One of the reasons doctors encourage
patients to eat well-balanced meals is to ensure that their patients
receive all the vitamins and nutrients they need to stay healthy.
When your child does not have a varied diet, he or she may experience
a vitamin deficiency. Unfortunately, these kinds of deficiencies can
have serious and long-term consequences over time.
Do you believe your child may suffer
from a vitamin deficiency? This guide helps you determine what foods
to add to your child's diet to fix health concerns.
Vitamin B Deficiency
Several types of B vitamins exist, and
each type of Vitamin B may have different side effects.
Any type of Vitamin B deficiency may
come with lesions and ulcers, known as canker sores, inside the
mouth.
A child with brittle hair and brittle
nails may lack Vitamin B7 or biotin. Brittle hair often accompanies
muscle pain, fatigue, and cramps. To remedy a Vitamin B7 deficiency,
your child needs to eat foods like fish, meat, dairy, nuts, egg
yolks, spinach, broccoli, and bananas. Whole grains also provide this
nutrient.
A child deficient in Vitamins B3 and B7
may also exhibit hair loss. You may remedy this problem by increasing
meat, fish, eggs, leafy greens, nuts, and grains in your child's
diet. Sometimes, B7 deficiency also presents with a skin rash.
Vitamin C Deficiency
If your child does not have enough
Vitamin C, he or she may exhibit bleeding gums. While it is common
for teeth to bleed if your child has gum inflammation while brushing
their teeth, this type of bleeding may occur seemingly at random.
Scurvy is another side effect of
Vitamin C deficiency, but it is typically only apparent in severe
cases. As a result of scurvy, your child may experience weakened
muscles, frequent bruising, and a poor immune system.
Fruits and vegetables provide Vitamin
C. Children should eat several portions of fresh fruits and
vegetables every day. Foods high in Vitamin C include broccoli, kiwi,
bell peppers, and other fresh items.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency comes with a
common side effect of difficulty with vision. Your child may complain
that he or she struggles to see in low light. Additionally, your
child may complain of dry eyes, dry skin, and frequent illness.
Vitamin A can worsen your immune system.
You can increase your child's intake of
Vitamin A by encouraging a diet rich in dairy products, eggs, leafy
greens, and orange veggies like bell peppers and carrots.
Vitamin D Deficiency
If your child lacks Vitamin D, he or
she may experience symptoms like bone disease, liver disease, or
inflammatory bowel conditions. To build healthy, strong bones, your
child needs Vitamin D. Otherwise, your child may frequently fracture
their bones or experience muscle cramps.
You will find Vitamin D in many foods,
including fortified milk, liver, egg yolk, and fish. Your child can
also spend time outdoors in the sun to improve their levels of
Vitamin D.
Vitamin E Deficiency
While most children do not need to
worry about Vitamin E deficiency, it can happen if a child is
malnourished in general. Vitamin E deficiency may result in weak
muscles, problems with vision, and shaking. Children may also
struggle to walk because of the symptoms.
You can add foods like almonds,
spinach, and avocado to your child's diet to prevent Vitamin E
deficiency.
We at Y.H.
Parikh & Associates
offer dedicated, compassionate service to
ensure that your child is in the best hands. Call our team of
professionals today to schedule an appointment if you suspect your
child has a vitamin deficiency. We are happy to help you.
