Two particularly important minerals for school-aged children and teenagers are calcium and iron, which help strengthen teeth and bones and prevent anaemia, poor concentration and lethargy respectively. To ensure that children`s needs are met, include milk and other dairy products, pulses, lean red meat and green leafy vegetables frequently in meals.

Foods containing Vitamin C - such as orange juice - can also increase iron intake if drunk alongside iron-rich foods.

Making mealtimes fun

Keep food and mealtimes enjoyable! Encourage a healthy attitude towards food as well as a healthy diet. A little of what you and your children fancy will do you no harm as long as it is eaten as a small part of a diverse range of foods. Avoid focusing on weight, size or body image, and instead concentrate on the benefits and pleasures of eating well and plentifully