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42 YOUNGS ONES By Emily Devon. Go with your gut, is what adults often tell each other when a decision is to be made. However, saying that to a young child many not end well. Gut health has been discussed at great length because of its significance in balancing the rest of the body, but what about children’s gut health? Between the ages of three and six, children can begin picking and choosing what they want to eat. Their likes and dislikes start to evolve, which can take parents into dangerous territory. Nutrition is key for maintaining good gut health, which can further lead to protecting the child from other health issues that may arise from poor gut health. “Great gut health is essential for children,” Prenatal and Postnatal Dietitian Melanie McGrice at melaniemcgrice.com said, adding that the gut microbiota is established in the early stages of life, so it’s vital that a child begins with a healthy gut, to prevent health issues from developing in the future. “The gut is where most nutrients are absorbed, so good gut health can contribute to optimal nutrient absorption,” she said. Parents can face a range of challenges when it comes to feeding their kids, such as dealing with picky eaters, allergies, RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • JUN 2020 F F F F F F U U T T S S T T H H G G I I R R E E H H T T O O R R A A C C H H I I L L D D ’ ’ S S G G U U T