Why is protein important?
Dietary protein is important for growing children because it helps the body's cells to grow and survive. A person's body makes many of its own proteins, which do many different things in the body. But no one, especially children, can make all of the proteins needed to be healthy.

How much protein do toddlers need?
Experts recommend that children aged 1 to 3 years consume 10-12 grams of protein per day.

What kind of protein are best?
The ideal protein contains all essential amino acids-the building blocks that the body uses to make protein-in the right amounts.

Complete proteins contain all of the essential amino acids in the right proportions. Animal foods, such as milk, meat, and fish are complete proteins.

Reprinted with permission from Wyeth Nutrition