World Health Day 2025observed on April 7th, highlighting the importance of universal access to quality healthcare. This year’s theme, “My Health, My Rights,” emphasizes that everyone who comes from age, gender and income deserves a right to health. It brings attention to global health inequality and the urgent need for stronger health systems, early interventions and preventive care.
From ensuring proper nutrition for early childhood to dealing with mental health and chronic illness, the focus is on creating healthier communities. Nutrition in childhood lays the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. During the first five years, the child’s brain develops rapidly, and proper nutrition will promote this growth. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients will strengthen your immunity, support your body development and boost your cognitive abilities. Malnutrition at this stage can lead to later growth of chronic disease, difficulty learning, and increased risk. Meanwhile, nourished children are more likely to perform better in school, grow into healthier adults, and contribute productively to society. Simply put, early nutrition investments are investing in a stronger, healthier future.
On World Health Day, I spoke to Dr. Mehul Sindha (Consultant – Paediatrics, Sterling Hospitals, Gurukul, Ahmedabad) of TOI Lifestyle about the importance of nutrition in childhood and its long-term role.
What are the scientifically proven benefits exclusively for breastfeeding for the first six months?
Exclusively Breastfeeding There are various scientifically established benefits for mothers and infants during the first six months. For infants, breast milk provides the best diet as it contains all the necessary nutrients needed for growth and development. It also boosts infant immunity and provides a shield against infection. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Nutrients in breast milk contribute to brain development, which supports better cognitive development and is less difficult for babies to digest than formula. Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and antibodies found in breast milk protect your baby from many infections and diseases.
For mothers, breastfeeding minimizes postpartum bleeding by reverting to pre-pregnancy size due to contraction of the uterus. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Additionally, breastfeeding helps in postpartum weight loss as it burns additional calories.
What important nutrients should parents focus on in childhood, and why are they important?
Throughout childhood, parents need to pay attention to the essential nutrients for growth and development. Iron is necessary because it is involved in cognitive growth, immune responses, and transport of oxygen in the blood. Vitamin d It is important as it helps to form healthy bones and teeth by absorbing calcium. Calcium is also important for the formation of healthy teeth and bones. Proteins are important for growth, tissue repair, and muscle building. Carbohydrates provide energy
It is necessary for growth and development. Fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids, are essential for brain development and serve as energy sources. Zinc aids brain and immune function. Vitamin B and B12 are also important to ensure growth, energy, and proper brain and nervous system function.
Can early nutritional deficiencies have a lasting effect on brain development and immunity?
Yes, early malnutrition or defects have long-term effects on brain and immune system development. Such defects result in developmental delays, intellectual impairments, and immunity compromises, which are permanent and extend into adulthood.
What signs should parents look for to detect early malnutrition and malnutrition in their infants?
Parents must pay attention to some tips to detect early malnutrition or defects in infants. One of the most important signs is thinness along with obviously depleted fat reserves. Infants may have thin arms and legs that may also be accompanied by edema and swelling of the face and body. Stunting is another very important sign to look for. Additionally, symptoms such as weakness, fainting, and fatigue may be present. Hypersensitivity is commonly observed in infants experiencing nutritional deficiency.
What role do socioeconomic factors play in early childhood nutrition? And how can you deal with it?
Socioeconomic conditions have a major impact on nutrition in early childhood. Access to nutritious foods, food anxiety, and increased exposure to malnutrition can all affect a child’s physical and intellectual development. Overcoming them requires increased access to healthy foods, financial support for families, and increased education on healthy eating.
What are your views on the growing trend in packaged baby foods? Are they nutritionally reliable?
Packaged baby food is nutritionally sound as it can combat nutritional deficiencies, support healthier diets, and provide convenience and access to busy parents. However, they need to be guaranteed to be quality and safe. Packaged baby foods can be part of a healthy diet, but should be supplemented with whole foods where possible.
What long-term health conditions can be linked to early childhood malnutrition?
Infancy malnutrition can be associated with several long-term health conditions. These include developmental delays and cognitive impairment, which can affect a child’s overall development and learning ability. The compromised immune system is also a problem, with children being vulnerable to infections. Malnutrition also increases the risk of chronic diseases in the late stages, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
World Health Day 2025 reminds us that health is a human right, not a privilege, but always accessible to everyone.
