5 Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Children

Childhood nutritional deficiency is certainly something I see regularly in my practice, which may be somewhat surprising in a land of plenty, like Australia.  Often parents are surprised to learn that specific nutrients are important for keeping appetite optimal,  for promoting skin health, and avoiding sleep disturbances.

The following are a list of deficiency symptoms to watch out for in your child …

1.     Low Iron stores (Fe) – very common, often goes un- noticed, un-treated. Look tired regardless of sleep. Lay around before school, difficulty getting out of bed, have difficulty concentrating, tired on the weekends . See blue veins through skin as skin is so pale. This is a prevalent deficiency, given growth spurts in boys, and menstrual cycle with girls.

2.     Low Zinc status  (Zn) –  white spotting on fingernails. Fussy eating can be associated with Zn deficiency, as smell and taste are dulled. Coming out of Winter, Zn is a key nutrient to have at a high level as we need high levels for a strong immune system being ready to fight those opportunistic bacteria and viruses. Of special note is that when we have had an illness we can deplete up to 50% of our Zn stores, so replenishment is vital to avoid the cycle of re-infection.

3.     Low Essential Fatty Acids  (EFA’s, primarily Omega 3) - dry skin, eczema, dandruff of scalp, dry behind the ears, rashes between knuckles and peeling cuticles. EFAs are a key component in our brain, so are excellent for ‘oiling up the brain’, so many neurotransmitters/synapses for concentration, learning, memory and focus.

4.     Low Magnesium (Mg) is common in adults and children -twitching eyelid, perpetual motion, grinding teeth, restless, muscle cramps, trouble sleeping, anxious energy about them. Mg is used for lots of pathways and conversions in the body for metabolism.

5.     Vitamin D. Australia is well known for its abundance of sunshine. Hence, it is perhaps surprising that vitamin D deficiency is a common condition affecting a large proportion of Australian children and adults – aching muscles, painful bones, fatigue, reduced endurance, low moods, sleep disturbance, sweaty head, losing hair, weight gain, recurring infections, reduced cognitive function.

6.     A recognised consequence of low vitamin D is rickets in children and adults, and osteomalacia in adults. https://www.nps.org.au/australian-prescriber/articles/vitamin-d-deficiency-in-adults-1 - r1 It also contributes to osteoporosis in the longer term. Vitamin D deficiency has also been implicated in other conditions including cardiovascular disease, increased cancer risk and mortality, falls, sarcopenia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, epilepsy and cognitive dysfunction

Lastly, frustratingly Australian soils are mostly depleted of Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium and Iodine due to soil disturbance and repeat cropping, so despite healthy eating, we may not be getting our vegetables and fruits with an optimal quality of nutrient. It is therefore particularly important to strive to offer the best quality organic fresh produce to your family, when available.

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