Is Your Little One Malnourished?

It is worrisome that malnutrition amongst little children still exists in these modern times. In many cases, it is not a shortage of food that is to blame, but an over-abundance of unhealthy food! This is why important elements that support growth and development may still be missing from a child’s diet despite him or her being ‘well-fed’.

In many households, especially when both mum and dad are working, it is easier said than done to come up with nutritious meals for their children day after day. It is not impossible however, particularly if one is well-informed about the nutrients a child needs and which foods contain them.

Let’s take a look at some of the important nutrients that may be missing from your child’s everyday diet and also, what kind of food to start including in his or her plate to close that nutritional gap.

1) Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for normal growth and healthy skin. It also helps in both night (dim light) and color vision.

Source: Dairy products, yellow vegetables – carrots, corn, pumpkin, and green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and cabbage.

2) Vitamin B

The vitamins in this group such as Thiamine(B1), Riboflavin (B2) and Pyridoxine(B6) play important roles in cell metabolism which is crucial in producing energy and up keeping one’s overall health. The B vitamins are also important in red cell production.

Source: Meat (including fish and poultry), liver, milk, whole grains, bread, cereals, eggs

3) Vitamin C

Vitamin C increases resistance to infection, improves healing and strengthen the tissues in our body (such as skin and muscle) and other connective tissues. Iron absorption is also aided by this vitamin.

Source: Oranges and other citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli and spinach

4) Vitamin D

Vitamin D is vital as a bone-builder. It helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption for maintaining overall metabolism in the body. Therefore, a child with unhealthy bones and teeth may be deprived of vitamin D.

Source: Sunlight, fish oils, egg yolks and specially fortified dairy products.

Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency may affect young children from 6 months to 5 years old and also older people aged 65 above as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women. People who are not exposed to direct sunlight, including those who cover their skin or are confined to indoors for prolonged periods may also be at risk. According to South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS) which began in 2009 and involved 16,744 children, almost half of their study population had low levels of vitamin D. In addition to that, more than a third did not obtain sufficient amounts of energy, calcium and vitamin D in the diet.

5) Iron

This mineral is crucial for producing healthy blood as well as building strong muscles. A growing child should have adequate iron intake.

Source: Meat (beef, turkey), liver and spinach

6) Calcium

Calcium is vital for bone development and strength. Calcium deficiency is capable of affecting growth due to abnormal bone development and may also cause osteoporosis in adulthood.

Good sources of calcium include: Milk, cheese, yogurt and vegetables such as spinach and broccoli

What is Lysine?

Lysine is an essential amino acid. Lysine helps improve appetite and will help improve child’s food variety intake. Besides that, lysine enhances intestinal absorption as well as enhances calcium absorption for stronger bones.

Unfortunately, many children do not get adequate lysine in their diet and studies have shown that those who were supplemented with lysine led to improved growth and weight gain.

Maintaining a good appetite and healthy diet for your child

One could not overemphasise the importance for children to have a healthy, wholesome and balanced diet to ensure that they get all the important nutrients.

Eating a variety of food in healthy amounts will help! Children who are picky eaters, have poor appetites or those on specific diets would benefit from receiving supplements. A good supplement can help improve a child’s appetite and prevent deficiencies of important nutritional elements.