Abbott organized a press conference to discuss the role of nutrition intervention in children’s overall health and the importance of catch-up growth.

The conference was attended by Dr. Ganesh Kadhe, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Abbott’s Nutrition business, Prof. Pedro Alarcon, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, and Dr. Subhasis Roy, MBBS, DCH, MD (Ped), Consultant Pediatrician, Columbia Asia Hospital.

Every parent in the world is concerned about their child’s development, especially when it comes to monitoring important developmental milestones like weight and height. Childhood is a time of rapid growth, so parents become anxious when their children lag behind. This growth gap can be attributed to several lifestyle factors, like food choices and physical activity. Malnutrition can take the form of stunting (low height for age), underweight (low weight for age), or wasting (low weight for height).

Some of the highlights from the press conference were:

•  The fundamental building blocks needed for children to develop, learn, thrive, and reach significant life milestones are provided by a healthy diet. Children require the proper ratios of micronutrients like calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and arginine, as well as macronutrients like proteins, carbs, and fats.
• It is necessary to treat the condition of stunting. For a well-rounded diet, parents of picky eaters might want to think about utilizing oral nutrition supplements. It is crucial to comprehend the function of nutrition, including oral nutrition supplements. Drinks containing nutritional supplements have the potential to improve the absorption of important vitamins and minerals from meals or to address any nutritional deficits.
• Children need a healthy balance of macro and micronutrients from the following five food groups: fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy products, and grains. As a result, parents should provide their kids with a varied, balanced diet to make sure they get the protein, vitamins, and minerals they need for healthy, wholesome development.
• Hidden hunger is what people must know about. Though there is no hunger for food, the body might be deficient in nutrition and the body will crave that nutrition.

Abbott is dedicated to lowering malnutrition worldwide through a number of programs, such as the establishment of the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions. The center, which is a partnership between Abbott and outside specialists and partners, focuses on identifying, treating, and preventing malnutrition in the most vulnerable groups, such as children.

Providing the kids with a well-rounded diet, nutritional supplements when needed, and stimulating activities will enable them to fulfill their developmental milestones and realize their full potential.

Priyanka Dutta