THE MANITOBA HEALTH COOK BOOK

Chapter XVI...FOOD FOR CHILDREN

Many have not yet learned that the growing period of boys
and girls requires special nutrition. The body is doing special work
building up its structure, adding to size and weight and special
provision must be made. Children are often found to be under-
nourished or victims of mal-nutrition—not because there is poverty
or general lack of food——but because in their diet certain elements
are lacking.

Proteins are among the most important construction materials,
required as they are, not only for muscles and bones, but also for all
body tissues and fluids. There are many kinds of proteins in food
some of which can be used more economically than others. Those
found in milk, cheese, eggs, and meat are especially valuable for
growth. The child needs a liberal supply of some of these foods
every day during the years of his rapid development.

Water occurring in every living cell makes up about two-
thirds of the weight of the body. Children need plenty of water
and should be encouraged to drink it at a definite time in the morn-
ing and afternoon to establish the water-drinking habit.

Minerals are used in all body fluids and tissues. In planning
the growing child's diet three minerals, calcium, phosphorus, and
iron, must have special attention because they are not abundant in
all foods. A number of other mineral salts are needed too, but
are so likely to be supplied in sufficient quantities in any mixed diet
that it is unnecessary to mention them. Calcium and phosphorus
are essential for the development of sound teeth and bones, and
iron is necessary for blood cells.

Milk is the best source of calcium and phosphorus. Most
fruits and vegetables and meat also contain these, but are better
sources of phosphorus than of calcium. Iron is not so widely
distributed nor so abundant in foods; some, especially milk, contain
only very small quantities. The foods richest in iron are egg yolk,
green vegetables (especially thin green leaves), dried fruits (especi-
ally apricots, peaches, prunes and raisins), some entire grain cereals,
and lean meat. Liver, kidney, apricots, and whole wheat seem to be
particularly valuable in the formation of red blood cells... To in-
sure good teeth and bones and to protect health, it is essential to
provide enough of these sources of calcium, phosphorus, and iron
daily.

Certain vitamins are specially necessary for the growing child.
They stimulate growth and definitely prevent certain diseases.
Fruits and green vegetables are valuable sources of vitamins. There-
fore a varied diet made up of many fruits and vegetables, some of

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