Special planning of the “Healthy through Food” series | Delicious crabs, can children enjoy their feast?

The autumn weather is clear and the colors are pleasant. It is the best season to eat crabs. I believe that many friends who love food have bought hairy crabs. Parents with children at home will always share the delicious food with their children as soon as possible.

What are the nutritional values ​​of crabs?

1. Protein. Crab meat is rich in protein, which helps maintain the growth and repair of body tissues.

2. Minerals. Crab meat is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, selenium and other minerals, which are beneficial for strengthening bones, enhancing immunity and preventing anemia.

3. Vitamins. Crab meat contains a variety of vitamins, especially B vitamins, including vitamin B1, B2, B12, etc., which help improve the body's immunity and antioxidant capacity.

4. Omega-3 fatty acids. Crabs are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to the human body and help lower cholesterol, protect heart health, and prevent inflammation.

Therefore, in autumn, people like to eat crabs, but can children eat crabs?

Can babies under 1 year old eat crabs?

Infants and young children can start adding complementary foods after they are 6 months old, starting with iron-rich paste-like substances, but only introduce one new food at a time to gradually achieve food diversification. my country's Dietary Guidelines for Feeding Infants and Young Children 7-24 Months Old recommend that allergenic foods should not be blindly avoided. A variety of foods are suitable for introduction within 1 year old, and the daily intake of livestock, poultry, meat and fish should reach 25-75 grams. The fish here includes other aquatic products, such as shrimp and crabs.

It is not recommended for children with allergies

Crabs are foods that are very likely to cause allergies, especially for children with allergies. Eating too much can induce allergic reactions and a series of problems such as rashes. In severe cases, laryngeal edema and even anaphylactic shock can occur, which are life-threatening reactions.

It is not recommended for children with poor gastrointestinal function

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that crabs are cold foods. Eating too much can easily lead to weak spleen and stomach. It may also have adverse effects on children who already have gastrointestinal diseases, causing digestive tract symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion.

Not recommended for sick children

If your child has a cold or fever, it is best not to eat crabs for the time being. Crabs are not good for recovery and may even aggravate the child's condition. In addition, children with coronary heart disease, cholecystitis, and active hepatitis are not recommended to eat crabs.

How to determine whether your child is allergic to crabs?

We can give the child some crab meat to try, and then observe for half an hour to see if the child has any abnormal condition. It is recommended to feed before noon, and if any adverse reactions occur, they can be dealt with in time. If there is no discomfort, give the child some more crab meat. Children should drink more water after eating crabs to promote body metabolism and relieve the discomfort that crabs may cause.

What precautions should be taken when children eat crabs?

1. Crabs are high-protein foods that are difficult to absorb. Children’s digestive systems are not mature, and excessive intake can easily lead to illness;

2. It is best to buy fresh crabs and steam them immediately before eating. Make sure they are cooked thoroughly.

3. Eat mainly crab meat, as crab roe and crab roe have high fat content, so try to let your children eat less;

4. During feeding, peel the crab meat well and do not leave any crab shells. Infants and young children have poor chewing function and poor laryngeal protective reflex. Crab shells are hard and can easily cause "bronchial foreign bodies" and threaten their lives.

Author: Wang Xiaoyu and Hu Mengdie, Department of Special Medical Care, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Review expert: Xin Xiaowei, nutritionist and deputy director of the Nutrition Department of Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences