Key measures to essential nutrition for women and children below 5 years include:
- Prioritize exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. This implies no intake of any other foods or liquids just breast milk and perhaps medications if necessary. Otherwise, the child should only be breastfed.
- Adequate complementary feeding beginning from 6 months along with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years.
- Recommended intake of Vitamin A for women and children. The women and children below 5 years are particularly at a greater risk for Vitamin A deficiencies thus it is imperative that adequate Vitamin A intake be considered.
- Recommended intake of iodine.
- Adequate intake of iron. These groups are also vulnerable to iron-deficiency states hence iron intake should take priority. Combine the consumption of iron-rich foods with Vitamin C sources to enhance the absorption of iron especially non-haem iron form plant sources.
The mentioned recommendations are critical when it comes to the nutrition of women and their young children. To achieve optimal nutrition, these components must be upheld.