MONDAY, April 14, (News Locale) - Fruit and vegetables are natural sources of essential dietary fiber and parents are encouraged to get their children as many fruits and vegetables as possible. However a new study finds that too much of fruit and vegetables in the diet can stunt the growth of children aged under five years. 

The trading standards study into nursery meals also found that many were applying the principles of healthy adult eating to kids as well. Too much of fruit and vegetables in the diet can lead to vitamin deficiencies because of undue emphasis on high fiber food.

Too much of fiber in the food can also retard the absorption of key minerals and lead to stunted growth.

"We found that the majority of nurseries had gone to the other extreme and appeared to be providing food that was too low in calories, fat and saturated fat, and too high in fruit and vegetables," said Sarah Almond, a consultant specialist pediatric dietician. She has analyzed the results of the study and expressed alarm that nurseries were not treating toddlers aged one to four differently than school-going children.

Furthermore the study also found that four out of five nurseries were not following the correct portion size for children. Just one in three nurseries was providing the correct calories for the toddlers.

Toddlers require high energy and nutrient because they are in the growing stage. However the small size of their stomach means they cannot absorb large quantities of food. Nutritional deficiencies are sadly all too common in this age group because parents and nurseries alike cannot judge the dietary requirements accurately.

In conclusion, it must be mentioned that children do have different needs than adults. While fruits and vegetables are an important part of the diet no matter what the age, the above study stresses that too much of even a good thing can be bad as well.

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