Poor appetite in kids during cold and flu season

Periods of poor appetite and food refusal may occur in children as a stage of the child’s normal development. However, during cold and flu season, it may also be the result of a reduced appetite from illness, typically common cold and flu. .

When children are unwell, their appetite is often impacted, and this can be worrying for a parent. The average child may have around six or more colds a year, often more frequently during winter when we are more likely to be indoors.

To support general health including growth and development, adequate nutrition in children is so important. However, adequate nutrition is particularly important during illness to help support healthy immune functions. For some children, managing appetite is challenging at the best of times however during times of illness even more so.

Here are some tips to help manage poor appetite during illness:

1. Ensure adequate rest
2. Offer fluids to assist with hydration
3. Offer nutrient rich foods such fruit salad, vegetable soups, dairy products, sandwiches.
4. Try offering mini meals, more frequently
5.Try foods that are soft and easy to eat like yoghurt, soups, custard, pasta
6. Don’t force feed and minimise distractions during mealtimes.
7. Offer your child their favourite meal that they enjoy but add a healthy twist; pikelets with fruit, muffins with grated vegetables.

Try a fruit smoothie with added fruit like banana or mixed berries and yoghurt.

If your child’s dietary intake continues to be very limited, they may benefit from a nutritional supplement to ensure they are getting enough nutrition to support them when appetite is poor during the cold and flu season.

Kid Essentials

• Is a nutritionally complete supplement, designed specifically to meet the needs for growing children from 1 to 10 years old.
• Unique whey-based protein empties from the stomach quickly, so not to fill them up before their next meal or snack.
• Contains Vitamins A, C, B12, D, iron, zinc to support a healthy immune system
• Can be offered as a milky drink, or used to fortify their current meals or snacks

Hint: Why not try adding Kid Essentials to your child’s favourite food like pikelets, muffins, smoothies or a warm bed-time drink?

Please note that cooking may impact the micronutrient content of the product and thus the final dish, as certain vitamins and minerals are sensitive to changes in pH, temperature and oxidation. You may therefore have lower amounts of vitamins and minerals, particularly probiotics in your dish as declared on the label.

If you are concerned about your child’s dietary intake, please speak to your healthcare professional.