Addressing the Gap: From the Cradle to the Playground - Optimising Intake in Infants, Toddlers and Preschool Children

Optimizing nutrition in early life remains a central challenge for parents, caregivers, and professionals caring for infants and young children. Historically, the main focus was on preventing deficiency diseases such as rickets, caused by a lack of vitamin D, and scurvy, resulting from inadequate vitamin C. However, the modern challenge extends far beyond preventing such deficiencies. Nutrition during infancy and early childhood is now recognised as a foundation for lifelong health, influencing growth, cognitive development, and the risk of chronic disease.