Toddlers need fat in their diet just like babies. Fat provides a good source of energy for them to do various physical activities. Fat also provides the *essential fatty acids like Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), Linoleic Acid (LA) and their derivatives, Docosahexaeonic Acid (DHA ) and Arachidonic Acid (AA ) to fuel toddlers?remaining brain growth and development. However, experts advise that compared to babies?fat intake, there is a need to modify the amount of fat that a toddler takes in. If babies take 50% of their caloric requirement from fat, toddlers need only about 30%-35%. But this does not mean we have to drastically restrict their fat intake, the key here is to do it gradually and moderately starting off by choosing the right amount of fat suited for this stage of growth and development.
*Essential - must obtain from diet
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children age 1-3 years old get 30%-35% of their total calories from fat.
For example: How many grams of fat should a one-year old, 81-cm.-toddler take given a recommended 1,300 kcal?
1. Multiply the number of kilocalories per day by 35%
1,300 x 35%= 455 kcal of fat
2. Divide the number of fat calories by the fat kilocalories per gram.
Each gram of fat contains 9 kcal. (This is a standard measurement)
455kcal/9 kcal /gms= 50 gms. of fat
How do toddler's stay in this fat limit? Parents may use this simple daily guide:
Table: Daily Fat Guide for a One Year Old Child
