Frequent Nutritional Shortcomings in Children's Diets: A Review of Eight Prevalent Issues
In the quest to ensure the optimal growth and development of children, it is crucial to provide them with a sufficient amount of essential micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. These nutrients play a vital role in various aspects of a child's health, from supporting healthy growth and immune function to preventing diseases.
One such essential nutrient is zinc, which is integral to healthy growth, digestion, sex hormone development, and immunity in children. A deficiency in zinc can have an adverse effect on a child's hair, skin, and nails, as well as their cognitive function and height.
Iron, another vital micronutrient, is crucial for the production of blood cells. An iron deficiency can cause anemia, pale skin, fatigue, weakness, and tiredness, poor appetite, cravings for strange things like ice, dirt, and paint, slower growth and development, behavioral issues, and frequent infections.
Vitamin A, often referred to as the 'vision vitamin,' is essential for maintaining good vision and immune function. A deficiency in Vitamin A can cause both acute and chronic eye damage, leading to blindness. It can also weaken the immune system and increase mortality, especially in children and women who are pregnant or lactating.
The B-vitamin complex, particularly Thiamine (B1), Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), play essential roles in energy production, nerve function, and red blood cell formation. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to various health issues, including neurological symptoms, anemia, and cognitive impairments.
Folate, another B-vitamin, aids in the formation of DNA and RNA, as well as protein metabolism. Folate deficiency in children can cause brain and spinal cord underdevelopment, growth issues, anaemia, and congenital defects.
Vitamin D, known as the 'sunshine vitamin,' is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Deficiency in Vitamin D can cause rickets in children and osteoporosis in the elderly, leading to weaker and more fragile bones.
Calcium, a mineral crucial for bone health, can cause rickets in children and osteoporosis in the elderly if deficient.
Common symptoms of nutritional deficiencies in children include immune deficiency, stunted bone development, delayed brain growth, weariness, digestive troubles, lethargy, loss of attention, dry skin/hair, depression/anxiety, delayed speech, weight loss, hyperactivity, and frequent cold or flu.
To combat these deficiencies, it is essential to focus on dietary diversification, supplementation, and food fortification programs, especially in vulnerable populations such as children from low-resource settings. Dietary sources of these essential nutrients include red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, fortified cereals, dark leafy greens, liver, dairy products, orange/yellow fruits and vegetables, whole grains, meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, and iodized salt, among others.
In conclusion, ensuring children receive a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals is key to their overall health and development. By addressing nutritional deficiencies, we can help children grow into healthy, thriving individuals.
Science highlights the importance of nutrition in brain development and growth and development of children. A balanced diet, rich in essential micronutrients like zinc, iron, vitamins A, B-complex, folate, and vitamin D, and minerals such as calcium, is crucial for various aspects of a child's health and wellness, preventing diseases, supporting healthy growth, and ensuring optimal cognitive function.