NCERT Textbook: Nutrition, Health and Well-being | Home Science for Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


151
UNIT III 
Childhood The theme of this unit is ‘Childhood’. You may 
wonder why did the book address the adolescent 
years first and childhood later. Well, it is because 
if you as an adolescent understand issues 
about yourself first, it would be easier to grasp 
the issues that are concerned with the stage of 
childhood, and later with adulthood. In this unit 
you will be studying about, critical concerns of 
children about their health, nutrition, education 
and clothing. As we would like children with 
disabilities to be an inclusive part of our society, 
the chapters provide us important information on 
their needs and ways to meet them.
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Page 2


151
UNIT III 
Childhood The theme of this unit is ‘Childhood’. You may 
wonder why did the book address the adolescent 
years first and childhood later. Well, it is because 
if you as an adolescent understand issues 
about yourself first, it would be easier to grasp 
the issues that are concerned with the stage of 
childhood, and later with adulthood. In this unit 
you will be studying about, critical concerns of 
children about their health, nutrition, education 
and clothing. As we would like children with 
disabilities to be an inclusive part of our society, 
the chapters provide us important information on 
their needs and ways to meet them.
unit_3_as_26_7_09_cyan-Final.indd   151 2/9/2023   12:09:40
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Human Ecology and Family Sciences
152
8
Nutrition, 
Health and 
Well-being
Learning Objectives After completing this chapter the learner is able to–
• describe the nutritional needs of children at different stages of 
development.
• make suggestions for planning balanced meals for children
• discuss food habits of children.
• identify important health and nutrition related problems of children.
• describe the immunisation schedule.
8.1 Introduction 
Do you remember learning about food and nutrition in Chapter 5? You 
also learnt about aspects of survival, growth and development of children 
in the previous chapter? Let us go over some important points again, 
briefly. Our diet is made up of the foods we eat. Nutrition is “food at work”, 
a process by which we obtain nutrients and metabolise them for growth, 
repair and well-being. When we talk of nutrition we need to understand 
the composition of foods and to know which food provides what nutrients.
Let us now focus on nutrition, health and well-being of children.
Children grow continuously and so their nutritional needs depend on 
their rate of growth, body weight, and on how effectively the nutrients are 
utilised at each stage of their development. Since physical and mental 
development takes place very rapidly in children, nutritional deficiency 
at this stage can result in lifelong impairments and disabilities. On the 
other hand, adequate nutrition ensures that the children grow to their 
full potential. We, therefore, need to understand the art of balancing their 
unit_3_as_26_7_09_cyan-Final.indd   152 2/9/2023   12:09:42
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Page 3


151
UNIT III 
Childhood The theme of this unit is ‘Childhood’. You may 
wonder why did the book address the adolescent 
years first and childhood later. Well, it is because 
if you as an adolescent understand issues 
about yourself first, it would be easier to grasp 
the issues that are concerned with the stage of 
childhood, and later with adulthood. In this unit 
you will be studying about, critical concerns of 
children about their health, nutrition, education 
and clothing. As we would like children with 
disabilities to be an inclusive part of our society, 
the chapters provide us important information on 
their needs and ways to meet them.
unit_3_as_26_7_09_cyan-Final.indd   151 2/9/2023   12:09:40
2024-25
Human Ecology and Family Sciences
152
8
Nutrition, 
Health and 
Well-being
Learning Objectives After completing this chapter the learner is able to–
• describe the nutritional needs of children at different stages of 
development.
• make suggestions for planning balanced meals for children
• discuss food habits of children.
• identify important health and nutrition related problems of children.
• describe the immunisation schedule.
8.1 Introduction 
Do you remember learning about food and nutrition in Chapter 5? You 
also learnt about aspects of survival, growth and development of children 
in the previous chapter? Let us go over some important points again, 
briefly. Our diet is made up of the foods we eat. Nutrition is “food at work”, 
a process by which we obtain nutrients and metabolise them for growth, 
repair and well-being. When we talk of nutrition we need to understand 
the composition of foods and to know which food provides what nutrients.
Let us now focus on nutrition, health and well-being of children.
Children grow continuously and so their nutritional needs depend on 
their rate of growth, body weight, and on how effectively the nutrients are 
utilised at each stage of their development. Since physical and mental 
development takes place very rapidly in children, nutritional deficiency 
at this stage can result in lifelong impairments and disabilities. On the 
other hand, adequate nutrition ensures that the children grow to their 
full potential. We, therefore, need to understand the art of balancing their 
unit_3_as_26_7_09_cyan-Final.indd   152 2/9/2023   12:09:42
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153
food intake while enjoying variety of foods from all the food groups. It is 
generally believed that good nutrition is reflected in height and weight 
gained by children, but effectively it improves and maintains their well 
being in totality. Adequate nutrition contributes towards–
• functions of the organs and systems of the body.
• cognitive performance.
• body’s ability to fight diseases and restore healing.
• increase in energy levels.
• develop pleasant and positive attitude.
8.2 Nutrition, Health and Well-being 
During Infancy (birth-12 months)
Infancy is marked by rapid growth; 
and changes especially during 
early infancy (birth–6 months) are 
phenomenal. In fact, it is known that 
infants require twice as many calories 
per kg of body weight as required 
by an adult doing heavy work. It is 
possible to fulfil this requirement 
through adequate nutrition.  Besides 
energy, children should get:
Protein   -  For muscular growth.
Calcium    -  For healthy bones.
Iron         -  For growth and expansion of blood volume.
Dietary requirements of infants  
Infants are able to regulate their needs by consuming more milk or less 
milk. Their nutritional requirements are met through the composition of 
breast milk and contributions from complementary foods given to them.
The recommended nutrients are computed on the basis of composition 
of mother’s milk. An average secretion of 850 ml of breast milk of a well-
nourished mother should provide all the nutrients for the first 4–6 months. 
The baby thrives well if the mother is well nourished. She must, therefore, 
eat a diet rich in protein, calcium and iron and consume adequate 
quantities of fluids like milk, soups, fruit juices, and even water to avoid 
malnutrition.
In infants–
•	 W eight–doubles 	in	6	months,	
triples 	in	1	year
•	 Length—50-55cm 	at	birth	
increases 	to 	75	cm	by	1	year
•	 	Head	circumference 	and	chest	
circumference 	both 	increase.
Di D you know ?
Nutrition, Health and Well-being
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Page 4


151
UNIT III 
Childhood The theme of this unit is ‘Childhood’. You may 
wonder why did the book address the adolescent 
years first and childhood later. Well, it is because 
if you as an adolescent understand issues 
about yourself first, it would be easier to grasp 
the issues that are concerned with the stage of 
childhood, and later with adulthood. In this unit 
you will be studying about, critical concerns of 
children about their health, nutrition, education 
and clothing. As we would like children with 
disabilities to be an inclusive part of our society, 
the chapters provide us important information on 
their needs and ways to meet them.
unit_3_as_26_7_09_cyan-Final.indd   151 2/9/2023   12:09:40
2024-25
Human Ecology and Family Sciences
152
8
Nutrition, 
Health and 
Well-being
Learning Objectives After completing this chapter the learner is able to–
• describe the nutritional needs of children at different stages of 
development.
• make suggestions for planning balanced meals for children
• discuss food habits of children.
• identify important health and nutrition related problems of children.
• describe the immunisation schedule.
8.1 Introduction 
Do you remember learning about food and nutrition in Chapter 5? You 
also learnt about aspects of survival, growth and development of children 
in the previous chapter? Let us go over some important points again, 
briefly. Our diet is made up of the foods we eat. Nutrition is “food at work”, 
a process by which we obtain nutrients and metabolise them for growth, 
repair and well-being. When we talk of nutrition we need to understand 
the composition of foods and to know which food provides what nutrients.
Let us now focus on nutrition, health and well-being of children.
Children grow continuously and so their nutritional needs depend on 
their rate of growth, body weight, and on how effectively the nutrients are 
utilised at each stage of their development. Since physical and mental 
development takes place very rapidly in children, nutritional deficiency 
at this stage can result in lifelong impairments and disabilities. On the 
other hand, adequate nutrition ensures that the children grow to their 
full potential. We, therefore, need to understand the art of balancing their 
unit_3_as_26_7_09_cyan-Final.indd   152 2/9/2023   12:09:42
2024-25
153
food intake while enjoying variety of foods from all the food groups. It is 
generally believed that good nutrition is reflected in height and weight 
gained by children, but effectively it improves and maintains their well 
being in totality. Adequate nutrition contributes towards–
• functions of the organs and systems of the body.
• cognitive performance.
• body’s ability to fight diseases and restore healing.
• increase in energy levels.
• develop pleasant and positive attitude.
8.2 Nutrition, Health and Well-being 
During Infancy (birth-12 months)
Infancy is marked by rapid growth; 
and changes especially during 
early infancy (birth–6 months) are 
phenomenal. In fact, it is known that 
infants require twice as many calories 
per kg of body weight as required 
by an adult doing heavy work. It is 
possible to fulfil this requirement 
through adequate nutrition.  Besides 
energy, children should get:
Protein   -  For muscular growth.
Calcium    -  For healthy bones.
Iron         -  For growth and expansion of blood volume.
Dietary requirements of infants  
Infants are able to regulate their needs by consuming more milk or less 
milk. Their nutritional requirements are met through the composition of 
breast milk and contributions from complementary foods given to them.
The recommended nutrients are computed on the basis of composition 
of mother’s milk. An average secretion of 850 ml of breast milk of a well-
nourished mother should provide all the nutrients for the first 4–6 months. 
The baby thrives well if the mother is well nourished. She must, therefore, 
eat a diet rich in protein, calcium and iron and consume adequate 
quantities of fluids like milk, soups, fruit juices, and even water to avoid 
malnutrition.
In infants–
•	 W eight–doubles 	in	6	months,	
triples 	in	1	year
•	 Length—50-55cm 	at	birth	
increases 	to 	75	cm	by	1	year
•	 	Head	circumference 	and	chest	
circumference 	both 	increase.
Di D you know ?
Nutrition, Health and Well-being
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Human Ecology and Family Sciences
154
Breast feeding
Mother’s milk is nature’s gift to the newborn 
baby. It is enriched with all the required 
nutrients which are easily absorbed. WHO 
recommends exclusive breast feeding for six 
months. During breast feeding even water 
is not required. Babies should be put on 
breast milk soon after birth. During the first 
2–3 days a yellow coloured fluid known as 
colostrum is produced. Babies must be 
fed on it as it is very rich in antibodies and 
protects a child from infections.
Bene??ts of breast feeding
• It is nutritionally tailor-made for meeting the infant’s nutritional needs.
• It is enriched with all the nutrients in required proportion and form 
(e.g,. the fat present is emulsified). Its low amount of protein reduces 
pressure on the kidneys and Vitamin C is also not destroyed.
• It is a simple, hygienic and convenient method of feeding both for the 
mother and the child. Milk is available at all times and at the right 
temperature.
Table 1: Recommended Dietary Allowances for Infants
Recommended by ICMR*
Nutrient Birth 	to 	6	Months 6-12 	Months
Energy 	(Kcal.) 108 	/	kg	body	weight 98 	/	kg	body	weight
Protein 	(gm) 2.05 	/	kg	body	weight 1.65 	/	kg	body	weight
Calcium 	(mg) 500 500
V itamin 	 A
Retinol	(µg)
Or
Beta 	Carotene(µg)	
350
1200
350
1200
Thiamine 	(µg) 55	/	kg	body	weight 50 	/	kg	body	weight
Niacin 	(µg)	 710 	/	kg	body	weight 650 	/	kg	body	weight
Ribo??avin 	(µg) 65 	/	kg	body	weight 60 	/	kg	body	weight
Pyridoxine 	(µg) 	 0.1 0.4
Ascorbic 	 Acid	 (µg) 25 25
Folic 	 Acid	(µg) 25 25
V itamin 	B12	(µg) 0.2 0.2
* Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR),2010
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Page 5


151
UNIT III 
Childhood The theme of this unit is ‘Childhood’. You may 
wonder why did the book address the adolescent 
years first and childhood later. Well, it is because 
if you as an adolescent understand issues 
about yourself first, it would be easier to grasp 
the issues that are concerned with the stage of 
childhood, and later with adulthood. In this unit 
you will be studying about, critical concerns of 
children about their health, nutrition, education 
and clothing. As we would like children with 
disabilities to be an inclusive part of our society, 
the chapters provide us important information on 
their needs and ways to meet them.
unit_3_as_26_7_09_cyan-Final.indd   151 2/9/2023   12:09:40
2024-25
Human Ecology and Family Sciences
152
8
Nutrition, 
Health and 
Well-being
Learning Objectives After completing this chapter the learner is able to–
• describe the nutritional needs of children at different stages of 
development.
• make suggestions for planning balanced meals for children
• discuss food habits of children.
• identify important health and nutrition related problems of children.
• describe the immunisation schedule.
8.1 Introduction 
Do you remember learning about food and nutrition in Chapter 5? You 
also learnt about aspects of survival, growth and development of children 
in the previous chapter? Let us go over some important points again, 
briefly. Our diet is made up of the foods we eat. Nutrition is “food at work”, 
a process by which we obtain nutrients and metabolise them for growth, 
repair and well-being. When we talk of nutrition we need to understand 
the composition of foods and to know which food provides what nutrients.
Let us now focus on nutrition, health and well-being of children.
Children grow continuously and so their nutritional needs depend on 
their rate of growth, body weight, and on how effectively the nutrients are 
utilised at each stage of their development. Since physical and mental 
development takes place very rapidly in children, nutritional deficiency 
at this stage can result in lifelong impairments and disabilities. On the 
other hand, adequate nutrition ensures that the children grow to their 
full potential. We, therefore, need to understand the art of balancing their 
unit_3_as_26_7_09_cyan-Final.indd   152 2/9/2023   12:09:42
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153
food intake while enjoying variety of foods from all the food groups. It is 
generally believed that good nutrition is reflected in height and weight 
gained by children, but effectively it improves and maintains their well 
being in totality. Adequate nutrition contributes towards–
• functions of the organs and systems of the body.
• cognitive performance.
• body’s ability to fight diseases and restore healing.
• increase in energy levels.
• develop pleasant and positive attitude.
8.2 Nutrition, Health and Well-being 
During Infancy (birth-12 months)
Infancy is marked by rapid growth; 
and changes especially during 
early infancy (birth–6 months) are 
phenomenal. In fact, it is known that 
infants require twice as many calories 
per kg of body weight as required 
by an adult doing heavy work. It is 
possible to fulfil this requirement 
through adequate nutrition.  Besides 
energy, children should get:
Protein   -  For muscular growth.
Calcium    -  For healthy bones.
Iron         -  For growth and expansion of blood volume.
Dietary requirements of infants  
Infants are able to regulate their needs by consuming more milk or less 
milk. Their nutritional requirements are met through the composition of 
breast milk and contributions from complementary foods given to them.
The recommended nutrients are computed on the basis of composition 
of mother’s milk. An average secretion of 850 ml of breast milk of a well-
nourished mother should provide all the nutrients for the first 4–6 months. 
The baby thrives well if the mother is well nourished. She must, therefore, 
eat a diet rich in protein, calcium and iron and consume adequate 
quantities of fluids like milk, soups, fruit juices, and even water to avoid 
malnutrition.
In infants–
•	 W eight–doubles 	in	6	months,	
triples 	in	1	year
•	 Length—50-55cm 	at	birth	
increases 	to 	75	cm	by	1	year
•	 	Head	circumference 	and	chest	
circumference 	both 	increase.
Di D you know ?
Nutrition, Health and Well-being
unit_3_as_26_7_09_cyan-Final.indd   153 2/9/2023   12:09:42
2024-25
Human Ecology and Family Sciences
154
Breast feeding
Mother’s milk is nature’s gift to the newborn 
baby. It is enriched with all the required 
nutrients which are easily absorbed. WHO 
recommends exclusive breast feeding for six 
months. During breast feeding even water 
is not required. Babies should be put on 
breast milk soon after birth. During the first 
2–3 days a yellow coloured fluid known as 
colostrum is produced. Babies must be 
fed on it as it is very rich in antibodies and 
protects a child from infections.
Bene??ts of breast feeding
• It is nutritionally tailor-made for meeting the infant’s nutritional needs.
• It is enriched with all the nutrients in required proportion and form 
(e.g,. the fat present is emulsified). Its low amount of protein reduces 
pressure on the kidneys and Vitamin C is also not destroyed.
• It is a simple, hygienic and convenient method of feeding both for the 
mother and the child. Milk is available at all times and at the right 
temperature.
Table 1: Recommended Dietary Allowances for Infants
Recommended by ICMR*
Nutrient Birth 	to 	6	Months 6-12 	Months
Energy 	(Kcal.) 108 	/	kg	body	weight 98 	/	kg	body	weight
Protein 	(gm) 2.05 	/	kg	body	weight 1.65 	/	kg	body	weight
Calcium 	(mg) 500 500
V itamin 	 A
Retinol	(µg)
Or
Beta 	Carotene(µg)	
350
1200
350
1200
Thiamine 	(µg) 55	/	kg	body	weight 50 	/	kg	body	weight
Niacin 	(µg)	 710 	/	kg	body	weight 650 	/	kg	body	weight
Ribo??avin 	(µg) 65 	/	kg	body	weight 60 	/	kg	body	weight
Pyridoxine 	(µg) 	 0.1 0.4
Ascorbic 	 Acid	 (µg) 25 25
Folic 	 Acid	(µg) 25 25
V itamin 	B12	(µg) 0.2 0.2
* Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR),2010
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Nutrition, Health and Well-being
• It protects babies from gastro-intestinal, chest, and urinary infections 
due to the presence of antibodies in it giving it natural immunity, and 
it is free from allergens.
• It gives protection to mothers against breast and ovarian cancers, and 
also from developing weak bones.
• It is very conducive for a healthy, happy emotional relationship between 
the mother and the child.
Babies know when and how much they want and so the “best clock 
is baby’s hunger”, though efforts must be made towards regularising the 
feeding intervals, after a baby reaches one month of age.
Feeding the low birth weight infant
You may know that some children are born low in body weight. A baby 
weighing less than 2.5 kgs at birth is considered as low birth weight.
The problems facing such babies are that they have poor sucking and 
swallowing reflexes. Their absorption capacity is also very low because of 
the small size of their stomachs and intestines, but they have a relatively 
high calorie requirement. Breast milk produced by their mothers has all 
the essential amino acids, calories, fat and sodium content. It meets all 
their requirements. Anti-microbial property of their mother’s milk protects 
them from infections.
So, undoubtedly, mother’s milk is the best food for low birth weight 
babies. Simultaneously, they require vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and 
iron to promote steady growth. Dietary supplements should be considered 
only if the baby does not gain weight satisfactorily.
Complementary foods
Complementary feeding is the process 
of gradually introducing other 
foods along with breast milk. Foods 
that are introduced are thus called 
complementary foods. These can be 
introduced by 6 months of age. It 
is important that in the process of 
complementary feeding good hygienic 
conditions must be maintained when 
using feeding bottles and utensils to 
avoid infection to the baby.
In order to ensure the fulfilment 
of nutritional needs of infants, 
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