World Health Day: Why early childhood nutrition matters and what are its lifelong benefits

World Health Day 2025 , observed on April 7, highlights the importance of universal access to quality healthcare. This year’s theme, “My Health, My Right”, emphasizes that everyone, everywhere deserves the right to health—regardless of age, gender, or income. It calls attention to global health inequalities and the urgent need for stronger health systems, early interventions, and preventive care.


From ensuring proper nutrition in early childhood to addressing mental health and chronic diseases, the focus is on creating healthier communities. Early childhood nutrition lays the foundation for a healthy life. During the first five years, a child’s brain develops rapidly, and proper nutrition fuels this growth. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients strengthens immunity, supports physical development, and enhances cognitive abilities. Malnutrition at this stage can lead to stunted growth, learning difficulties, and increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. On the other hand, well-nourished children are more likely to perform better in school, grow into healthier adults, and contribute productively to society. Simply put, investing in early nutrition is investing in a stronger, healthier future.


On World Health Day we at TOI Lifestyle spoke to Dr. Mehul Sindha (Consultant – Paediatrics, Sterling Hospitals, Gurukul, Ahmedabad) on the importance of early childhood nutrition and what are its long term role.


What are the scientifically proven benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months?

Exclusively breastfeeding during the first six months has various scientifically established advantages for the mother and the infant. For the infant, breast milk supplies the best diet since it comprises all the necessary nutrients that an infant needs for growth and development. It also boosts the immunity of the infant, providing a shield against infection. Also, breastfeeding lowers the risk of chronic disease in adulthood, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. It aids better cognitive development since the nutrients in breast milk contribute to brain development, and it is also less difficult for infants to digest than formula. Exclusive breastfeeding is linked to reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and the antibodies found in breast milk protect babies from a number of infections and diseases.

For the mother, breastfeeding minimizes postpartum bleeding through contraction of the uterus back to pre-pregnancy size. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. In addition, breastfeeding can help in postpartum weight loss because it burns additional calories.


Which key nutrients should parents focus on during early childhood, and why are they important?

Throughout early childhood, parents need to pay attention to essential nutrients for growth and development. Iron is needed as it is involved in cognitive growth, immune response, and transport of oxygen through the blood. Vitamin D is important because it aids in forming healthy bones and teeth by helping to absorb calcium. Calcium too is important to form healthy teeth and bones. Protein is important for growth, repair of tissue, and building muscles. Carbohydrates supply the energy

necessary for growth and development. Fatty acids, including Omega-3 fatty acids, are essential in brain development as well as serving as an energy source. Brain function and immune function are helped by zinc. Vitamins B and B12 are also important for growth, energy, as well as ensuring proper brain function and nervous system function.


Can early nutritional deficiencies have a permanent effect on brain development or immunity?

Yes, early malnutrition or deficiencies do have long-term impacts on brain and immune system development. Such deficiencies result in developmental delay, impaired intellect, and compromised immunity, which may be permanent, extending into adulthood.


What signs should parents look for to detect early malnutrition or nutrient deficiencies in infants?

For the detection of early malnutrition or deficiencies in infants, parents must be alert to some hints. One of the most important signs is thinness along with clearly depleted fat reserves. Infants may also have thin arms and legs sometimes accompanied by edema or swelling in the face and body. Stunted growth is another very important sign to look for. In addition, symptoms such as weakness, faintness, and fatigue may be present. Irritability is also commonly observed in infants who are experiencing nutrient deficiencies.

What role do socio-economic factors play in early childhood nutrition, and how can they be addressed?

Socio-economic circumstances have a profound impact on early childhood nutrition. Inadequate access to nutritious foods, food insecurity, and increased exposure to malnutrition can all affect physical and intellectual development in children. To overcome them, increased access to healthy foods, financial assistance to families, and increased education on eating healthily are necessary.


What are your views on the increasing trend of packaged baby foods? Are they nutritionally reliable?

Packaged baby foods can be nutritionally sound because they can combat nutrient deficiencies, support healthier diets, and offer convenience and access for busy parents. But they must be assured to be of quality and safe. Packaged baby foods can be part of a healthy diet but need to be complemented with whole foods where possible.




What long-term health conditions can be linked to poor nutrition in early childhood?

Early childhood poor nutrition can be associated with several long-term health conditions. These include developmental delay and cognitive impairment, which can impact the child's overall development and learning capacity. A compromised immune system is also an issue, leaving the child vulnerable to infections. Poor nutrition also raises the risk of chronic diseases in later life, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.


World Health Day 2025 is a reminder that health is a human right, not a privilege—accessible to all, always.