SARS-CoV-2 virus not only attacks the respiratory system but also penetrates through the gastrointestinal tract, attacks the ACE 2 enzyme and causes abnormal symptoms that make children anorexic both during and after infection COVID-19.
Why are children anorexic after being infected with COVID-19?
When first entering the body, the SARS-CoV-2 virus attacks in two ways. The first route, the virus enters the lungs through the respiratory tract and manifests COVID-19 disease in the lungs. The second way the virus enters is the gastrointestinal tract, attacking the ACE-2 and causing abnormal symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract. The virus attaches spikes to the cells of the ACE 2 enzyme system. When the virus attacks ACE 2, the body will reduce the absorption of beneficial amino acids, causing gastrointestinal disorders.
Nutrition for each age group in children after COVID-19 infection
For children who are anorexic after being infected with COVID-19, if they are still tired, they should not be forced to eat much in one meal. Prioritize soft, liquid, easy-to-digest foods. It is recommended to divide meals into 5-6 meals a day. Children who eat less will easily eat and absorb nutrients better. The same goes for babies who are still suckling, so feed them on demand, as many times as they feel comfortable.
The diet for children with COVID-19 needs to be balanced daily with 4 main elements: glucid, lipid (animal and vegetable lipid), protein (animal and vegetable protein). vitamins and minerals. Children must have at least 1 meal a day with a balanced portion.
Below are the instructions of Dr.Phan Bich Nga - Director of the Center for Nutrition Examination and Counseling, National Institute of Nutrition on nutrition for each age group in children after COVID-19 infection helps to quickly recover health.
For children 12-24 months old
- Breastfeed or use age-appropriate formula when breast milk is not available.
- Eat 3 meals of porridge a day, each meal 250ml + mashed fruit: 60ml -100ml.
For children from 2-5 years old
At this age, children's energy needs are about 1000-1300 Kcal; The amount of food children eat in a day includes:
- Rice: 130g
- Fish, meat: 145g
- Fruit: 150g
- Green vegetables: 150g
- Cooking oil: 20ml
- Formula milk: 300-500ml
For children from 6-9 years old
Energy needs: 1500-1800 Kcal; The amount of food children eat in a day includes:
- Rice: 200g
- Fish, meat: 190g
- Fruit: 150g
- Green vegetables: 170g
- Cooking oil: 25ml
- Formula milk: 400ml
For children from 10-12 years old
Energy requirement: 2000-2100 Kcal; The amount of food children eat in a day includes:
- Rice: 260g
- Fish, meat: 230g
- Fruit: 160g
- Green vegetables: 200g
- Cooking oil: 30ml
- Formula milk: 500ml
For 13-15 year olds
Energy requirement: 2300-2500 Kcal; The amount of food children eat in a day includes:
- Rice: 330g
- Fish, meat: 290g
- Fruit: 170g
- Green vegetables: 250g
- Cooking oil: 30ml
- Formula milk: 500ml
Source: Health and Life Newspaper