Is Bird’s Nest Good for Children? At What Age Can Children Eat Bird’s Nest?

Bird’s nest is a nutrient-rich food with many amazing health benefits. Whether children should eat a bird’s nest or whether it is good for them are common concerns for parents considering cooking a bird’s nest to nourish their child.

Answering the question: Is bird’s nest good for children?

Giving a bird’s nest to children is a great way to supplement essential nutrients and support comprehensive development. Below are the benefits of feeding bird’s nest to children:

1. Supplementing bird’s nest promotes intellectual development

Bird’s nest contains phenylalanine, magnesium, zinc, copper, and other nutrients that enhance memory, nourish the brain, stabilize the nervous system, and support mental development while preventing neurological disorders. Supplementing bird’s nest helps with long-term brain development, fosters positive thinking, and improves memory. For children who are in school and facing exams or tests, the mental load can be considerable. Fortunately, the amino acids in bird’s nest positively affect the brain and are very helpful for cognitive improvement.

2. Bird’s nest provides essential trace elements for children

Bird’s nest is a good supplement for growing children. Its glycoprotein structure helps provide energy and nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body. Trace elements found in bird’s nest include phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, sialic acid, amino acids (lysine, cysteine, arginine), and carbohydrates, supplying various nutrients needed for development. With over 50% protein that supports bodily functions, 18 amino acids including many essential ones that the body cannot produce, and more than 31 trace elements, bird’s nest helps replenish vital nutrients and strengthen the body.

3. Provides calcium to support growth and development

Bird’s nest offers high-quality calcium that is easily absorbed and supports children’s growth and development. During the long growth period, children require a large amount of calcium. Bird’s nest, rich in bioavailable calcium, is ideal for children. Additionally, amino acids in bird’s nest help improve bone development. Therefore, parents should regularly cook bird’s nest for their children to support healthy growth.

4. Bird’s nest: A food that boosts immunity

Supplementing a bird’s nest not only helps strengthen bones but also boosts the immune system. It contains a unique compound—sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid)—which is one of the important components found in colostrum. This compound contributes to early growth and development. It participates in a variety of physiological functions on the cellular surface and plays a vital role in regulating physiological and biochemical functions of the body. Sialic acid also serves as a key component of the immune system, influencing mucus flow, which helps bird’s nest protect against pathogens entering the body.

Bird’s nest also promotes epithelial cell proliferation and immune system activation. Therefore, supplementing bird’s nest helps enhance resistance, improve appetite and sleep, and supports healthy growth. It is particularly beneficial for undernourished children, picky eaters, or those frequently getting sick.

5. Repairs damaged cells and stimulates new cell growth

Is bird’s nest good for children? Bird’s nest is rich in glycoproteins that bind cells and collagen, promoting epithelial cell development and fulfilling the body’s need for trace elements and physical development. Research shows bird’s nest contains epidermal growth factor (EGF), which promotes cellular reproduction and regeneration. This is why bird’s nest is often used in beauty products and cosmetics.

6. Bird’s nest aids digestion

Is a bird’s nest good for children? Bird’s nest contains amino acids such as histidine, threonine, and the rare trace element chromium, all of which play essential roles in stimulating digestion and improving nutrient absorption in children.

7. Improves lung function and helps treat respiratory infections

The Chinese have long believed that bird’s nest helps treat respiratory infections, tuberculosis, coughing, reduces asthma symptoms, hemoptysis, and fatigue caused by bronchial illnesses. Another benefit of a bird’s nest is improved lung function.

Thus, it is clear that the answer to “Is bird’s nest good for children?” yes. Adding a bird’s nest to your child’s diet is beneficial for overall development.

At what age can children eat bird’s nests?

During the stage when the body is still developing and the immune system is immature, children need proper nutrients to support physical and mental development. Therefore, parents should consider supplementing bird’s nests for their children. However, not all age groups are suitable for bird’s nest consumption.

Children should only be given a bird’s nest after they start eating solids. Although some claim that babies over 4 months can eat bird’s nest, many experts suggest:

Children under 6 months old should absolutely not consume bird’s nests. At this stage, the digestive system is not mature enough to absorb the protein in a bird’s nest. This would waste the nutrients and may negatively affect the child’s digestion and development.
Children from 6 to 12 months are in the weaning stage and should start with vegetables, meat, and fish first. Using a bird’s nest at this time is not necessary and may cause stomach discomfort due to an underdeveloped digestive system. If you still wish to feed the bird’s nest, you can mix it into formula after steaming.
Children over 12 months are more active and require a high energy intake to maintain health. At this stage, you can cook bird’s nest porridge for your child to ensure they receive full nutrition and grow healthily.

However, note that children under 10 years old should not consume more than 2 grams of bird’s nest per day and only about 3 times a week. For children over 10 years old, they may consume around 5 grams per day, and it can be given daily for optimal development.

After the first time feeding your child bird’s nest, observe them for at least three days to check for any allergic reactions.