When you are a parent, you likely want nothing more than your children to be healthy. If you notice strange symptoms, you probably want to take your child to the doctor as soon as possible. This medical professional will likely perform blood tests to determine the root cause behind the presented issues. The results may show that your child has a vitamin deficiency, which affects their bodies in several different ways. They could have vision difficulties, gastrointestinal pains, or weakness in their joints.
You can learn more about five of the most common vitamin deficiencies in children in the below information.
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is crucial to your child’s eye health. This nutrient helps keep the cornea clear, the clear protective layer over the lens. If you do not treat a vitamin A deficiency, your child could become blind or develop a severe infection or illness. At first, you may notice your loved ones complaining about dry eyes or temporary blindness in the dark. Find eye supplements for kids that you trust to keep these more serious issues from developing. Vitamin A deficiencies can also cause dry skin and frequent infections, paired with these eye problems.
2. Iron
An iron deficiency is another common problem that your child may experience. This condition can lead to anemia, which does not allow your body to produce enough healthy red blood cells. Often, food pickiness leads to iron deficiency in your young children, as they need meats and green vegetables to get the nutrient. Try to supplement using a formula, especially if your child is still at the appropriate age to drink it. If necessary, you can provide your loved ones with kid-friendly supplements. Make sure you always give the proper dosage to not cause more problems in the future.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb other nutrients, including magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium. Ultimately, it will help your child grow as it makes their bones stronger. It will also improve their cardiovascular health and immune system. Vitamin D deficiencies are most common among babies as they need 400 international units of the nutrient per day. If you only breastfeed your child, you may need to provide them with a supplement. Try to give your loved ones, when they are old enough, whole milk, yogurt, and other dairy products to further increase vitamin D absorption.
4. Zinc
Zinc is another nutrient vital to your baby or child’s immune system. It will help them develop hormones, grow strong, and enhance cognitive functioning. Zinc can also assist in digestion, ensuring that gut health is the top priority. If your baby is seven months to three years old, it needs three milligrams of zinc per day. When your child turns four, up until they are eight, they need five milligrams per day. Finally, when your loved one is nine to 13 years old, they need eight milligrams per day. You can provide your child with zinc supplements or can feed them more animal meats and dairy products.
5. Calcium
Finally, your child needs calcium to grow and develop. This nutrient is vital for bone health and strength, and it can help your nerve and muscle functioning. Children need calcium when they are young to not face more severe symptoms when they become adults, such as osteoporosis. Milk products are full of calcium, but your child may have lactose intolerance. If you are in this situation, give your loved one fortified alternatives, green leafy vegetables, tofu, or nuts and seeds. By the time a child is four years old, they need at least 1,000 milligrams of the nutrient per day.
6. Folate
A folate (or vitamin B-9) deficiency can have fatal consequences for your child. Making sure your child gets enough folate needs to be started as early as in the womb. The deficiency of folate during pregnancy can lead to spina bifida. If your child contracts this condition it can greatly reduce their mobility, life expectancy, and quality of life. After pregnancy, you should still make sure your child gets plenty of folate as it is necessary for red blood cell formation and healthy cell function and growth.
Avoid Vitamin Deficiencies with Your Children
If you have a child, you want to keep them as healthy as possible, no matter their age. If they do not receive the nutrients they need in a day, they may face a vitamin deficiency. This situation can lead to poor bone health, frequent infections, or even blindness. Ensure that your child gets enough calcium, vitamin A, zinc, iron, and Vitamin D in a day. You can find these nutrients in foods, or you can provide your loved ones with supplements with a doctor’s approval.
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