Health, safety, and nutrition are closely intertwined and dependent on one another. The status of each has a direct effect on the quality of the others. For example, children who receive all essential nutrients from a healthful diet are more likely to reach their growth potential, benefit from early learning opportunities, experience fewer illnesses, and have ample energy for play. In contrast, a child whose diet lacks critical nutrients such as iron may develop anemia, which can lead to fatigue, diminished alertness, growth failure, and loss of appetite. Disinterest in eating is likely to further compromise the child’s iron intake. In other words, nutritional status has a direct effect on children’s health and safety, which, in turn, influences the dietary requirements needed to restore and maintain well-being.
A nutritious diet also plays an important role in injury prevention. The child or adult who arrives at school having eaten little or no breakfast may experience low blood sugar, which can result in fatigue, decreased alertness, and slowed reaction times and, thus, increase an individual’s risk of accidental injury. Similarly, overweight children and adults are more likely to sustain injuries because excess weight may restrict physical activity, slow reaction times, and increase fatigue with exertion.
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