It
is important that a child’s diet should be both good in quality
as well as adequate in quantity. If his diet is deficient in nutrients
and energy, it can adversely affect his weight gain and body growth.
Iron Deficiency is Preventable
Anemia is considered to be present when the child's hemoglobin is
lower than the normal for his given age and sex. Iron is used by
our bone marrow to make hemoglobin, the red pigment of the red cells.
By far, iron deficiency and its resultant anemia is the most widely
prevalent nutritional disorder affecting the world population today,
particularly pregnant and lactating women, infants, young children
and adolescent girls. Prolonged and /or severe deficits of iron
in early childhood years may have lasting implications on the health,
functions and the development of an individual in later life.
Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamins are organic substances that act as catalysts in the metabolic
processes of the body. They do not supply the body with either energy
or calories directly. They work in more subtle ways ensuring the
smooth running of the metabolic machine.
Vitamin A (Retinol): It is contained in foods like
eggs, butter, whole milk, vegetables and liver. Vitamin A deficiency
can cause night blindness and dry skin.
B1 (Thiamine): Foods like fruits, nuts, vegetables,
fish, cereals, whole grain and bran contain this vitamin. Alcohol
abuse leads to deficiency in Vitamin B1. The symptoms of this deficiency
are numbness, tingling, loss of sensation and shooting pains in
the extremities, especially in the legs.
B2 (Riboflavin): Foods such as liver, milk, eggs
and vegetables are rich in Vitamin B2. People who are deficient
in this vitamin develop dimness of vision, ulcers in their mouth
and cracked lips.
B3 (Niacin or nicotinic acid): This vitamin is
found in foods like cereals, whole grains, vegetables, fish and
meat. Vitamin B3 deficiency could lead to weakness, diarrhoea, burning
sensation on the tongue, sores in the mouth, rough skin and weight
loss.
B6 (Pyridoxine): A diet of meat, vegetables and
bran will maintain the levels of this vitamin. Low levels of this
vitamin could cause depression, dizziness, nausea and sores in the
mouth.
B12 (Cyanocobalamine): Strict vegetarians may need
to supplement their diet with this vitamin as it is contained mostly
in fish, meat and milk. Symptoms of deficiency are feelings of weakness,
numbness and tingling in the extremities and shortness of breath.
C (Ascorbic acid): Citrus fruits and fresh vegetables
supply the body with Vitamin C. While it is very unlikely for a
person to have Vitamin C deficiency, it is characterised by bleeding,
swollen or infected gums, and bleeding into the skin causing bruising.
D (Calciferol): Fish, egg yolks and the rays of
the sun are the sources of this vitamin. Bowed legs and a deformed
spine are the result of Vitamin D deficiency.
E: Whole grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables
contain this vitamin. Deficiency in this vitamin is not known.
Folic acid: Pregnant women and those taking certain
anticonvulsant drugs may require supplements of this vitamin. For
others, a diet that includes liver, nuts, vegetables and whole wheat
should provide an adequate supply of this substance. Symptoms of
folic acid deficiency are sensations of weakness, numbness and tingling
of fingers and toes, ulcers in the mouth and sore tongues.
K: Deficiency of this vitamin, found in vegetables,
could result in bleeding.
Pantothenic acid: Liver, eggs, potatoes and vegetables
supply the body with pantothenic acid. Low levels of this substance
in the body manifests itself in symptoms like fatigue, loss of coordination
and headaches.
A glass of milk for your kid
Growth is life, and watching children grow can be great fun. A fully
developed child can be immense source of joy. And you surely know
that in order to nurture healthy children, the vital body-building
fluid called milk is a must. Milk helps to build a healthy body
and strong teeth. More so because it has plenty of calcium. A white
liquid secreted in the mammary glands of female cows, goats, sheep,
and other livestock, milk is a highly nutritious diet-- widely consumed
either in its natural form or in milk-based dairy products such
as cheese and butter.
Lunch with a punch
Since good food has a direct effect on a kid’s mental and physical
growth, parents must constantly monitor the nutritional value of
their kid’s lunch. Here are some tips for making a good lunch.
Recent research confirms the co-relation between good nutrition
and high academic performance. Good food helps to boost a child’s
school performance by stabilizing blood-sugar levels, which further
leads to increased energy and balanced moods. A healthy, well-balanced
lunch therefore can go a long way to improve a child’s mental acuity
in school.
Is your child a breakfast-skipper?
Breakfast literally means breaking the fast that starts from the
earlier night’s dinner. Breakfast should never be missed, least
of all by children, as it an essential energy source for the body.
Research shows that a good breakfast can make children alert and
attentive throughout life, whereas breakfast-skippers tend to develop
deficiencies of protein, calcium and other micronutrients.
A good breakfast is also connected with improved performance in
school and growing brainpower. Therefore, the breakfast habit can
build the foundation for a lifetime of good health. It can also
provide for some good family time. Parents themselves must never
skip breakfast, so that their children follow suit. |