The Ministry of Health warns: why children under 12 should not eat mushrooms.

According to inkorr.com: The consumption of mushrooms by children raises many questions. Scientists assert that the main reason for the restrictions is not age, but rather that the body cannot break down chitin. Maria Shevchenko explained this in an interview with 'Glavkom'.

“The Ministry of Health recommends avoiding mushrooms for children under 12, individuals with gastrointestinal diseases, pregnant women, and the elderly. Humans do not have the enzyme that breaks down chitin, so digestive problems may arise. However, chitin is excreted from the body practically unchanged,” the scientist explained.

Although mushrooms are a valuable source of proteins, vitamins, and trace elements, the Ministry of Health still advises children to refrain from consuming them due to the risk of food poisoning. This is especially important, as children have a higher sensitivity to toxins due to their lower body mass.

“Children face the risk of poisoning from mushrooms due to their lower body mass, so even a small dose of toxins can cause serious problems. We must also remember possible allergic reactions to the proteins found in mushrooms,” emphasized Maria Shevchenko.

The scientist explained that the restrictions on mushroom consumption for children are not related to their age, but to the enzymatic capabilities of the human body. Despite the high nutritional value of mushrooms, it is important to adhere to recommendations regarding their consumption, especially when it comes to the vulnerable group of children.

Therefore, despite the beneficial properties of mushrooms, parents should be cautious when introducing them into children's diets. By following specialists' advice, they can protect their little ones from the dangers associated with mushroom consumption and ensure proper nutrition. It is better to choose safe and verified products to protect children's health.