There are various sources of animal protein for complementary foods, ranging from seafood, beef, to poultry. Animal protein is often referred to as a complete protein because it contains the essential amino acids needed to optimize the growth and development of children.
Animal protein intake in MPASI has many benefits for children's growth and development, including building muscles and bones and supporting brain development. In addition, animal protein is also more easily digested by the child's body and is considered to be of higher quality than plant protein sources.
Variety of Animal Protein Sources for MPASI
Seeing the many benefits that exist in animal foods, the introduction of animal protein from the beginning is highly recommended. That is, Mother has been able to provide animal protein since the Little One was 6 months old. The following are some sources of animal protein for complementary foods that are good for child growth and development:
1. Meat
Beef or chicken is an excellent source of animal protein for complementary foods for your little one. Beef contains a lot of iron, zinc, and protein which are beneficial for children's growth and development. Eating beef can also reduce the risk stunting in children.
No less great, chicken meat also contains a lot of protein and vitamin B6 which the body can use to produce energy.
To introduce beef or chicken to your little one, you can grind the meat until it's smooth and cook it until it's fully cooked. After that, you can serve the meat with various vegetables, such as boiled spinach or broccoli.
2. Fish
Fish is an excellent source of low-fat animal protein to include in a child's diet. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a child's heart health and brain development.
However, do not give your little one fish that are high in mercury, such as tuna, marlin, or swordfish, because the high mercury content in fish can irritate the baby's developing nervous system. Choose types of fish such as salmon, cod, trout, or sardines that are small and tend to be low in mercury.
Before giving fish to your little one, you have to make sure all the bones have been removed and the fish has been cooked until it is fully cooked. Mother can serve the fish by mashing it or it can also be cut into small pieces.
3. Eggs
Eggs are also a source of animal protein for complementary foods which are very good for children. Besides being easy to process, store, and obtain, eggs also provide more than 50% of the essential nutrients needed for child growth and development.
Eggs are rich in choline, betaine, and vitamin B12 which are very good for children's brain development. In addition, eggs are also one of the foods that can prevent stunting in children. Mothers can serve eggs as a main meal or snack for your little one by frying, boiling, or mixing them with other dishes.
Providing animal protein for complementary foods is not always easy. Your little one may not want to eat the protein source that you give them. If this happens, do not force him to finish his food because it can make him more lazy to eat.
Try to change the source of protein in your child's MPASI every day so that he doesn't get bored easily with one particular type of food. Also, don't be tired of trying to introduce him to new foods, OK?
If you are in doubt about which animal protein for complementary foods is suitable and in accordance with your little one's health condition, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.
