Citation
(2003), "Filling the nutritional gap: new resource launched for the under fives", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 33 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2003.01733eab.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
Filling the nutritional gap: new resource launched for the under fives
Filling the nutritional gap: new resource launched for the under fives
A new free resource addressing the nutrition of the one to fives has been launched by the British Meat Nutrition Education Service (BMNES) in conjunction with Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association (CPHVA) and partly funded by the European Union. Many parents were concerned post BSE about feeding beef to their children, but with confidence in beef having now returned they need reminding of the benefits of beef to a balanced diet. Beef and all red meats are a rich dietary source of protein, vitamin D, iron and zinc. Research has now shown that a large proportion of the under fives currently consume below the Reference Nutrient Intake of iron and zinc which respectively play an important role in cognitive development and growth.
Entitled Addressing the Nutritional Needs of the 1-5's: An Information Guide, the resource contains a personal organiser for healthcare professionals and a booklet for parents offering evidence based, consistent information. The resource will assist healthcare professionals in educating parents on the value of a balanced diet whilst helping to dispel any worries they may have regarding the safety of beef.
Commenting on the launch of the resource, Obi Amadi, Lead Professional Officer from the CPHVA said "the development of such a resource is an invaluable tool for health visitors and other healthcare professionals responsible for advising parents about the diet of toddlers. Its clean presentation and practical advice aims to assist parents in developing healthy eating habits in their children which should form the basis of a healthy, varied diet in later life".
The resource is structured to enable healthcare professionals to dip in and out for nutritional advice according to the parent's requirements. Covering healthy balanced diet, food refusal/fads, physical activity and the quality and safety of beef, each section includes common questions and answers.
Further information on BMNES and its resources can be found on a dedicated healthcare professional Web site: www.meatandhealth.com. The site aims to keep healthcare professionals informed on news and events in the nutritional field and offers up-to-date nutritional information relating to a number of key health areas including a training resource on nutrition and health.
For a copy of the resource, please telephone 01932 350006 or alternatively visit: www.meatandhealth.com