Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Children & How to Spot Them (2024)

These tips for recognizing signs of nutritional deficiencies in children brought to you by SmartyPants Vitamins.

Kids don’t always want to eat the foods that are best for them. So as a parent, I’m definitely concerned about making sure my daughters get the vital nutrients they needfor healthy growth and development.

Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Children & How to Spot Them

Nutritional deficiencies in children are much easier to remedy if caught early. That’s why I want to share four of the most common vitamins and minerals that your children might not get enough of without a little extra help.

Read to learn thesymptoms to look for, as well as how to make sure your children get the nutrition they need to build strong bodies and healthy minds.

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Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is critical both in its own right, as well as for its role in the absorption of calcium. Both Vitamin D and calcium are vital ingrowing strong bones and teeth.

Ourskin produces Vitamin D when exposed to natural sunlight. Children with little sun exposure or that live in higher latitudes might not get enoughthis way.

The earliest symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency are bone and muscle soreness. If the deficiency is not corrected, it can lead to serious skeletal deformities and a condition known as Rickets.

Iron Deficiency (Anemia)

Iron makes it possible for red blood cells to transport oxygen to our vital organs and throughout the body.

Symptoms of iron deficiency, or anemia, include:tiredness,pale skin (especially around the hands, nails, and eyelids),rapid heartbeat or a heart murmur,irritability,low appetite,dizziness, or even a condition known aspica (eating non-food items such as dirt).

B VitaminDeficiency

The B Vitamins are neededin every area of our body and helpmaintain a strong immune system and optimal mental function.

Symptoms of B Vitamin deficiencies may include: nausea, abdominal pains,vomiting,loss of appetite, bad breath, indigestion and constipation. These symptoms areeasily confused with other medical conditions. If you’re having trouble figuring out the cause of health issues, this couldbe the missing link.

Especially important for children, a diet that is lacking B vitamins canaffect a child’s ability to learn and focus at school. (Source: The Recommended Daily at SmartyPants Vitamins)

Zinc Deficiency

Zinc is a trace mineral thatis often forgotten in terms of discussions about nutritional needs. It usually takes a backseat to other well-known minerals like calcium and magnesium. However, zinc is equally important for growth and healthy development in children.

Symptoms of zinc deficiency include poor appetite, weight loss, and changes in the sense of taste and/or smell. If left unchecked, zinc deficiency can lead to stunted growth, poor wound healing, and hair loss.

Related: 4 Ways to Help Your Child Grow Taller Naturally

A Healthy Diet Might Not be Enough

The first step in preventing nutritional deficiencies in children is to try to consume as many vitamin and mineral rich foods as possible. This list of child andbaby-friendly foods that are high in nutrientshas some great ideas to build your menu.

Our family strives to eat a balanced diet with lots of lean proteins and veggies. However, I would rather not take a chance with nutritional deficiencies in children. So I also give my girls a daily multivitamin to supplement their nutrient intake.

A serving of SmartyPants Kids Complete Multivitamins provides 11 vitamins and minerals that are crucial for development, as well as Omega 3 oils. I can rest a little easier knowing hat any gaps in my daughter’s diets are filled.This is especially reassuringwhile we’re inthe “picky toddler” stage where my youngest tries to avoidvegetables!

Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Children & How to Spot Them (2024)