What is the right way to supplement micronutrients for children?
(Baonghean.vn) - Micronutrients are substances that the body needs in very small amounts but play a crucial role. A deficiency in micronutrients can lead to serious health problems, especially in young children. Micronutrients include vitamins (A, B, C, D, E...) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc...). These substances are abundant in both animal and plant-based foods.
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| Iron deficiency causes anemia.This is a common condition in children. When anemic, children have pale skin, are less active; and are prone to respiratory infections and other bacterial diseases. Iron is supplied to the body from animal foods (beef, egg yolks, heart, liver, kidneys, fish, etc.) and plant foods (beans, leafy green vegetables, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, etc.). To increase iron absorption, it is recommended to eat fruits that provide plenty of vitamin C. |
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| Rickets in children is primarily caused by a vitamin D deficiency.A vitamin D deficiency reduces calcium absorption in the intestines, causing the body to mobilize calcium from the bones into the bloodstream, disrupting bone mineralization. Children with rickets often experience restless sleep, hair loss, and delayed tooth eruption. Foods rich in calcium include shrimp, crab, fish, milk, amaranth, and spinach; while vitamin D is abundant in cod liver oil, marine fish, liver, chicken eggs, cereal flour, and milk. |
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| When the body is deficient in iodine,The thyroid gland works harder to synthesize more thyroid hormones, causing it to enlarge and resulting in goiter. Children with iodine deficiency experience delayed intellectual development, stunted growth, speech impediments, poor academic performance, and may even suffer from mental retardation. The iodine requirement for children is approximately 90-120 mcg/day. Foods rich in iodine include various types of seafood, seaweed, watercress, and algae. |
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| Zinc plays an important role in growth processes.Zinc is essential for immunity, helping the body metabolize energy and form tissues. Zinc deficiency weakens children's immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections, malnutrition, and stunted growth. Children's zinc requirement is 5-6 mg/day. Foods rich in zinc include egg yolks, oysters, mussels, clams, eels, snails, radishes, and soybeans. |
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| Vitamin AVitamin A plays a particularly important role for young children, helping them grow and develop normally. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to stunted growth, increased susceptibility to infections, respiratory infections, corneal ulceration, and even blindness. Foods rich in vitamin A include: meat, liver, eggs, milk, eel, etc.; green vegetables, and yellow and red fruits (gac fruit, carrots, pumpkin, mango, papaya). |
