Amino acids are organic compounds needed by everyone, including babies. Benefits of amino acids for babies there are various, ranging from supporting growth to strengthening the immune system.
The benefits of amino acids for babies can be obtained in various ways. For babies who have consumed complementary foods, amino acids can be obtained from various types of foods that contain protein, such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, soybeans, and nuts. Meanwhile, for babies under 6 months of age, amino acids can be obtained from breast milk or formula containing amino acids.
Benefits of Amino Acids for Babies
Amino acids are the “bricks” for building protein. So, you can imagine how important amino acids are for the body, because protein itself has a very important role in forming cells and body tissues, as well as maintaining overall body health.
The following is an explanation of the various benefits of amino acids for babies that you need to know:
1. Increase body immunity
One of the benefits of amino acids for babies is to increase their body's immunity. Amino acids are needed to form cytokines and antibodies. Both of these substances have an important role in the immune system.
Not only that, amino acids have also been shown to play a major role in the activation and formation of white blood cells, which are cells needed by the body to fight foreign objects or disease-causing germs that enter the body.
2. Overcoming or reducing allergy symptoms
Proteins are amino acids that are arranged in such a way. Some proteins, such as protein in cow's milk, can trigger allergy symptoms in babies. However, allergy symptoms are proven to be reduced if this protein is given in a form that has been broken down, aka in the form of amino acids.
This of course can be a solution for children who have cow's milk allergies. By giving him formula that contains amino acids, he can get the protein benefits of cow's milk without experiencing allergy symptoms.
3. Support baby's muscle development
Protein is the main building block of muscle. Therefore, adequate intake of amino acids will be very useful for the baby's muscle development. However, that alone is not enough. Mothers must also ensure that the body's needs for other nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D, are also properly met.
4. Support baby's growth
The next benefit of amino acids is to support the baby's growth. Research shows that babies aged 6-35 months who get adequate intake of amino acids tend to have a more ideal weight and height.
Source of Amino Acids for Babies
In order to meet the needs of your little one's amino acids, you can give him the following types of food:
Breast milk or formula containing amino acids
Breastfeeding is able to meet the amino acid needs of infants who are less than 6 months old. If your little one is not consuming breast milk for some reason, you can give him formula that contains amino acids. However, make sure the formula milk given to your little one also contains other important nutrients to support their growth and development.
MPASI containing amino acids
If your little one is 6 months old, you can include foods that contain amino acids in their solids. Amino acids can be obtained from foods that contain protein, both animal protein and vegetable protein. Examples are beef, chicken, fish, eggs, corn, and beans.
Those are the various benefits of amino acids for babies that you need to know. To get these benefits, make sure your little one's daily intake of amino acids is enough.
If you are still confused about a good source of amino acids for your little one or want to know more about the amino acid needs that are appropriate for your little one's age, you can consult a doctor.
