Nutritional and especially micronutrient deficiencies in children result in poor physical growth, reduced cognitive development, and increased risk of illness Dr. Kumar T.V.

Millions of children worldwide suffer malnutrition in the first five years of their lives. According to a 2020 report of the UNICEF-WHO-WB Joint Child Malnutrition Inter-Agency Group, 149.2 million children under 5 years of age were too short for their age (stunting), 45.4 million were too thin for their height (wasting) and 38.9 million too heavy for their height (overweight). Child malnutrition is prevalent in cities and villages, developed and developing countries.

In several middle-class homes, toddlers, because of exposure to junk foods, tend to consume high-calorie, low-nutrient foods rich in sugar and fat but lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. Nutritional and especially micronutrient deficiencies in children result in poor physical growth, reduced cognitive development, and increased risk of illness.

It’s important for parents to understand that early childhood is a period of intense mental and physical development and that children need to follow a well-balanced and healthy diet.
Here are some of the most common nutritional deficiencies prevalent in early childhood, and their antidotes:

Iron
Iron deficiency is common in children, especially those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Iron is essential for production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Its deficiency can lead to anaemia, fatigue, and poor cognitive function. Therefore, children should consume foods rich in iron such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, fortified cereals, and leafy greens. Iron absorption can also be enhanced by consuming foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which boost bone health. Its deficiency is manifested in children who don’t get enough sunlight or follow a vegetarian/vegan diet. To avoid vitamin D deficiency, children should get regular exposure to sunlight, consume foods rich in vitamin D such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk or milk alternatives. Your child could also take a vitamin D supplement, provided your paediatrician recommends it.

Calcium
Calcium is important for healthy bone and optimal muscle development and nervous system functions. Calcium deficiency can lead to weak bones, dental problems, and muscle cramps. Children who don’t eat dairy products are at risk of suffering calcium deficiency. Therefore children’s diets must include dairy products, leafy greens, fortified cereals, and fortified milk or milk alternatives.

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is important for production of red blood cells, neural functions, and DNA synthesis. Children who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are deficient in Vitamin B12, as it is primarily found in animal products. Therefore, encourage your children to consume vitamin B12-fortified foods, such as cereals, soy milk, and nutritional yeast, or take a vitamin B12 supplement if recommended by a healthcare provider.

Zinc
Zinc is important for overall physical growth and development, immune functions, and wound healing. Its deficiency can result in physical retardation, delayed sexual maturation and wound healing. To avoid zinc deficiency, children should consume chicken, beans, nuts, and fortified cereals.

Promote healthy eating

Encourage a balanced diet. Parents should encourage children to follow a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and dairy products. A balanced diet provides the necessary vitamins and minerals for children’s healthy growth and development.

Promote nutritious snacking. Snacking is an important part of children’s diets. Encourage children to snack on nutritious food such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain crackers instead of high-calorie, low-nutrient junk foods.

Nutritional supplements. In some cases, supplements may be necessary to ensure children receive adequate nutrition. However, consult your paediatrician before giving supplements to children.

(Dr. Kumar T.V. is consultant paediatrician at Holy Cross Hospital, Chamarajanagara)