Kids love to eat rolls. Check this recipe of cabbage rolls that helps to add nutrition to their favourite foods in a convenient way. Kid’s Nutrition is very important nowadays and preparing healthy food recipes for a child is not an easy task. Iyurved is happy to share lots of children’s food recipe ideas which are not only innovative but also very tasty. The recipes shared here are Kids approved!
Let’s try to make every healthy food recipe for a child more tasty and nutritious with (hidden) veggies, herbs and nuts. Check this recipe of cabbage rolls for babies, toddlers and kids.
Take water in a tumbler with pinch of salt. As it starts boiling, put cabbage leaves in it and cook for 3-4 minutes on low flame. Keep aside. Take paneer in a bowl and mash it. Add chopped onion, carrot, cucumber and capsicum in it. Put salt and Iyurved’s Daily nutrition Savoury Spread (order here). Mix well and place 1 tbsp of this mixture inside cabbage leaves. Roll the leaves and pack the stuffing evenly. Hot the greased grill pan and place rolls carefully. Cook for 2-3 minutes on low flame till it turn golden. Serve with chutney!!!!
Benefits OF ADDING DAILY NUTRITION Savoury SPREAD:
Improves muscle strength and body weight with high protein (6g protein in 1 serving)
Boosts brain due to high omega-3 and natural brain herbs
Builds immunity due to presence of antioxidants and proven immunity herbs
Increases breast milk supply for lactating moms also provides folic acid for baby development
PRODUCTS:
We are happy to introduce our range of nutritious & tasty kids Ayurvedic foods!! We know that preparing and feeding healthy foods everyday is a huge task. Even more tough when kids are picky eaters. Kids prefer certain foods and formats. It is not easy to feed kids bitter Ayurvedic herbs, variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds everyday. Mixed with Ayurvedic herbs, this unique Ayurvedic spread is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Immunity, Brain development, Bone strength and overall-growth to kids without any fuss.
India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.
If your child is a picky eater or does not take enough nutrition for the day, you can give Daily Nutrition Chocolate Spread | Made with clinically proven ‘5 Ayurvedic Herbs and 7 Nuts’ | ORDER | 0% preservative | 0% Palm oil |
Check more products for: Immunity, Gut health, Eye health, Digestion, Healthy weight, Brain development, Autism, Hyperactivity, Sleep, Bones and Overall growth
From being in the womb to enjoying your retirement, this one mineral is incredibly vital to our overall health. Especially important for adolescents who are building bones rapidly. Teens are growing fast and gaining height so their Calcium needs are also high. While this is true, especially for youngsters, calcium has other functions too. It also promotes healthy nerve and muscle function, including that of the heart. It is essential to get calcium in the early years of life because it lays the scene for healthy bones, muscles, and other organs and systems later in life. Hence, they badly need calcium-rich foods in their diet to meet the required amount of this mineral.
Not getting enough calcium through the diet can lead to a deficiency in calcium known as hypocalcemia. This illness is all the more serious because it may not have any symptoms in its early stages. However, it can cause dental problems, osteoporosis, and even impaired brain function in the long run.
Here’s a brief rundown of calcium requirements per age group:
6 – 11 months: 260 mg
1 – 3 years: 700 mg
4 – 8 years: 1,000 mg
9 – 18 years: 1,300 mg
Breast milk or formula provides all of the calcium that babies under the age of six months require, and they do not require a supplement. However, after infants reach the age of six months, we must ensure that they get an adequate calcium-rich diet. Cow’s milk or dairy products are the most evident calcium-rich foods.
This unique product is fortified with 5 Ayurvedic herbs, 7 Nuts and seeds, High in Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12, Zero preservatives and No palm oil. It provides Daily Nutrition for kids & teens to help support Immunity, Bone strength, Brain developmentand Overall growth.
You can add this preservative-free health food to your child’s food to make sure your child attains their daily nutrition. All you need to do is – take a spoon of this spread and mix or spread them on your kid’s foods. It’s so simple.
It can be added to roti / pizza dough, dosa / idli / cheela / cake batter, curries / veggies / daal / pasta, omelette, oats, soup, cerelac or eat directly
6 Yummy calcium rich recipes for kids
Making recipes for children requires a lot of creativity. Make kid-friendly dishes that are also nutritionally balanced. Here are 6 yummy calcium-rich recipes that may be served in a tasty format that kids love!! (1 simple food that helps with Weight gain, lack of appetite and Digestion)
Add milk/nut milk to adjust the consistency and beat well to make a thick and fluffy batter.
Fix butter paper in the cake mould, grease and dust it. Pour the batter into the mould.
Preheat the oven at 175 degree Celsius and place the loaf pan inside. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
Cake must be cooled at room temperature before slicing it.
1 Ragi cake – 105 calories Additional nutrition benefits ( 1 tbsp of Iyurved’s Daily nutrition Chocolate spread gives 122 calories with 3.17g of protein and is high in Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12).
Initially, add some water, pasta to a pan and cook the pasta and keep it aside.
In another pan, add oil, grated ginger, garlic, chopped onion and saute well.
Now add schezwan sauce, oregano, chilli flakes and Iyurved’s daily nutrition savoury spread (order here).
To this, add sorghum millet and cook on low flame for few seconds.
Now, add spinach puree, salt and mix well.
Pour milk and add the cooked pasta, stir well, cook for a minute.
Spinach pasta is ready to serve!!
You may add 1 tbsp of Iyurved’s daily nutrition savoury spread to the pasta while it is being cooked or to the cooked pasta when serving your child.
1 cup – 160 calories Additional nutrition benefits ( 1 tbsp of Iyurved’s daily nutrition savoury spread gives 126 calories with 5.36g of protein and is high in Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12).
3. MORINGA paratha
Moringa Paratha
Ingredients
5 tbsp Moringa powder or spinach puree (for green)
For Green dough: Take moringa powder or spinach puree and add wheat flour, salt to make dough.
To the dough, add rest of the ingredients and Iyurved’s Daily Nutrition Savoury Spread (order here), yeast, husk, caromseeds. Make firm doughs.
Divide the dough into equal portions.Take a small ball and roll the paratha evenly.
Heat the tawa , spread oil, cook on a medium flame for few seconds.
Once one side is done, flip it over. Apply oil till it turns golden brown.
Drizzle some ghee on both sides and serve hot.
You may add Iyurved’s daily nutrition savoury spread to the paratha dough or spread 1 tbsp over the paratha while serving.
1 Moringa paratha – 85 calories Additional nutrition benefits ( 1 tbsp of Iyurved’s daily nutrition savoury spread gives 126 calories with 5.36g of protein and is high in Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12).
Grind it with chilies, ginger, garlic and 1/2 tbsp salt. Keep aside for 20 minutes.
Add curd and whisk for 5-7 minutes. The moong dal batter is ready.
Grease the idli stand and pour the batter in each mould. Let it cook in steam for 15 minutes. Fluffy moong dal idli is ready.
Cut the idli into 4 equal pieces. Heat oil in a pan. Put mustard seeds, curry leaves, grated ginger, turmeric and idli pieces. Add Iyurved Daily Nutrition Savoury Spread (order here) over it.
Fry on low flame for 3-5 minutes. Squeeze lemon over it and garnish with coriander leaves.
You may add Iyurved’s daily nutrition savoury spread to the idli batter or add 1 tbsp while frying.
1 cup – 130 calories Additional nutrition benefits ( 1 tbsp of Iyurved’s daily nutrition savoury spread gives 126 calories with 5.36g of protein and is high in Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12).
1 cup – 216 calories Additional nutrition benefits ( 1 tbsp of Iyurved’s daily nutrition savoury spread gives 126 calories with 5.36g of protein and is high in Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12).
Apply ghee on palm, take small portion of mixture and make laddus.
1 cup – 72 calories Additional nutrition benefits ( 1 tbsp of Iyurved’s daily nutrition savoury spread gives 126 calories with 5.36g of protein and is high in Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12).
If you include calcium-rich foods in your child’s diet, be sure they’re also getting adequate vitamin D. Vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium by the body, and youngsters require at least 400 IU every day. Exposure to the sun produces vitamin D, so allow your children to spend time outside every day.
PRODUCTS:
We are happy to introduce our range of nutritious & tasty kids Ayurvedic foods!! We know that preparing and feeding healthy foods everyday is a huge task. Even more tough when kids are picky eaters. Kids prefer certain foods and formats. It is not easy to feed kids bitter Ayurvedic herbs, variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds everyday. Mixed with Ayurvedic herbs, this unique Ayurvedic spread is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Immunity, Brain development, Bone strength and overall-growth to kids without any fuss.
India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.
For different health concerns such as Immunity, Digestion, Gut health, Brain development, Healthy weight, Eye health, Sleep, Hyperactivity, Autism, Acne , Bones and overall growth, give Iyurved’s Kids and Teens Chocolate Spreads’ | ORDER | 0% preservative | 0% Palm oil | 0% refined sugar |
The first year of a baby’s life is the most crucial year for a child’s development. Babies develop their skills gradually. It’s so overwhelming to see your newborn doing new activities every day, but these abilities don’t develop overnight. Babies put a lot of effort and handwork to achieve these motor skills. There are a lot of new parents frequently asking questions around baby development including when babies typically hold their head, sit up, roll over crawl and finally walk.
Motor skills refer to the body’s ability to manage the process of movement. Gross Motor skills involve baby’s milestone like holding head, sitting, crawling and walking.
Every parent wants to know if their child’s development is on track or not. Below are the age when normally babies start showing that they are ready to sit and the age when they finally sit without support.
WHATSAPPfor concerns like Speech Delay, Low Weight, Frequent Illness, Hyperactivity, Low Concentration, Weak Eyesight, Improper Sleep, Pigmentation, Pores, Face Marks, Fine Lines , Lactation etc.
When do babies start sitting
Normally a baby starts to sit with support at around 5 months to 6 months and without support at around 7 to 9 months. Holding head control and having enough upper body strength is a must for a baby before he/ she is able to sit up on their own. At 9 months babies can sit without any support and easily get in and out of sitting position. When your baby starts sitting up, you should provide support to his back. There are chances that he may lose his balance and hit his head on the floor.
When to consult a doctor
Usually a child who is late doing certain activities catches up to other children. But sometimes, developing late is the sign of a health condition. In case your baby is unable to sit upright without support by the end of nine months, you should consult your doctor. There are many causes of such delay in a child’s development, few are listed below.
Premature birth
Cerebral Palsy (brain damage before birth)
Myopathy (a disease of muscles)
Brain injury
Ataxia (defective muscle coordination)
Problems with vision
Spina Bifida (birth defect in the baby that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not develop completely)
How to help your baby in sitting
Right from the beginning you can help your child to achieve their milestones on time. Here are some tips on how you can help your baby to sit on time.
Holding the baby:
Holding the baby in an upright position on your shoulder. The baby tries to control the head position by using his/ her neck muscles. You can start this from the 2nd month, support the baby from the upper body then gradually move towards the hip. This will help them in strengthening their neck muscles.
Tummy time:
Give your baby plenty of tummy time. Lay your baby on his tummy and place the toys he/ she likes in front of them. It helps strengthen your baby’s arms, legs, torso, as well as his neck muscles.
Roll over:
When you place them on their tummy they will begin to push up on their arm. Tummy to side rolling is most common in babies at the age of 4 months. By 6 months most babies have gained enough abdominal strength to flip in both directions and roll over from their back to front. Rolling over helps strengthen the upper body and neck muscles that your baby needs to sit up. So always encourage your baby to roll over by placing toys or books near to them, so that they roll over to reach those things.
Sitting with support:
Once the baby gains control over their head, you can encourage them to sit by placing a pillow around them for support. Be careful and stay close to help them if they fall.Try sitting them on the floor while holding their back up straight. This helps improve their muscle control and coordination.
Foods to improve motor skill:
As soon as your baby is 6 months, taking care of their diet is very important, as food or nutrients that they get from food is key for a child’s development on time. Nutrients like protein helps in muscle strengthening, calcium and vitamin d promotes bone health and the foods that promote brain health like omega 3 fatty acids, as this milestone involve the brain and body’s muscles to work together. Below are the foods that help in a child’s development for sitting.
Calcium:
It is really important to get strong bones and we get a chance to build them only once – throughout childhood and adolescence. Children who get enough calcium in childhood start their adult lives with the strongest bones possible. Mostly calcium is stored in bones and teeth where it supports their structure and hardness, but the body also needs calcium for muscles to move and for nerves to carry messages between the brain and every body part. Calcium is predominantly found in milk and milk based products like cheese. And is also found in smaller quantities in some nuts and seeds.
Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium and works with it to build strong bones. It moves calcium from the intestine to the bloodstream and into the bones. If you are thinking that your child is getting enough vitamin D only by drinking milk, then you may be partially correct. Recent study shows that most of the children are not getting essential vitamins and minerals, and especially vitamin D. Some children with low vitamin D complain of pain in the legs and body. Very low vitamin D can lead to soft bones, causing rickets, a bone softening disease and also increase the risk of bone fracture in children. From age 9 – 18 children need more calcium to meet the daily recommended intake.
Omega 3:
Research has established a link between omega 3 fatty acids and brain development in early childhood. These healthy fats have amazing brain boosting power and play a vital role in enhancing memory and attention span. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered as critical brain foods that may counteract oxidative stress and inflammations, two drivers of cognitive decline which may also result in motor skill delay.
Nuts:
All the nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashew, peanuts and hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E and help in boosting memory. They are also antioxidants which protect against cell damage. Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and are a valuable substance for brain function, memory and thinking abilities. This fatty acid also encourages cognitive functions.
Apart from nuts, seeds like flex, chia, melon, sesame and pumpkins also contain powerful antioxidants like vitamin E that protect the brain from free radical damage.Sunflower seeds impact overall mood and mental processing powers and therefore it is considered a brain boosting snack. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, copper, and much higher in zinc than other seeds, which help in increasing concentration, memory and thus helps in better coordination.
Ayurvedic Herbs:
Ayurveda has the potential to not only correct imbalances in our children, but also to set them on an enduring path toward optimal health and well-being. Thus, ayurvedic herbs must be included in the list of health foods for kids. Ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha, brahmi, shankhapushpi are great for kids’ development. Overall, these herbs support immunity, bone strength, brain development and overall growth.
Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are compounds produced in your body or naturally found in some foods that scavenge or neutralize the effects of cell damage by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. Fortunately eating a diet rich in antioxidants or antioxidant rich foods help to fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Turmeric, Vitamin E, cocoa, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Selenium, Beta carotene, Lycopene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Manganese, Polyphenols show great antioxidant properties.
PRODUCTS:
It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Kids Ayurvedic Brain Booster is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Brain development to kids and also without any fuss. Made with Proven Ingredients. No Preservatives or Artificial Colour or Flavour. No Side Effects. Trusted by 20000+ Parents and Practitioners. To know more about kid’s ayurvedic foods – SHOP HERE.
India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.
For improving Motor skills and Brain development, giveKids & Teens Brain Savoury Spread and Daily Veggies and Dal powder | 0% preservatives | 0% refined sugar | 0% palm oil | Fortified with SHALAKKI, SHANKHAPUSHPI, ASHWAGANDHA, BRAHMI | Contains OMEGA 3, PROTEIN | ORDER |
White spot on the face is the most common skin problem among kids. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including allergies and nutritional deficiencies. White patches on the skin usually appear when the skin protein or dead cell becomes trapped under the skin’s surface. Depigmentation can also be the reason.
Generally white spots are not a reason to worry or concern, but still it is important to get it checked by a dermatologist, to know the causes or treatment.
WHATSAPPfor concerns like Speech Delay, Low Weight, Frequent Illness, Hyperactivity, Low Concentration, Weak Eyesight, Improper Sleep, Pigmentation, Pores, Face Marks, Fine Lines, Lactation etc.
Causes of white spot on kid’s face
Mineral and Vitamin deficiency:
We are what we eat. We all know the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet, but kids being fussy eaters miss the required nutrients, as a result they suffer from mineral and vitamin deficiencies and white spots on their face can be one of them. Deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E can cause white patches on the skin.
Vitamin B12 is responsible for the production of melanin in the body. Deficiency in this vitamin can also lead to white spots.
Tinea versicolor:
Tinea versicolor is the common fungal infection of the skin. It is a skin condition characterized by patches of lighter or darker skin. This is caused by a type of yeast (fungus) that is found on most people’s skin. It is generally not harmful and isn’t contagious. They are especially common on the back, chest, neck and/or arms. They may occur on the face as well, particularly in children. People who have a weakened immune system are generally more susceptible to infections. People who live in a humid or hot climate are affected more. Exposure to the sun can make these patches even worse.
Pityriasis alba:
Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder of patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) areas. The cause is unknown but usually appears during summers and the humid season may be linked to atopic dermatitis (eczema). The disorder is most common in children and teens. They are mostly located on the face, arms, and upper trunk and are more noticeable in people with darker skin types. Starts with red, scaly, itchy patches. These patches eventually heal and leave behind faint, white spots.
Worm Infection
This reason is still under research. Some people claim the white patches are due to worms in the stomach. Though this reason is not sure, you can still deworm your kids once in a while. (How to deworm kids naturally?)
Tips to prevent white spot on kid’s face:
You can prevent your child from white spots on face simply by following these tips’
Always make sure that your child is applying a broad spectrum sunscreen before going out in the sun. It’s better to use sunscreen as recommended by a doctor. (How to apply a sunscreen?)
Give your child a balanced diet to meet their daily nutritional needs. So that they do not suffer from any deficiency. (what is a balanced diet for kids?)
However there is no study to prove the impact of worms on white spots on the face, no harm to get your baby deworm every 6 months.
Make sure the face is not oily and sweaty, wash the face with a mild foaming cleanser and clean it often with cold water, at least 2 to 3 times a day.
If these white patches are due to some fungal infection, then use antifungal cream as prescribed by the doctor.
Some pediatricians may also advise using non-perfume and non-dye emollients. This will prevent dry skin which might sometimes lead to Pityriasis Alba.
However these white spots on the face or Pityriasis Alba is a self-limiting disease and is likely to disappear on its own. There is no specific treatment for white spots, but if the affected area have severe itching or whitish patch has changed color to reddish and is also spreading, it’s better to consult your pediatrician or dermatologist
Foods that may help to prevent white spot on face
There are certain foods that you must include to your child’s daily diet to avoid white spots on face of kids
CALCIUM:
Deficiency of calcium not only can cause white spots on the face but also results in weaker bones. It is really important to get strong bones and we get a chance to build them only once – throughout childhood and adolescence. Children who get enough calcium in childhood start their adult lives with the strongest bones possible. Mostly calcium is stored in bones and teeth where it supports their structure and hardness, but the body also needs calcium for muscles to move and for nerves to carry messages between the brain and every body part. Calcium is predominantly found in milk and milk based products like cheese. And is also found in smaller quantities in some nuts and seeds. (Should kids take whey protein?) Moreover, few herbs such as shallaki also contain calcium.
Vitamin D:
Every single cell in the body requires this Vitamin D. Body can also produce this through cholesterol exposure to sunlight. However, deficiency of Vitamin D is common in kids and along with white spots results in weaker bones and muscles, fatigue, depression, body pain, and extreme hair loss (alopecia). Vitamin D too has to be consumed with fat (oil). For e.g. Cheese has vitamin D and fat both, so it’s a great food supplement for children to meet this nutrition.
Vitamin E:
It is an important vitamin that also acts as a powerful antioxidant, which helps to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals (pollution, lifestyle, stress, processed food).Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin which can be stored in the body. It is rarely found deficient in kids who eat nuts, seeds and greens. This vitamin is vital in protecting against any infections and damage to eyes, skin, and brain and enables regeneration of cells to keep organs healthy and active.
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause white spots on face. It is also known as Cobalamin is important for the production of blood cells and melanin in the body to sustain healthy nerve cells in the body. Apart from white spots on the face, vitamin B12 shortage can also lead to a number of symptoms including weakness, exhaustion, constipation, a decreased appetite, and weight. Failure to meet the minimum requirements can also have negative effects on the nervous system and can lead to mental illness such as confusion, depression and dementia. The main food sources of vitamin B12 are Dairy products, fish, meat, beef liver, and fortified cereals.
Home remedies for white spot on face
Ginger:
It has anti-inflammatory antibacterial, antiviral properties that make it an excellent home remedy for healing skin discoloration. Cut a slice of ginger and place it on the affected area. Let it sit there until the ginger dries. Repeat this one to two times a day till a few weeks to see the results.
Tulsi:
Tulsi is an important herb and every household should have it. With its antibiotic and excellent antifungal properties, it kills the fungi that cause discoloration. Make your child chew 2 to 3 leaves daily to see positive results in a few weeks.
Coconut oil:
Coconut oil applied to the skin is an anti-inflammatory that will encourage the growth of new pigment. It protects your skin from the harmful UV radiations by acting as a barrier between your skin and the radiations. This acts as a natural sunscreen as few studies have stated that it can block about 15-20% of the sun’s UV radiation
Copper pot:
If you eat more copper (by using copper pots) you can aid in the production of melanin which may help prevent future melanin loss. Cooking in copper is not advisable when it comes to salty and acidic food since they react with the metal but eating in these is useful .
Recipe: Oat chocolate bar WITH HIDDEN HERBS & NUTS
It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Ayurvedic spreads is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Immunity, Eye, Brain development, Bone strength and overall-growth to kids without any fuss. To know more about kids ayurvedic foods –SHOP HERE.
India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.
If your child have nutritional deficiencies or a picky eater, you can give Daily Nutrition Chocolate Spread and Daily nutrition Veggies and Dal powder | Made with clinically proven ‘5 Ayurvedic Herbs and 7 Nuts’ | ORDER | 0% preservative | 0% Palm oil |
Have you ever wondered why your child gets sick or has health difficulties despite having a full plate of food? Do you think that plate provides all the essential nutrients that the child requires? Nowadays, malnutrition is most prevalent and is found to be associated with common nutritional deficiencies in children.
Most parents make the mistake of believing that just because their child eats three meals a day means he or she is getting all of the nutrients needed for growth and development. But, a well-balanced meal consisting of all the important vitamins and minerals is all that the child needs. So, let’s understand what is nutritional deficiencies, symptoms, nutritional deficiencies diseases and foods that help to overcome them.
WHATSAPPfor concerns like Speech Delay, Low Weight, Frequent Illness, Hyperactivity, Low Concentration, Weak Eyesight, Improper Sleep, Pigmentation, Pores, Face Marks, Fine Lines, Lactation etc.
What are nutritional deficiencies?
The child’s body needs a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals to grow properly and be able to fight and avoid diseases. We refer to these nutrients as micronutrients.
While some are made naturally by the body, the majority come from the foods your children consume. Malnutrition, also known as nutrient deficiency, occurs when your child’s body does not get or is unable to absorb the necessary amount of nutrients.
Signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies in children
Nutritional deficiencies cause health-related problems which can be difficult to detect while your child is young but become more apparent as they develop. Immune deficiency, stunted bone development, delayed brain growth, weariness, digestive troubles, and even early dementia are few common nutritional deficiencies symptoms.
Apart from these common symptoms, nutritional deficiencies diseases also exhibit symptoms such as :
Lethargy
Loss of attention
Dry skin/hair
Depression/ Anxiety
Delayed speech
Weight loss
Hyperactivity
Frequent cold or flu
8 Common nutritional deficiencies in children
Here is a list of some common nutritional deficiencies in children, their symptoms and dietary sources:
1. Calcium deficiency
Every cell in your body requires calcium to function properly. Calcium helps to mineralize bones and teeth, which is especially important during periods of rapid growth. Calcium is also a signalling molecule, so a deficiency can cause problems with your child’s heart, nerves, and muscles.
You should never take more calcium than you need. Calcium levels in your blood are strictly controlled, therefore any excess is stored in your bones as calcium phosphate. As a result, your bones will release calcium if you don’t get enough of it from the diet.
HeALTH CONCERNS caused due to calcium deficiency
In many cases, a calcium deficiency is not accompanied by symptoms. However, rickets in children and osteoporosis in the elderly are two prevalent forms of calcium deficiency that cause weaker and more fragile bones.
Dietary sources of calcium
Here are some of the calcium-rich foods that you should include in the diet:
Vegetables like cabbage, mustard, broccoli, lady’s finger
Seeds like poppy, chia and sesame
Almonds
Makhana/ Lotus seeds
Amaranth
2. Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in children. However, it is even more common in picky eaters and toddlers who have weaned from breast milk. (Iron deficiency in children)
Iron is a vital mineral that is found in abundance in red blood cells. Also, iron attaches to haemoglobin and aids oxygen transport between blood cells. It also aids in the production of RBCs.
There are two types of dietary iron – Heme and Non- heme iron. Heme iron is found in animal sources such as red meat and is easily absorbed in the body. Non-heme iron can be present in plant and animal foods, but it is difficult to absorb.
Vegetarians and vegans mostly consume plant sources having non-heme iron which is less absorbed. Hence they are more likely to develop iron deficiency.
HeALTH CONCERNS caused due to iron deficiency
Anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency in children. The common symptoms of anemia include pale skin, fatigue, weakness and tiredness, poor appetite, craving for strange things like ice, dirt and paint, slower growth and development, behavioural issues, frequent infection.
Dietary sources of iron
The best sources of iron both heme and non-heme are listed below:
Heme iron sources:
Red meat
Shellfish
Organ meat
Sardines
Non-heme iron sources:
Beans
Green leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale
Seeds like pumpkin, sesame, flax and hemp
Dried fruits like raisins, prunes and apricot
Fruits like apple, pear and pomegranate
Legumes
3. Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts in the body like a steroid hormone and is produced on exposure to sunlight. It aids iron, magnesium, zinc, and phosphate absorption. It also aids calcium absorption and helps in the formation of strong bones and teeth. Not just bones and teeth, vitamin D also builds immunity in the body and fights off attacking viruses and bacteria. (Vitamin D and calcium for building strong bones in kids)
HeALTH CONCERNS caused due to Vitamin D deficiency
The deficiency of vitamin D prevents the absorption of calcium in the body. Calcium deficiency causes disorders, such as hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia (rickets), as well as the weakening of bones, certain types of malignancies and lowered immunity. It may also cause growth delay, bone loss and there is an increased risk of fractures.
Dietary sources of VitaminD
Sunlight is the natural source of Vitamin D. However, other dietary sources of vitamin D are:
Cod liver oil
Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines
Egg yolk
Banana
Milk and milk products
Fortified cereals
Mushroom
Ragi
4. Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important. It aids in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, teeth, bones, and cell membranes, as well. Also, it creates eye pigments, which are essential for vision. For Vitamin A to travel to the required parts of the body, like the retina at the back of the eye, it has to partner with another mineral- Zinc.
Dietary vitamin A comes in two forms:
Preformed vitamin A (Retinol): It is derived from animal sources.
Pro-vitamin A (Carotenoid): It is obtained from plant sources.
HeALTH CONCERNS caused due to Vitamin A deficiency
A lack of vitamin A or vitamin A deficiency can cause both acute and chronic eye damage, leading to blindness. Vitamin A deficiency can also weaken the immune system and increase mortality, especially in children and women who are pregnant or lactating.
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid or folate, is an essential component for the growth and development of the human body. Folate aids in the formation of DNA and RNA, as well as protein metabolism. Dietary folate is also necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. And it is especially important in times of fast growth, such as during pregnancy and the development of the foetus.
HeALTH CONCERNS caused due to Vitamin B9-Folate deficiency
Folate deficiency in children and babies can cause brain and spinal cord underdevelopment, growth issues, anaemia, and congenital defects. (7 brain-boosting foods for your child)
Cobalamin is important for the production of blood cells and to sustain healthy nerve cells in the body. However, vegetarians and vegans may not obtain enough vitamin B12 in their meals and may need to take a B12 supplement. (Foods with B vitamins and their importance)
HeALTH CONCERNS caused due to Vitamin B12 – Cobalamin deficiency
A vitamin B12 deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia. The diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies of Vitamin B12 can also lead to a number of symptoms including weakness, exhaustion, constipation, a decreased appetite, and weight. Failure to meet the minimum requirements can also show negative effects on the nervous system and nutritional deficiencies symptoms such as confusion, depression and dementia.
Dietary sources of Vitamin B12 – Cobalamin
The sources of Vitamin B12 include:
Dairy products
Fish
Meat
Beef liver
Fortified cereals
Egg
7. Zinc deficiency
Zinc is an important mineral for healthy growth, digestion, sex hormone development, and immunity in children. A deficit can have an adverse effect on your child’s hair, skin, and nails, as well as his or her cognitive function and height.
HeALTH CONCERNS caused due to zinc deficiency
Loss of appetite and decreased growth and development in babies and children are early signs of zinc deficiency. They may be angry and sluggish. The immune system of the body may be compromised, causing wounds to heal more slowly and incompletely.
Magnesium is an important mineral in the human body. It’s not only important for bone and tooth structure but it’s also involved in over 300 enzyme processes.
HeALTH CONCERNS caused due to magnesium deficiency
The diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies of magnesium include type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Abnormal heart rhythm, muscular cramps, restless leg syndrome, tiredness, and headaches are the most common magnesium – nutritional deficiencies symptoms. (How magnesium can help to balance hormones in teenagers?)
Dietary sources of magnesium
The sources of magnesium include:
Whole grains
Nuts
Dark chocolate
Green leafy vegetables
Almost every vitamin can be lacking in some way. However, the aforementioned flaws are by far the most prevalent. Children, young women, the elderly, vegetarians, and vegans appear to be the most vulnerable to a variety of deficits.
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in full, nutrient-dense foods is the greatest approach to avoid deficiencies. Supplements, on the other hand, maybe essential for people who cannot get enough from their food alone.
PRODUCTS:
It’s no SECRET that following an Ayurvedic lifestyle has numerous advantages. This unique collection of Ayurvedic spreads is an easy solution to feed daily nutrition for Immunity, Eye, Brain development, Bone strength and overall-growth to kids without any fuss. To know more about kids ayurvedic foods –SHOP HERE.
India’s First Tasty Kids Nutrition fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.
If your child is a picky eater or does not take enough nutrition for the day, you can give Daily Nutrition Chocolate Spread and Daily nutrition Veggies and Dal powder | Made with Ayurvedic herbs | 0% preservative | 0% Palm oil |ORDER |
