Arrow backLanguage
12+ months
Article
Add this post to favorites

Why toddlers need fibre and whole grains

Did you know? Many children around the world are missing out on essential fibre and whole grains.

3 mins to read Dec 30, 2021

Fibre is an important nutrient for growing bodies because it can aid with digestion and may help prevent constipation. It’s a type of carbohydrate found in plant foods that helps keep things moving through your little one’s gut. 

However, some children don’t get enough fibre every day. Recommendations on how much fibre toddlers need vary from country to country. Some guidelines state 10-14g per day is appropriate for one to three-year-olds. 

Recent studies have explored the eating patterns of toddlers around the globe. Results show that in China, toddlers (two to three years of age) consume only 4g of fibre a day, while in Russia, those of the same age average 12g in their daily diet. Toddlers in the US (aged one to two) have an average intake of 10g fibre a day, while those in Mexico (aged one to four) reach 13g per day.

The good news is that if your toddler is getting enough fibre in his diet, they’re more likely to be meeting other nutrient and energy needs too. This is because high-fibre foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are nutrient-dense. Water is essential for fibre to pass through the body, so don’t forget to offer it to your toddler at every eating occasion.  

Whole grains: the whole story

Contrary to what some people think, whole grains and fibre are not the same thing. Foods made from whole grains contain 100% of the original grain—the bran, germ, and endosperm. 

Whole grains are a healthy choice because they contain a rich balance of nutrients, including fibre, that is not lost in the food manufacturing process. Refined grains, on the other hand, may have fibre, iron, vitamins, or other nutrients stripped out by processing. 

Many countries around the world are recommending more whole grains in the diets of both adults and children, with some health authorities advising that half the grains we eat should be whole grains. 

Family goals

It’s not just children who may be missing out. Lots of adults fall short in their consumption of foods rich in fibre and whole grains. Lead by example and let your little one see you making healthy choices when you eat. Chances are they’ll want to copy you, then you can both enjoy the health benefits of a diet rich in fibre and whole grains.

Sources

  • Bailey RL, Catellier DJ, Jun S, et al. Total usual nutrient intakes of US children (under 48 months): Findings form the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2016. J Nutr 2018; 148(9S):1557S-1566S. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxy042.

  • Duyff, RL (2017). Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Complete food and nutrition guide (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

  • Nutrition Position Paper Dietary fibres in baby food 2011.(internal)

Join

MVP Logo

Get full access to expert-backed nutrition support, high-value coupons on our trusted brands and much more!

  • Ready for Baby

    Free Ready-for-Baby Savings Pack.

    Around 35 weeks of pregnancy expect to receive our Baby Pack filled with high-value coupons and useful information you and your baby will love!

  • Special member savings

    Special Member Savings

    Receive personalized coupons and savings on trusted products in your email inbox - and home mailbox - as your baby grows.

  • Helpful Resources

    Helpful resources

    Expert advice, articles, recipes, tips and tools for all the special, hard and at times hectic days of parenting.

  • NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR GROWTH

    Nutritional guidance for growth

    Specialized nutritional guidance and science-based expertise for every stage of the parenting journey - from preconception to toddlerhood.

*When registration is during pregnancy. If your baby’s already been born, expect to see your kit within a month

Search icon

Still haven't found what you are looking for?

Try our new smart question engine.