Why is fat important?
Dietary fat provides a concentrated energy source and essential fatty acids that the body cannot make on its own. Essential fatty acids allow the body to absorb certain vitamins and affect other body functions.

How much fats do toddlers need?
Fats should account for half of the calories consumed by children younger than 2 years of age. After age 2 years, experts recommend that fat consumption be limited to no more than 30% of total daily calories.

What kind of fats are best?
The healthiest fats are low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Medical studies have shown a strong connection between saturated fat and high cholesterol levels, which can eventually cause atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries." After age 2 years, experts advise that saturated fat should account for only 10% of daily calories.

Low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol foods include poultry, fish and lean meat (boiled, baked or roasted; not fried), and low-fat diary products. Vegetable oils are preferable to animal oils.

Why are the fatty acids AA & DHA important?
Arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are 2 important fatty acids that are "building blocks" for the brain and eyes. Evidence is growing that AA and DHA play an important role in the mental and visual development throughout early childhood.

Reprinted with permission from Wyeth Nutrition