5 Ways to Prevent Nutritional Deficiency in Growing Child

You might have heard about nutritional deficiencies in children across the globe, but why is it far more common in India? Do you know India ranks first in the world vis-àvis child malnutrition? Your growing child requires certain vitamins and minerals in order to function well and often these are referred to as ‘micronutrients’. What you must know, as a parent, is that the body is not capable of producing these micronutrients, and so your child needs to acquire these through food. A nutritional deficiency happens when the diet is low on nutrients or when the body is unable to absorb enough nutrients from the food that your child eats. Now, let’s look at the 5 ways in which you can prevent nutritional deficiencies through diet:

5 Easy Ways to Avoid Nutritional Deficiency in Growing Children

Now, let’s look at the 5 ways in which you can prevent nutritional deficiencies(malnutrition) through diet. Our clinical nutritionist tells you what you need to know…

1. Don't Forget Iron - Iron deficiency is commonly seen in most children. Hence, Iron becomes imperative to add this micronutrient to the diet of your little one. The deficiency of iron can lead to anemia which shall ultimately lead to weakness and fatigue in your child. Foods which you need to add to the diet: Egg yolks, dark leafy green, poultry, nuts, poultry and garden cress seeds.[Expert-view- How Important Is Iron For Kids & Problems Due to Iron Deficiency?] 

2. Never Avoid Vitamin A - Vitamin A is known to impart good eye health and it also strengthens the immune system. Foods which you need to add to the diet: Green leafy veggies, papaya, mango, tomato, carrot, sweet potato, apricot, and pumpkin.

3. Don't Miss-out on Folate - Folic acid is essential for the production of red blood cells and also helps in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Foods which you need to add to the diet: Beans, lentils, citrus fruits, poultry, green leafy beans, and shellfish.

4. Always Remember Vitamin D - Almost 30-40 percent of children are known to be deficient in Vitamin D and Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and teeth. In absence of Vitamin D, the body cannot absorb calcium leading to brittle teeth and porous bones. Foods which you need to add to the diet: Fatty fish, mushroom, egg yolks and health food drinks fortified with Vitamin D.

5. Don't Forget Calcium-rich Diet - Calcium again is required for strong bones, teeth and for the proper functioning of the heart, nerves, and muscles. Foods which you need to add to the diet: Milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu, soy milk, almonds, sesame seeds, spinach, and soybean. Goes without saying that as a mother, you do ensure that your child gets a good, well-balanced diet but despite best efforts, there are some micronutrients that may still go amiss. At the same time, children insist on eating junk foods, and it is normal to indulge them, but this further increases the risk of a deficiency and the resultant long-term health issues, such as low immunity, unexplained weakness, slurred speech, digestive issues, stunted growth, low bone density, lack of concentration and other such. [Check These Calcium-rich recipes for your child]

So, what is the way out? Find a health food drink such as Horlicks that contains all the required micronutrients (mentioned above) and start your child’s day on the right note. It will give that boost of energy when your child needs it the most and also keep all health risks at bay. However, do consult a pediatrician before putting your child on a health food drink.

Did you find the information given by our expert nutritionist useful? Do you feel your child is not getting the best nutrition? Would you consider including a health food drink in your child’s daily diet? Do share (in the comments section below) – and support fellow parents to provide the best nutrition to their growing children.