7 signs to see if your child has a nutritional deficiency

Nutritional deficiency occurs when the body is unable to absorb the required amount of nutrients or get them from the diet. For a growing child, it's all the more important to have a nourishing and growth-promoting diet that will help him/her reach all milestones and mitigate health risks. Nutritional deficiencies of any kind from an early age could lead to various health problems like skin disorders, digestion problems, defective bone growth and even impacts mental and cognitive growth.

Children who don’t consume a diet that includes enough fresh and whole food are more prone to the risks of long-term health consequences. It’s therefore, in the hands of parents to correct a child's eating patterns and encourage them to make healthier choices. Any deficiencies and symptoms of the same must also be recognized at once. Here are the top signs that’ll alert you about nutritional deficiency in your kid.

Nutrients support brain health and cognition. Children suffering from any kind of nutritional deficiencies can become fussy, act out or suffer from chronic episodes of anxiety or depression. It’s therefore advised to have a diet full of protein as protein contains amino acids that help in the proper functioning of the brain. Animal products are richer in amino acids and can easily be absorbed so make sure that you’re giving a diet with high-quality proteins to your child.

Poor appetite where your child might be having constant flu or cold indicates zinc deficiency. It’s important to keep the diet full and nutrient-rich to overcome the deficiency.

Restlessness or hyperactivity is generally considered to be a good sign. But hyperactive children face poor digestion which resists their bodies to absorb the required nutrients. It’s also found out that artificial food colours also lead to hyperactivity in children, so you need to avoid using that. Foods like yoghurt, papaya, and buttermilk improve digestion

Nutritional deficiency generally leads to obesity as when a kid does not eat nutritious food, his/her body always remains hungry and always feels unsatisfied. To prevent this, a balanced diet is advised which contains proper nutrition and protects from obesity.

If your child’s having dry skin or hair, it means he/she may have a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins. So it’s necessary to provide high-quality fat-soluble vitamins in their diet to protect them from nutritional deficiency.

Low energy indicates iron deficiency which results in tiredness and symptoms of the foggy brain like lack of focus, forgetfulness, confusion. You should provide them with food like nuts, seeds, legumes, dry fruits, meat, etc which fulfils the need for iron in their body.

The deficiency of Vitamin D leads to bone pain, impaired growth, muscle cramping, and softening of bones. It’s important to provide the proper calcium and adequate vitamin D to help them to have a healthy immune system.