Prof. Dr. Türkan Günay evaluates the relationship between nutrition and height for 12punto: The danger of stunting in children!

Ezgi SİVRİTEPE- 12punto.com.tr

According to research, child development is influenced by genetic structure, environmental and psychological factors, nutrition, and hormones. Speaking to 12punto.com.tr, Professor Doctor Türkan Günay from the Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, pointed out that nutrition from the mother's pregnancy period through adolescence is crucial for children's height growth and healthy development, stating that healthy nutrition can influence height growth.

BREAST MILK FOR FASTER GROWTH

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that for infants, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is essential and that breastfeeding should continue up to the age of 2. Research shows that children who are breastfed grow faster and achieve better physical development.

Emphasizing the importance of breast milk for children, Prof. Dr. Günay said:

“Breast milk helps strengthen infants' immune systems and supports their healthy growth; it also contains appropriate amounts of protein, fat, and other nutrients that support height growth and healthy organ development. Research shows that breast milk also contributes to the cognitive development of infants.”

“CAN HELP REACH MAXIMUM HEIGHT POTENTIAL”

Günay stated that children in adolescence exercising would be beneficial for both physical and psychological health, and drawing attention to the effect of exercise on height growth, she said, “Although the effect of exercise on height growth cannot be measured directly, it can help reach maximum potential height growth when combined with general health and good nutrition. Especially sports like swimming and basketball can support height growth because they involve stretching movements.” Günay also noted that genetic factors are what truly matter.

A BALANCED PLATE FOR HEIGHT GROWTH

Emphasizing that nutritional needs should be met with a balanced plate, Günay said, “Protein is important for the repair and growth of body tissues. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body and allow proteins to be used for growth in the body. Healthy fats like olive oil are important for hormone production. Minerals such as calcium, iron, and iodine are important for growth and development,” and after pointing out the importance of consuming all foods regularly for healthy development and height growth, she stated that water consumption is very important and necessary for cell growth.

"STUNTING IS AN IRREVERSIBLE CONDITION"

Addressing the situation in light of the UN's 2023 Sustainable Development Report, which notes that the stunting rate for children under 5 in Turkey is 5.5%, Günay stated:

“Stunting is a condition where a child remains below the height expected for their age due to malnutrition or nutrient deficiencies. Balanced nutrition is of great importance starting from the mother's pregnancy period until the child is 2 years old. Children need sufficient protein, vitamins, minerals, and energy for their growth and development. Stunting caused by malnutrition is an irreversible condition because the child's bone growth plates may have closed early. However, if the nutritional status is corrected through intervention, growth and development can still be improved. Adequate and balanced nutrition is of great importance to prevent stunting.”

News Source: Ezgi Sivritepe