Children and young people should learn about various essential nutrients that are important for their growth, development, and overall health. Here are some essential nutrients that should be taught:
- Carbohydrates: Children and young people should understand that carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. They should learn about different types of carbohydrates, such as complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and simple carbohydrates found in sugars. They should also understand the importance of consuming carbohydrates in appropriate amounts to support energy levels and fuel their daily activities.
- Proteins: Children and young people should learn that proteins are essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. They should understand that proteins are made up of amino acids and that different foods provide different types and amounts of amino acids. Students should be aware of good protein sources, such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
- Fats: Children and young people should learn about the different types of fats and their role in the body. They should understand that while some fats, such as saturated and trans fats, should be limited due to their negative impact on health, other fats, such as unsaturated fats found in sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil, are beneficial for heart health and overall well-being.
- Vitamins: Children and young people  should learn about the importance of vitamins for various bodily functions. They should be familiar with different vitamins, such as vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, and understand their food sources and roles in supporting growth, immunity, vision, bone health, and other physiological processes.
- Minerals: Children and young should learn about essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They should understand the importance of minerals for bone health, blood production, muscle function, and overall body balance. Students should be aware of food sources rich in these minerals and the consequences of mineral deficiencies or imbalances.
- Fibre: Children and young should should understand the role of dietary fibre in digestive health, regulation of blood sugar levels, and maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels. They should learn about the difference between soluble and insoluble fibre and the food sources that provide these types of fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- Water: Children and young should should recognise the importance of staying hydrated and understand the role of water in maintaining bodily functions, regulating body temperature, supporting digestion, and promoting overall health. They should learn about the benefits of drinking an adequate amount of water daily and the potential consequences of dehydration.
- Micronutrients: Children and young should should learn about essential micronutrients like iron, iodine, zinc, and vitamin C, and their importance in preventing nutrient deficiencies and supporting optimal health. They should understand the food sources and functions of these micronutrients and the potential health problems associated with their deficiencies.
- Nutrient-Dense Foods: Children and young should should be educated about nutrient-dense foods that provide a high concentration of essential nutrients while being relatively low in calories. They should learn to identify and include these foods in their diets, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
- Balanced Diets: Children and young should should understand the concept of a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from different food groups in appropriate portions. They should learn to create balanced meals that incorporate the necessary nutrients for overall health and well-being.
