Categories Nutrition

Common Vitamin Deficiencies in Children

Your child’s health is one of the most important things you must prioritize. This is because a proper diet with healthy food and supplements like Pure Encapsulations at Supplement First is vital for growth and development.

The good news is that children in the USA are likely to be well-nourished because of the country’s plentiful food supply. However, different parts of the world, and even within the USA, will have undernourished or vitamin-deficient children. This would likely come from the changing dietary intake and eating patterns of children.

Nowadays, children are starting to over-consume fats and sweetened drinks, leaving little for fruits and vegetables. That’s why it’s crucial to know which nutrients your child may be likely to be deficient in so you know where to focus on. Read on to learn about the common vitamin deficiencies in children. 

  1. Iron 

Iron deficiencies in children are surprisingly common, and it’s something that must be fixed immediately. Children require iron for various bodily functions. For starters, it’s a part of hemoglobin, a protein carrying oxygen from our lungs to the body. This is important with oxygen usage and muscles.

Iron deficiencies can increase the risk of anemia in children, which results in symptoms like lethargy or long-term effects such as improper cognitive functioning. Fortunately, this can easily be fixed by adding more iron-rich food sources to their diet, along with iron supplements from brands like Integrative Therapeutics. 

  1. Zinc 

This is an essential mineral that aids in growth, sex hormone development, immunity, and digestion. Zinc deficiency can impact various parts of the body, including your child’s hair, skin, nails, height, and even cognitive functioning.

You can add more zinc to your child’s diet by serving dishes with more meat, seafood, seeds, and nuts. On average, your child will require between 2-8 mg of zinc daily, depending on their age. 

  1. Calcium 

Calcium deficiencies are one of the most common deficiencies, particularly among developed nations. It can cause poor teeth and bone development.

But calcium isn’t only vital for the bones, but for proper heart regulation, muscle and enzyme functioning, blood clotting, and even functions within the nervous system. This is why it’s crucial to get enough calcium daily.

You can ensure your child gets enough calcium through a diet including milk, dark leafy greens, fish, fortified cereals, nuts, and seeds. Your child will require between 700-1,300 mg of calcium daily, again depending on their age. 

  1. Vitamin D 

This is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium absorption. It’s also important for other nutrient absorption including iron, phosphate, zinc, and magnesium.

It’s necessary to have enough of this vitamin for proper bone growth to prevent certain conditions such as childhood osteomalacia.

We can get proper amounts of vitamin D from adequate sun exposure, but those who may still be deficient in this vitamin can get enough of it from a diet with essential fatty acids and vitamin D-enriched foods. 

Wrapping It Up

Keep these common vitamin deficiencies in mind and speak with your child’s doctor to create a healthy meal plan for your little ones.