How much protein should a child consume

How important is protein in children's diet? Protein is a macronutrient that is fundamental in the nutrition of children, it has many functions. In Guiainfantil.com we tell you what the protein's function is, where we can obtain them and how many children have to take on a daily basis. What are the

How important is protein in children's diet? Protein is a macronutrient that is fundamental in the nutrition of children, it has many functions.

In Guiainfantil.com we tell you what the protein's function is, where we can obtain them and how many children have to take on a daily basis.

What are the functions of the protein?

- Plastic or construction: they help the child's growth and development, as well as the repair of tissues and organs (wounds, burns).

- Immune: the cells (antibodies, immunoglobulins) that are part of the immune system are made up of proteins.

- Movement: the proteins give shape to the muscles allowing muscle contraction and relaxation, giving movement to the child's locomotor system.

- Energy: give energy to children, the body uses carbohydrates and fats first as a source of energy, when these nutrients are insufficient the body begins to use proteins as fuel.

- Transportadora: proteins transport fats, oxygen, etc.

Where do proteins get from?

Proteins can be of animal origin are proteins or vegetable.

- Proteins of animal origin: are found in the egg, meat, poultry, fish, milk.

- Proteins of vegetable origin: are found in cereals (quinoa, rice, triticale, wheat, oats, barley, rye, buckwheat, etc.), legumes (lentils, peas, beans, soybeans, chickpeas, etc.), fruits dried (almonds, nuts, etc.)

How much protein does a child have to consume?

This is the amount of proteins vary according to the child's age and weight:

Age

Daily protein grams (approximately)
0-5 months13 grams
5 months - 1 year14 grams
1 - 3 years16 gr
4 - 6 years24 gr


Amount of protein in food:

Food

Every 100 gr
Cow's milk3 gr
Cheeses15 to 30 g
Egg (unit)6 gr
Cereals *10 gr
Legumes **20 gr
Yogurt3 gr

* In the case of cereals it is important to combine with legumes to obtain a high quality protein (example rice with lentils).

** In the case of legumes, it is important to combine them with cereals to obtain a high quality protein (for example, hummus with wholemeal bread).