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Dietary fat and children
Children and fat-free diets; Fat-free diet and children
Information
Some fat in the diet is needed for normal growth and development. However, many conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are linked to eating too much fat or eating the wrong types of fat.
Children over age of 2 should be offered low-fat and nonfat foods.
Fat should NOT be restricted in babies under age 1.
- In children ages 1 and 3 years old, fat calories should make up 30 to 40 % of total calories.
- In children age 4 and older, fat calories should make up 25 to 35% of total calories.
Most fat should come from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These include fats found in fish, nuts, and vegetable oils. Limit foods with saturated and trans fats (such as meats, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods).
Fruits and vegetables are healthy snack foods.
Children should be taught healthy eating habits early, so they may continue them throughout life.
References
Ashworth A. Nutrition, food security, and health. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 46.
Parks EP, Maqbool A, Shaikhkhalil A, Groleau V, Dougherty KA, Stallings VA. Nutritional requirements. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 44.
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Children's diets - illustration
Children require a wide variety of foods in their diet so that they can acquire all of the nutrients needed to grow healthy and strong. One important element in the diet of children is the proper amount of fat. Children under two years of age should not be on a fat-restricted diet, because cholesterol and fat are thought to be important nutrients for brain development. Children over two can have lower fat foods added to their diets. Fat in the diet is necessary to help absorb some of the vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
Children's diets
illustration
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Children's diets - illustration
Children require a wide variety of foods in their diet so that they can acquire all of the nutrients needed to grow healthy and strong. One important element in the diet of children is the proper amount of fat. Children under two years of age should not be on a fat-restricted diet, because cholesterol and fat are thought to be important nutrients for brain development. Children over two can have lower fat foods added to their diets. Fat in the diet is necessary to help absorb some of the vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
Children's diets
illustration
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Weight control and diet
(In-Depth)
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Obesity
(Alt. Medicine)
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Omega-3 fatty acids
(Alt. Medicine)
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Hypercholesterolemia
(Alt. Medicine)
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Heart-healthy diet
(In-Depth)
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Fiber
(Alt. Medicine)
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Vitamins
(In-Depth)
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Flaxseed
(Alt. Medicine)
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Diabetes diet
(In-Depth)
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Epilepsy
(In-Depth)
Review Date: 8/14/2015
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
