Common childhood nutritional DEFICIENCIES

Growing children need a variety of nutrients and micronutrients for optimal physical growth and development and smooth function of the nervous system

- KIRAN BALIMANE

The large majority of the country’s urban children, accustomed to processed foods, snacks and sugary drinks, tend to suffer nutritional deficiencies. Growing children need a variety of nutrients and micronutrients for optimal physical growth and development and ensure smooth function of the nervous system. Some of the common nutritional deficiencies in children are:

Fibre. Urban diets are heavy in refined flours and lack whole grains which leads to insufficient fibre intake.

Vitamins and minerals. Inadequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fortified foods results in vitamins (A, C, and D) and minerals (iron, calcium, and magnesium) deficiencies.

Omega-3 fatty acids. Processed food-heavy diets often lack omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish and plant oils. They are essential for healthy brain development.

Protein. Protein deficiency occurs when a child’s diet is overly reliant on carbohydrates and there’s less intake of legumes, dairy, lean meats, and poultry.