Child Health & Nutrition

Child Health & Nutrition is essential for supporting healthy growth, cognitive development, and long-term well-being. Along with balanced nutrition, the developing child microbiome plays a crucial role in shaping immunity, digestion, metabolism, and overall health from early life into adolescence. Understanding how nutrients and microbiome exposure interact helps build a strong foundation for child growth and development.

A nutritious diet provides the macronutrients and micronutrients children need for physical and cognitive advancement. Proteins, calcium, iron, iodine, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fibre are central to bone health, brain development, and metabolic regulation. At the same time, dietary diversity and fibre-rich foods support microbiome diversity—an important indicator of digestive and immune resilience.

Common nutritional challenges include selective eating, high consumption of processed foods, insufficient fibre, and limited exposure to fruits and vegetables. These habits not only affect nutrient intake but can also influence the balance of beneficial gut bacteria. Encouraging a wide range of whole foods, including plant-based sources, helps nourish the microbiome and contributes to healthier developmental outcomes.

A balanced meal for children typically includes whole grains, lean proteins, colourful vegetables and fruits, and calcium-rich dairy or fortified alternatives. Foods containing natural prebiotics and probiotics—such as yogurt, kefir, bananas, oats, and legumes—can further support microbiome development. Establishing consistent routines and offering diverse foods helps children adopt lifelong healthy eating patterns.

Here we provides accessible, evidence-informed guidance on how nutrition and the microbiome work together to support child growth and development.