Growing children have unique nutritional needs that parents often face problems to fulfill them. It can be due to adulterated food available in the market, selective eating habits of your child, or dietary restriction, which can lead to Nutrient deficiency in Kids. Ignoring such deficiencies can cause serious health issues in the long run.
In this blog post, let’s walk through the nutrition deficiency, or malnutrition in kids, and why this happens to children. Also, learn the tips to prevent your child from malnutrition and what types of foods to include in their plates.
What is Malnutrition In Children?
Malnutrition or nutrient deficiency in kids means your child’s body is lacking vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients that are needed for growth and development. Due to this issue, their body is unable to produce enough energy to maintain its healthy tissues and organs.
In this case, the body of the child grows slowly, and they might have a chance to face organ developmental issues. This mainly happens because of common deficiencies that include calcium, vitamin D, and iron, affecting energy, bones, cognitive function, and overall growth.
Types Of Nutrient Deficiency In Children
There are mainly three types of nutrient deficiency in kids–
1. Mineral Deficiency
Minerals play a vital role in health, and when a child doesn’t get enough minerals, it might make them suffer from malnutrition. Let’s see which minerals are important for a child.
- Iron: Iron helps in transporting oxygen to the blood, and a deficiency of iron in the blood can cause anaemia.
- Calcium: Lack of calcium may lower bone density and cause rickets.
- Zinc: Deficiency of zinc can be a reason for delayed growth and infections.
- Potassium: Potassium is required to boost nerve and muscle functionalities, and a lack of potassium in a child’s body can cause nervous system-related disorders.
- Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency in kids can cause muscle cramps and restlessness.
2. Vitamin Deficiency
Here are some of the vitamins deficiency in kids that leads to slow growth, skin issues, etc.
- Vitamin A: It is very important for vision and skin health, and a lack of vitamin A leads to night blindness.
- Vitamin B12: It is crucial for the nervous system and growth, and a deficiency of this vitamin may lead to a decrease in the child’s overall growth.
- Vitamin C: It is important for tissue repair and building a strong immune system, and a lack of this can cause Scurvy, a weakened immune system, or poor wound healing.
- Vitamin D: It makes bones healthy and improves the immune system, and a lack of this nutrient leads to rickets, increased risk of infections, or delayed growth.
- Vitamin E: It is crucial to boost vision and memory, and a deficiency of vitamin E in infants is a very serious problem that may cause anemia.
- Vitamin K: It is very important for the immune system and bone health, and a deficiency in kids can lead to a tendency to bleed, anaemia, or impaired bone growth.
3. Protein Deficiency
Like minerals and vitamins, protein is also an important nutrient required for kids’ overall development. However, here are the types of protein deficiency that are responsible for child’s slow growth.
1. Mild protein deficiency
Failure to thrive, fatigue, irritability, and poor appetite. Kids may not grow or develop properly.
2. Moderate protein deficiency
Edema, hair loss, skin rashes, and poor wound healing. Kids may experience weight loss and muscle wasting.
3. Severe protein deficiency
Kwashiorkor, marasmus, organ damage, and increased risk of infections. Kids may experience extreme weight loss, muscle wasting, and poor growth.
4.Protein-energy malnutrition
Weight loss, muscle wasting, edema, and poor wound healing. Kids may experience fatigue, irritability, and poor appetite.
9 Superfoods That Will Fulfill All Nutrients In Your Child’s Diet
1. Berries
Berries are the top superfood that is rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. You can serve your infant or kids with berries by adding them to yogurt or condensed milk.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes have a high level of antioxidants along with vitamins A, C, and K that improve vision and promote skin health. You can serve raw tomatoes, or you can add them to salads or sandwiches.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, which improves overall immunity and helps to fight off cell-damaging free radicals. It contains phytonutrients that maintain blood pressure and is high in vitamin A enhances night vision.
4. Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, spinach, beans, etc., are rich in antioxidants that promote healthy vision. It is high in vitamins A, C, E, K, and folate, and adding these to your kid’s meal helps in overall development and boosts cognitive function.
5. Avocados
Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, B vitamins, folate, and magnesium, which are very healthy for the heart. It also enhances gut health and improves nutrient absorption.
6. Salmon
Salmon is one of the most nutritious foods on earth. It contains Vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the risk of heart issues and aid in mental growth. It is responsible for the generation of red blood cells and regulates the health of the central nervous system.
7. Eggs
Eggs are protein-rich foods and also loaded with vitamins and minerals like B12, D, selenium, and choline. You can add to their meals in the form of an omelette or boiled eggs to boost overall health.
9. Dry Fruits
Dried fruits can promote overall health and growth in your child. You can add cashews, raisins, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, raisins, dates, and dried figs to your infant’s brunch or breakfast.
Signs to Seek Professional Support For Your Kid’s Well-Being
As kids are at a growing age, their bodies require enough nutrition to support their mental and physical health. They need attentive care and a healthy diet to feel active the whole day. Thus, if you spot any of the following symptoms, you should rush to the best child nutritionist in India to help them enjoy a happy childhood with boosted immunity, strong bones, and overall well-being.
- Under or overweight
- Constipation
- Fatigue and Weakness
- Brittle Hair and Nails
- Change in Skin Colour
- Slow wound Healing
- Growth Problems
- Bone and Muscle Pain
- Vision Issues
Wrap Up
If you are also concerned about your child’s health, and seeing the signs of nutritional deficiency in your kids, consulting with an experienced dietician is a very good idea. Here, Dietitian Sheenam is one of the experienced and renowned nutritionists in India, and she has continuously transformed lifestyles across the globe.
So, don’t delay, just book an appointment online with the best pediatric nutritionist in India and get experienced advice for the overall development of your kid.
