Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
10:35
Composition and Properties of Aquafaba: Water Recovered from Commercially Canned Chickpeas
Published on: February 10, 2018
34.5K
Alternative protein source to cover needs in early childhood
Cristiana Berti1, Silvia Bettocchi1,2, Veronica D'Oria3
1Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico.
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|January 6, 2026
Summary
Balancing protein needs for children aged 2-5 years involves considering human and planetary health. Sustainable protein sources offer promise but require further research on acceptance and nutritional adequacy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Environmental Health
- Food Science
Background:
- Early childhood protein intake is crucial for growth and development.
- Climate change necessitates sustainable food systems, impacting dietary choices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review protein intake in early childhood (2-5 years) within the context of climate change.
- To examine benefits and concerns of various protein sources for human and planetary health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent evidence on protein sources.
- Analysis of nutritional, environmental, and acceptance factors.
Main Results:
- High animal protein intake may lead to weight gain; low intake can cause growth restriction.
- Alternative proteins (plant-based, insect-derived) show potential but have uncertainties in digestibility, allergenicity, and long-term effects.
- Children's acceptance of alternative proteins is influenced by sensory preferences, neophobia, and parental attitudes.
Conclusions:
- Meeting protein needs requires balancing child development and environmental sustainability.
- Nutritional adequacy, safety, and cultural acceptance of alternative proteins must be ensured.
- Personalized nutrition is key for healthy growth and sustainable protein choices in early childhood.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements
1.4K
Consuming animal-based products offers high-quality proteins that contain optimal levels and combinations of essential amino acids, crucial for tissue repair and growth. Foods like eggs, milk, fish, and most meats are a source of complete proteins. Legumes and cereals are abundant in proteins; however, they typically lack a full range of essential amino acids. As a result, they are considered incomplete protein sources. Some plant sources like soybeans, quinoa, and amaranth do contain complete...
1.4K
01:18Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
1.8K
Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ...
1.8K
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
734
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
734
01:21Overview of Protein Metabolism
3.6K
Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
3.6K
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
23.9K
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the...
23.9K
00:55Parental Care
12.6K
Many animals exhibit parental care behavior, including feeding, grooming, and protecting young offspring. Parental care is universal in mammals and birds, which often have young that are born relatively helpless. Several species of insects and fish, as well as some amphibians, also care for their young.
12.6K