Diet and Nutrition Deficiencies for Pediatric age
Diet and Nutrition Deficiencies for Pediatric age
By Dr.Ravindra Patil
Diet
Right from birth, a healthy diet consumed throughout the life-course helps in preventing malnutrition in all its forms as well as wide range of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and conditions. But rapid urbanization/globalization, increased consumption of processed foods and changing lifestyles has led to a shift in dietary patterns. Nutrition deficiency refers to the inadequate intake or absorption of essential nutrients needed for optimal growth and functioning of the body.
People are consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars or salt/sodium, and many do not eat enough fruits, vegetables and dietary fibres such as whole grains. So, these all factors are contributing to an imbalanced eating.
A balanced diet is one which contains variety of foods in such quantities and proportion that the need of all nutrients is adequately met for maintaining health, vitality and general wellbeing and makes a small provision for extra nutrients to withstand short duration of deficiency.
The major food issues of concern are insufficient/ imbalanced intake of foods/nutrients. One of the most common nutritional problems of public health importance in India are low birth weight, protein energy malnutrition in children, chronic energy deficiency in adults, micronutrient malnutrition and diet related non-communicable diseases. Health and nutrition are the most important contributory factors for human resource development in the country.
Table of Contents
According to WHO
- Infants should be breastfed exclusively during the first 6 months of life.
- Breast-milk alone is not enough for infants after 6 months of age. Complementary foods should be given after 6 months of age, in addition to breast-feeding.
- Feed low-cost home-made caloric and nutrient rich complementary foods.
- Infants cannot eat large quantities of food at a single time so they should be fed small quantities at frequent intervals (3-4 times a day).
- The food should be of semi-solid consistency so that the infants can swallow it easily. A balanced diet is the key to protect your child against nutritional deficiencies.
- Observe hygienic practices while preparing and feeding the complementary food for infants, because babies are prone to infections.
- Avoid junk foods for babies.
Diet for a Growing Child
Children who eat a balanced diet lay the foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle and this further lowers the risk of long term health issues. Childhood is the most critical time for growth as well as for development of the mind and to fight infections. So, it is very essential that the children get a good dose of energy, proteins, vitamins and minerals. It is very important to follow that hygienic practices are followed while preparing and feeding the complementary food to the child; otherwise, it might lead to diarrhoea.
Good food choices are:
- Milk, cheese, yoghurt.
- Vegetables like spinach, broccoli and celery which are rich in calcium is a must.
- Give them a daily intake of energy rich foods as whole grains (wheat, brown rice), nuts, vegetable oils, vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, fruits like banana.
- Proteins are essentials for muscle building, repair and growth and building antibodies. So give them diet which has meat, eggs, fish and dairy products.
- Vitamins for the body to function properly and to boost the immune system. A variety of fruits and vegetables of different colours should be added in child’s food.
- Vitamin D helps in bone growth and is essential for absorption of calcium. Sources are sunlight and a small amount from some food items like fish oils, fatty fish, mushrooms, cheese and egg yolks.
- Teenage girls experience more physiological changes and psychological stress than boys because of onset of menstruation. Therefore, teenage girls should eat diet which is rich in both vitamins as well as minerals to prevent anaemia.
- Give plenty of fluids during illness. A child needs to eat more during and after episodes of infections to maintain proper nutritional status.
- The child must drink one to two and a half litres of water to hydrate its body. It is preferred to have water/buttermilk/lassi/fruit juices/coconut water over soft drinks and other packaged drinks.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Many diseases and morbid conditions result from nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies are prevalent worldwide. Deficiencies may lead to long term chronic health problems such as rickets, iron deficiency anaemia, goitre, obesity, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer and osteoporosis.
Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Children
Iron Deficiency
Children need iron for a wide variety of bodily functions. It is a part of haemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from their lungs to the rest of their body where it assists their muscles in the storage and use of oxygen. Without enough iron children can develop anaemia which can lead to lethargy and improper cognitive functioning among other debilitating conditions. Meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, peas, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas can all be quite rich in iron.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium along with iron, magnesium, phosphate and zinc in the gastrointestinal tract. Adequate intake of this vitamin is necessary for optimal bone growth. Vitamin D deficiencies are more common in those children who have limited exposure to sunlight. Children can receive Vitamin D by eating fish and foods fortified with Vitamin D such as certain dairy products, soy milk, and cereals. Liver and egg yolks are also known to be rich in Vitamin D.
Zinc Deficiency
Zinc is a mineral essential to childhood growth, digestion, sex hormone development, and a strong immunity. A deficiency can negatively impact everything from hair, skin, and nails to cognitive functioning and the height of your child. Zinc can easily be added to your child’s diet through the introduction of sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, squash seeds, cashews and peanuts, in addition to seafood, meat, cooked beans, peas and lentils.
Calcium Deficiency
Deficiency leads to poor teeth and bones, muscle dysfunctions, heart problems, blood clotting irregularities, enzyme dysfunction and so on. Children require a high calcium intake. Sources are milk and milk products, dark leafy green vegetables, soy, tofu, fish, almonds, seeds, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is common in poorer societies. Night blindness is one of the first signs of VAD, as the vitamin has a major role in phototransduction. Complete blindness can follow if the deficiency is more severe. Sources are yellow, red and green (leafy) vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and red peppers. Yellow fruit, such as mango, papaya and apricots.
Folic Acid or Folate Deficiency
Folate deficiency anaemia is the result It is characterized by the appearance of large-sized, abnormal red blood cells (megaloblasts), which form when there are inadequate stores of folic acid within the body. Feed your child dark green leafy vegetables (turnip greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli), Beans, seafood and Peanuts to prevent folate deficiency.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 is important in the normal functioning of the nervous system and in the circulatory system in the maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. The only source is animal-derived foods or from supplements. Foods containing vitamin B12 include meat, clams, liver, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Many cereals are fortified with the vitamin.
