The protein needs of an infant or toddler compared to an adult.
The protein needs of an infant or toddler are far greater when compared with someone older; the reason for this is that infants and toddlers are growing rapidly, and therefore require a high energy and protein diet in order for their developing bones, teeth, muscle and blood volume.
Children with malnutrition are often lacking protein in their diets, either from low family income being unable to buy protein rich foods, or from areas in the world that have famines, and constant droughts. Malnutrition causes the growth process of a child to be hindered, because of the lack of nutrient rich foods.
According to the Boots WebMD, infants and toddlers will either drink breast milk and/or formula both of which are high in protein, after they have weaned their diets should contain calories of which 50 to 60 percent come from carbohydrates, 25 to 35 percent come from fat, and 10 to 15 percent should come from protein. After age two, children are not growing quite so rapidly, however, they do have growth spurts, and ensuring that they continue to get the right amount of protein in their diets is essential. One thing that cannot be over-stated is that parents should not restrict nutrient rich foods from their infant and toddlers. If a child is brought up to eat a healthy diet, then they are more likely to continue eating healthily throughout their lives, and thus keeping their weight under control (Ward, 2009)
Ward, E. M. (2009, May 1). webmd.boots.com. Retrieved July 16, 2010, from http://www.webmd.boots.com/diet/guide/serve-up-good-nutrition-for-preschool-children: http://www.webmd.boots.com