Animal-Based Foods Essential for Child Health and Development

Nutrient-rich foods Like Meat and Dairy Support Growth and Immunity

Animal-source foods (ASFs) such as meat, dairy, and eggs are essential for children’s growth, development, and immune function. These foods provide bioavailable nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are often lacking in plant-based diets. With rising global concerns about malnutrition and stunting in children, ensuring access to nutrient-rich animal-based foods is crucial for supporting physical and cognitive development.

A recent study from Ethiopia’s Amhara region highlights the importance of ASFs. Despite a large livestock population, only 13.2% of children consumed any ASFs on a given day. Dairy and eggs were the most commonly consumed, while meat, organ meat, and fish were rarely included in diets due to barriers like high costs and limited caregiver awareness. This finding emphasizes that increasing access to ASFs could significantly improve children’s nutrition, especially in resource-constrained settings.

Given the role of ASFs in ensuring optimal child health, caregivers need to understand their nutritional benefits. The study demonstrates that even in regions where livestock is abundant, limited knowledge and high prices hinder adequate consumption of ASFs. Ensuring caregivers are better informed about the essential role of these foods could be key to improving childhood nutrition and reducing malnutrition.

Reference:
Zerfu T, Duncan A, Baltenweck I, McNeill G. Low awareness and affordability are major drivers of low consumption of animal-source foods among children in Northern Ethiopia: A mixed-methods study. Matern Child Nutr. 2024.