Is bone broth really good for children under 3 years old?

Bone broth.

When children reach weaning age, Vietnamese mothers raising young children often have the habit of simmering bone marrow, chicken bones, pork bones... to filter the water to mix powder or porridge for their children. However, this method that mothers and grandmothers consider the top priority in taking care of children's health is a serious mistake. Nutrition experts say that regularly feeding children under 3 years old bone broth will cause them to be stunted, underweight and have poor digestion.

Talking to us about this, Dr. Tran Thi Minh Nguyet (Vietnam Nutifood Institute) said: "This is a mistake in child care. Bone broth has a sweet and aromatic taste that makes it delicious. Many mothers think that all the nutrients are there so they feed it to their children regularly.

However, bone broth has almost no nutrients such as protein and calcium, and the most abundant ingredient in the broth is animal fat. There is calcium in bones, but it is inorganic calcium, which the body cannot absorb and no matter how well it is stewed, it will not be released into the broth. Protein is also insoluble in water, so it is not present in the broth.

Therefore, according to Dr. Nguyet, regularly feeding children bone broth can cause malnutrition due to lack of nutrients and imbalance of nutrients in the diet.

Feed children enough nutrients. Photo: Internet

Depending on the age and taste of each child, the mother can prepare food appropriately, but must ensure that the bowl of porridge/rice flour always has enough of the 4 food groups: protein (meat, fish, eggs, shrimp...); fat (oil, grease); carbohydrates (flour, rice); vitamins and minerals (green vegetables, tubers).

In addition, these substances need to be balanced in moderate amounts to provide enough energy and nutrients, while helping your baby absorb and digest well.

To avoid nutritional imbalance in children at weaning age leading to stunted growth, lack of energy... Dr. Minh Nguyet advises: "You should feed your baby meat, fish, vegetables and ensure that your child's diet is diverse, with enough food groups in each meal.

Mothers sometimes use bone broth, but only as a way to make food more delicious and change the taste for their children. Be careful to remove the fat layer on top of the broth and feed your child enough meat, fish, vegetables, and even the pulp.