The first years of life are crucial for the physical and cognitive development of the children. During this period, proper nutrition plays a vital role, but unfortunately not everyone has the correct information about it.
According to the child nutrition expert, Veronica Copkawho is currently the Coordinator of Medical Marketing Services at NIDO, the first 1000 days of life, from conception to two years of age, are key for child growth. So keep reading and find out all the details.
The relevance of the first 1000 Days
“The first 1,000 days are critical because it is when the foundations for physical and cognitive development are laid. It is a stage in which nutrition must be extremely careful to ensure that children receive the necessary nutrients to grow optimally,” explains Copka. .
In this phase, breastfeeding plays a fundamental role, since it provides a unique combination of bioactive components that promote the digestive and immunological health of babies.
However, as Copka points out, breastfeeding does not last forever, and when it comes to an end, it is essential to continue providing children with proper nutrition that guarantees its development.
“In Mexico, unfortunately, one in five babies between 6 and 23 months does not receive the recommended daily meals, and only half consume the food groups essential for their growth,” adds the expert. This is where specialized feeding, under the supervision of a pediatrician, becomes essential to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients.
With more than 80 years of history in the field of child nutrition, NIDO has been an ally of families in Mexico and around the world. Throughout these decades, it has developed a portfolio of products that cover the nutritional needs of children from 12 months to 12 years of age.
“Our approach is based on supporting children’s development, ensuring that each stage of their life is supported by nutrition appropriate to their needs,” says Copka.
In recent years, the company has important advancessuch as the elimination of added sugars in its products and the development of lactose-free options for those children who require easier-to-digest alternatives. The brand’s vision is to continue providing innovative and nutritionally balanced solutions to support the physical and cognitive growth and development of children.
Nutrition and cognitive development: An unbreakable bond
The impact of good nutrition in the first years of life goes beyond physical growth. Nutrition also plays a key role in cognitive development.
According to Copka, during the first five years, the child’s brain requires five times more iron and 1.5 times more zinc than in adult life, which underlines the importance of a diet rich in these nutrients.
DHA, vitamins and probiotics are other essential nutrients that support brain development. “A deficiency in these nutrients can have long-term adverse effects. For example, a lack of iron can affect cognitive development and lead to learning difficulties and poor academic performance,” warns Copka.
These nutrients are essential for the formation of neurotransmitters and brain oxygenationessential processes for optimal cognitive development.
Likewise, the reducing sugar consumption It is one of the most important global trends in food today, and NIDO has responded to this demand effectively. “We have ensured that our formulas not only eliminate added sugars, but maintain an optimal nutritional balance for child growth,” says Copka.
This adaptation has been possible thanks to the incorporation of probiotics, prebiotic fibers and immunonutrients in its products, which not only support children’s physical development, but also strengthen their immune system.
Additionally, the company has placed great emphasis on sustainability. “We have implemented 100% recyclable packaging and we have a ‘Zero Water’ dairy factory, where 100% of the water used comes from fresh cow’s milk, which significantly reduces the use of groundwater,” adds Copka. This sustainable strategy not only reflects the brand’s commitment to children’s nutrition, but also to environmental protection.
In a world where consumers increasingly demand more transparency, brands have a responsibility to provide clear and accurate information on their product labeling. According to Copka, “Transparency It is key to building trust. “Brands must opt for clear labels, where the ingredients and nutritional values are indicated in a simple way so that parents can make the right decisions.”
Food education: A fundamental pillar
It is not only about offering quality products, but also about educating parents about the importance of good nutrition in the growth of their children. The brand has developed initiatives such as “Nestle Baby and Me”a platform where parents can access reliable information about children’s nutrition.
“It is crucial that parents have clear information based on scientific evidence so that they can make informed decisions about their children’s nutrition,” says Copka.
Food education also involves staying aware of changing trends and needs. More and more parents are looking for natural and less processed products, as well as alternatives that promote sustainable practices. “At NIDO we are committed not only to offering nutritionally adequate products, but also to ensuring that these are made sustainably“explains Copka.