A child’s nutrition not only supports overall health, vitality and performance, but is the foundation for healthy development. Areas such as cognition, bone health and immunity are greatly impacted during years of development and growth. It’s critical to ensure children receive adequate intake of key nutrients to promote both short- and long-term health.

During infant months and the early years that follow, children are rapidly developing, growing and learning. These are critical years when nutrition will set the stage for many areas of health such as cognitive health, immunity and bone health.

Nutrients to support cognitive health are essential during these stages of development; omega-3 fatty acids—specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—choline, iron and lutein are among a list of natural compounds to support the growing brain.

As infants and toddlers grow to elementary ages and then into adolescence, their bodies experience changes such as rapid height growth, hormonal development, muscle development and continued cognitive advancements, as they continue to develop language, social and relationship skills. Nutrients of importance during these ages support healthy bones and muscles, as well as cognitive development.

For a closer look at nutrition to support children through the various stages of development, download INSIDER’s Age-Related Nutrition Digital Magazine.