We know the importance of caring about children’s nutrition when it comes to food flavors and aromas. Proper infant nutrition, environmental, social, and hygienic stimuli impact the holistic development of children. Therefore, everything that is experienced in this period can affect future health.

For this reason, concern for this phase has aroused the interest of society, governments, and the industry – which support and promote actions aimed at this age group. Check out the main guidelines for fulfilling children’s nutrition needs from the taste of food.

The key nutrients for children

It is well-known that childhood nutrition is different for the adult population because the body is growing and developing. Thus, infant nutrition should be composed mainly of macronutrients: proteins, polyunsaturated fats and fibers; and micronutrients such as calcium, vitamins A, complex B, D, iron and zinc. The functions of these nutrients are mainly: 

> PROTEINS: formation of muscles and tissues.

> POLYUNSATURATED FATS: neuromotor and cognitive development.

> FIBERS: important for intestinal functioning and the formation of a healthy and diverse microbiota. 

> VITAMIN D: maintains balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, which are important for growth, bone and tissue formation and the functioning of the immune system. In addition, it assists in metabolic functions. 

> VITAMIN A: has an important function for vision, skin integrity, mucous membranes, keratin formation and tooth enamel. It also contributes to the efficiency of the body’s defense mechanisms. 

> IRON: essential component of hemoglobin in oxygen transport, extremely important for brain and cognitive development.

> ZINC: participates assisting the immune system and acts in cell division, important for the growth and development of the body. It also plays an important role in the maturation of the reproductive system and in the restoration of the skin in wounds and cuts.

> CALCIUM: a key element for bone health, from formation to maintenance of skeletal structure and stiffness. It also participates in the process of muscle contraction.

Another important aspect is the sensory issue.

This characteristic is still formed in the uterus and built in the first years, when the introduction of food occurs. In infant nutrition, during the first two years, the recommendation is not to expose the child to sugar, because at this age they need 40% more sucrose to detect the sweet taste – and this may lead the child to prefer palates more concentrated in sweetness.

Speaking of food introduction in infant nutrition, we need to highlight the first food that humans experience: breast milk.

Considered dynamic and nutritionally complex, it is deeply studied for bringing numerous health benefits, being indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) until the age of two and exclusively until the age of six months.

Thus, through technological advances, the industry has been able to mimic these substances, for example, the oligosaccharides in breast milk, which are molecules not digested by the body and help in the immune and gastrointestinal system. And the most recent, the 2’FL (2’fucosylactose) that is already available and has been used in infant formulations.

Market Trends

Looking at the market, the three main “claims” trends that attract parents when it comes to infant nutrition are: 

1) addition of vitamins and minerals; 

2) inclusion of fruits and vegetables;  

3) protein diversification. 

Among the nutrient fortification, the launches of children’s products are mainly focused on vitamin C, D and calcium. In addition, interest in products that favor the immune system has also increased. According to data from Mintel’s trend report, 85% of parents are attracted to food with this appeal and, in this way, products rich in vitamins and minerals have been gaining prominence. 

Thus, the inclusion of fruits and vegetables is another factor that gains relevance in this niche, in order to increase the daily intake “in natura” consumed by children. 

So, another market that begins to direct its gaze to the children’s audience is the plant-based one. With products containing vegetable protein sources, such as peas and oats, it aims to increase plant-based food and has also been occupying space in the diet of the little ones. 

Check out some releases:

In summary, a special look should be directed to finding solutions that meet children’s needs, both to meet nutrient needs and those of the palate.

Therefore, when it comes to product development, nutritional deficiencies according to age group, eating habits, flavor and aroma frequently consumed are factors that should be considered, aligned with innovative ingredients and that add health benefits.

Proper nutrition since childhood makes all the difference in children’s physical and intellectual development. Therefore, society, in general, has paid even more attention to the food and beverages offered to children.

This week the blog of Duas Rodas brings a complete article explaining and exemplifying the different possibilities for the development of food for babies and children.