See what users would like to know about getting the nutrients they need from the food they eat

[EllieMumsnet]

This thread is now closed for questions

As parents we always want our family to have the best and most nutritious food to help fuel our bodies. With so much information out there on nutrition it can be difficult to get through to the best advice for a balanced diet for you and your children. Dr Catherine Birch, who is working with Noluma on the issue of light-protection, is here to help and will be answering any questions you have around your family’s nutrition, vitamins, balanced diets and more!

Here’s a bit more information about Dr. Birch: "Here’s a bit more information about Dr. Birch: “An expert in food and nutrition, Dr. Catherine works at Newcastle University researching factors that impact food such as climate change, shopping behaviours and new technologies. She recently co-authored a report on the nutritional value of milk and the impact light can have on its essential nutrients. She is passionate about ensuring we all eat healthy food, food waste is minimised and your food stays fresher for longer.”

Do you know your Vitamin A from your Vitamin B2 and D? Do you know why it matters to you and your kids? Do you know which foods help fuel kids growth? Maybe you’d like more information on the best before date, what packaging keeps food fresher longer, and/or how to prevent your food from spoiling so quickly.

Whatever questions you have on these or other subjects, ask them on the thread below and we’ll choose 10-12 for Dr. Catherine to answer. Everyone who posts a question will be entered into a prize draw where 3 MNers will each win a £100 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw.
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

[Whisper99]

Is it true that no matter what age (children and adults) you are you must take Vit D supplements and this hormone needs to be complemented by calcium for better absorption?

Should I be worried about the growth hormone in the cows milk as my children drink about a pint of milk a day. I know water is best but it's hard to break a habit.

Would a goats milk be better than cows?

Many thanks.

[Elllicam]

We eat a lot of quorn, is it ok for the kids to eat quorn too?

[shumway]

Are vitamin tablets worth it or a waste of money?

[Chobotfan]

Is it really necessary for my baby to have multivitamins or vitamin d drops? He's 5 months and exclusively breastfed

[kateandme]

do certain foods eaten together get absorbed better?and does having some raw/cooked/hot/cold matter
if you have a balanced diet can having a multivitim ever be harmful?

[kateandme]

can you really boil away the nurtient in veg,if the kids like them super soft is it pointless!

[Asuwere]

If nutrients are lost before we've even got food home due to the packaging, should we all take multivitamins to ensure we get enough?

[ohdannyboy]

My DS1 gets eczema , and I really try to cook meals from scratch and avoid anything artificial, my HV says it may be a food intolerance may exacerbate symptoms, any advice to help - could I get a food intolerance test ?

[Enigma222]

My children do not yet enough fruit. Try to make it fun by cutting into shapes, or making smoothies but they still try to avoid it. How else can I convince them to eat it they are 5 and 6 years old. Tend to copy each other too 🙄

[lovemyflipflops]

What are your thoughts on eggs - my DS1 and DS2 love soft boiled free range eggs and soldiers - and for me it's a healthy meal with toasted brown bread and sunflower spread - they would have them for breakfast every day, but the guidelines seem to differ - how may eggs is too many ?

[Roydeb]

We are all vegeterians in our family of 4 and trying to be vegan as much as possible. How do we make sure everyone gets the correct amount of vitamins and proteins needed is met for each and also how to avoid sugary things.

[blackleggingsandatshirt]

what is the difference in the best before and use by date - and would you say the smell test is enough when cooking meat which is a day or two over these dates - and is it safe to freeze chicken on the actual use by/best before date ?

[lillypopdaisyduke]

What are your views on using cling film to cover food in a microwave and covering certain foods which are deemed 'safe' by the manufacturer - you cannot wrap high fat foods apparently - so why are others deemed acceptable. I use sandwich bags for nursery and on occasion cling film and feel want to be sure I am doing the best for my children.

[emphasisofmatter]

Recent tests showed I have a vitamin D deficiency. The Dr said it's very hard to meet your vitamin D requirement through food intake - what suggestions do you have please?

[UpOnDown]

What's the best protein source for veggie kids?

[Fretfulparent]

Do you think there are any problems eating wheat at every meal? My DS2 is very sporty and eats loads of bread/toast/cereals. I try to offer alternatives such as potatoes and rice but he isn't keen unless it's chips!

[Montydoo]

My question would be - when you buy a product and look at the list of contents - additives, vitamins and minerals and ingredients - how often do food companies have to prove this is correct, does an independent verifier check ingredients ? If so - how often ? Is there a website we can go on to give the consumers peace of mind ? Thanks

[sunshineskys]

My 10 year old is extremely tall for his age, has always been the tallest in his year. I try to make sure he gets plenty of calcium and he likes meat and fish but isn't keen on veg. Are there any particular vitamins or minerals I should be trying to include either in his diet or supplements to make sure his bones are getting everything they need?
Thanks

[redskyattwilight]

Is it okay to only be getting your calcium intake through just drinking milk as yogurt and cheese are not liked? Also, if someone doesn't have oily fish, will just a general healthy diet be sufficient for omega 3?
Lastly, sorry will overcooking meat / fish affect their nutrition or ability to absorb their goodness?

[SuzCG]

How frequently should I be buying my fresh fruit & veg?

I'm sure I have been told that once picked they start to use their nutrient values. Realistically from picking, cleaning & sorting, being delivered to the supermarket, sitting there for a few days etc. How much nutritional value are we really getting from them if I buy early in the week and am still using at the end of?

[ItsClemFandangoCanYouHearMe]

My son is a toddler and is allergic to Milk, Soy, eggs and wheat. How can I make sure he has a a balanced diet as I'm researching a vegan diet with meat and he's been on soy milk since 1 year. I worry about giving him a balanced diet and all the nutrients he needs to grow up healthy.

[buckley1983]

My 6 year old eats a reasonably balanced tooth - lots of fruit & veg, complex carbs, protein & dairy. He does have a raging sweet tooth though!
I no longer eat refined sugar (although this is a daily challenge for me!) - I worry about him eating refined sugar - but it feels impossible to cut this out of his diet completely & it feels to me that it's not necessary at his age - my body used to process refined sugar much better when I was younger.. it doesn't any more though!
Any hints/tips on subtly reducing his sugar intake without compromising the sweet taste/treat factor?
Thank you :)

[Apileofballyhoo]

How much red meat by weight provides enough iron for a week? How much chicken? How much ham? For an 11 year old of average height and weight. How many eggs?

How much cheese (buffalo mozzarella) by weight provides enough calcium for a week?

Can you provide per week or should things be eaten every day? Eg if cheese is eaten twice a week is that enough?

Is there any way of getting Vitamin D through diet?

Do you have any advice on monounsaturated versus polyunsaturated oils/fats?

Which are the worst offenders regarding organic versus conventional?

And finally what are the right amounts of daily soluble fibre and insoluble fibre in weight for an 11 year old?

Thanks.

[GloriousGoosebumps]

We're all advised to take vitamin d supplements and told that we should also take vitamin k2 because it ensures calcium is not deposited in our arteries but transported to our bones and teeth where we want it. How much vitamin k2 should we take daily?

[pearldeodorant]

What are your thoughts on raisins as snacks? We used to have lots but I've become concerned about the amount of sugar in recent years and especially the effect on teeth!