Many parents don’t realize a growing child will almost always have at least a few minor vitamin deficiencies due to the incredible amount of stress their bodies are under. In order for your kids to grow up as healthy as possible and bypass a number of common medical issues, here is a closer look at some of the most common childhood deficiencies that could be remedied by altering one’s diet and taking daily supplements.
Iron
According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the number one nutritional disorder in the world. Current estimates indicate that nearly 1 in 3 children are deficient in iron, a condition that is also closely tied to anemia. While this condition is devastating at any age, children with an iron deficiency will often show signs of stunted physical and mental growth. Children that do not consume enough iron in their diet require daily or weekly children supplements of iron in order to stave off these common health issues.
Vitamin D
While many individuals receive the majority of their vitamin D through sunlight exposure, even those that are out in the sun regularly could be deficient. Vitamin D deficiency is the second most common deficiency in the world, and those living farther from the equator are at a much higher risk. Nature’s Energy says when an individual is deficient in vitamin D they will increase their risk of countless medical issues such as rickets, asthma, deteriorated eyesight, and respiratory infections.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A deficiencies are the leading cause of preventable blindness in children. This is often due to a vitamin A deficiency in the mother during their third trimester of pregnancy which will result in a number of issues in their child. Vitamin A is most important between 6 months and 6 years of age as this nutrient will provide a child with many of the building blocks their body needs to remain healthy for the rest of their life. The best way to improve a child’s vitamin A intake is with fresh produce such as carrots and leafy greens.
Calcium
Milk and other calcium-rich foods are extremely important for a child’s diet. Calcium is another vital building block for the body, and will lead to improved teeth and bones throughout a human’s lifetime. Calcium remains an essential component of a kid’s diet throughout their teen years as their body continues to rebuild and strengthen bones as they grow. Outside of dairy products, leafy greens and legumes are great options for calcium-rich foods.
Any nutritional deficiency in a child can be harmful, and this is why parents should continuously reevaluate their options for a healthy diet and supplements in order to ensure their family is growing up healthy and strong.
