nutritional needs of babies and toddlers according to their age Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the role of nutrition for the growth and development of children at an early age. Methods:The method used is reading various articles that are related to the title and carrying out an in-depth synthesis according to reality.Result: Nutrition plays an important role in the growth and development of children because nutrition has important components needed by the body in the process of physical growth and development, systems nerves, the brain as well as the refinement of the intellectual level and intelligence.Fulfilling nutritional needs is the main factor in achieving growth and development results in accordance with genetic potential.Growth is any change in the body that is associated with increasing physical and structural body sizes.Meanwhile, development is increasing ability in the structure and function of the child's body which is more complex.Growth and development is influenced by environmental, family nutritional factors, hereditary factors, and hormonal factors. Conclusion:Nutrition plays an important factor in the growth and development of children which is influenced by factors family nutrition, environment, hereditary factors, and hormonal factors.