The recommended daily intake for some of the dietary minerals for children 1-3 years

The recommended daily intake for some of the dietary minerals for children 1-3 years

Recommended Daily Intake of Dietary Minerals for Children Aged 1-3 Years

During the ages of 1 to 3 years, children are in a key developmental stage marked by rapid growth, increased physical activity, and cognitive development. Adequate nutrition, particularly in essential minerals, is crucial to support their health, growth, and overall well-being. Below are the recommended daily intake levels for essential dietary minerals for children in this age group:

• Potassium: 850 mg
  • Potassium plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, supporting healthy muscle contractions, and promoting proper nerve function. Adequate potassium intake helps maintain healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular function. Foods rich in potassium that are appropriate for toddlers include mashed bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados, and cooked spinach.
• Calcium: 450 mg
  • Calcium is essential for building strong bones and teeth, especially during this critical growth phase. It also supports muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. Excellent sources of calcium for young children include dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as fortified plant-based milks and leafy green vegetables.
• Phosphorus: 250 mg
  • Phosphorus works in conjunction with calcium to promote bone health and is crucial for energy production and cellular repair. Good sources of phosphorus include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, and dairy products—many of which should be staples in a toddler’s diet to ensure adequate intake.
• Magnesium: 170 mg
  • Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and is vital for bone development, energy production, and proper muscle and nerve function. It is also important for regulating blood sugar levels. Foods that provide magnesium include whole grains, legumes, leafy greens, and nuts (finely chopped or ground for safety).
• Iron: 7 mg
  • Iron is critical for the formation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, and supports overall growth and cognitive development. Since young children are at risk of iron deficiency anemia, it is vital to include iron-rich foods such as fortified cereals, lean red meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans in their diet.
• Zinc: 4.5 mg
  • Zinc is important for immune function, protein synthesis, and overall growth and development. It also aids in wound healing and supports taste and smell. Foods that are rich in zinc for toddlers include meats, dairy products, beans, nuts, and whole grains.
• Copper: 340 mcg
  • Copper is essential for iron metabolism, forming red blood cells, and maintaining healthy connective tissues and blood vessels. It also plays a role in the immune system and energy production. Dietary sources of copper include organ meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, and whole grain products.
• Iodine: 100 mcg
  • Iodine is crucial for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and play a vital role in growth and development. Ensuring adequate iodine intake supports healthy cognitive development. Sources of iodine include iodized salt, dairy products, eggs, and seafood, which can contribute to the child’s needs.
• Selenium: 20 mcg
  • Selenium acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress, and is important for immune function and thyroid health. Sources of selenium appropriate for young children include Brazil nuts (in small amounts due to their high selenium content), fish, eggs, and whole grains.
• Fluorine: 0.7 mg
  • Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent dental cavities, which is particularly important as children begin to develop their primary teeth. While fluoride can naturally occur in water and certain foods, it is also important to supervise the use of fluoride toothpaste starting as soon as a child’s first teeth emerge.
• Manganese: 0.5 mg
  • Manganese is involved in bone formation, metabolism, and maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. It has antioxidant properties that help protect cells. Foods that are good sources of manganese include whole grains, nuts, legumes, and leafy greens, contributing to toddlers’ nutritional needs.
• Molybdenum: 15 mcg
  • Molybdenum is required in trace amounts and plays a role in several enzymatic processes within the body, particularly those involved in the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids. It can be found in foods such as legumes, grains, and nuts.

For children aged 1 to 3 years, meeting these recommended daily intakes of essential minerals is critical for promoting healthy growth, supporting cognitive and physical development, and helping to establish a foundation for lifelong health. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups can help ensure that toddlers receive these necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development.

Data from: 1.Tervise Arengu Instituut. toitumine@tai.ee; 2.Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPH), Table E3.1.A4. Nutritional goals for each age/sex group used in assessing adequacy of USDA Food Patterns at various calorie levels;