Nutrients are extremely important for the human body but especially for the growing body of a young child. It is important to pay special attention to your child’s nutrition because children are not usually thinking about balancing their diet and receiving key nutrients. Additionally, children get food from all over the place including school cafeterias and snacks from friends without tracking the nutritional values, which means that you may not know what exactly your child may be deficient in.
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential for boosting everything from eyesight to the immune system in the body. Many fruits and vegetables contain a variety of vitamins. However, many children are picky eaters and have aversions to some–if not all–fruits and vegetables. If your child does not like eating vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, try vitamin gummies. Numerous brands now sell vitamin gummies, which are chewable and easy for children to consume instead of in pill form. Additionally, these gummies are very tasty; your picky eater will go from complaining about eating fruits and vegetables to craving gummy vitamins.
Calcium
Calcium is another key nutrient to child development. The calcium in milk plays a crucial role in bone and teeth development. Young infants usually get sufficient calcium because they are breastfeeding or constantly drinking formula milk. However, as children get older, they may not drink as much milk since they start drinking more water and juices. If your child does not drink enough milk to meet the recommended daily value for calcium, supplement his or her diet with cheeses, yogurts, fish, and leafy green calcium-rich vegetables.
Iron
Iron is responsible for transporting oxygen in the body, which means that iron deficiency is very serious because it affects all parts of the body. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, poor blood circulation, and frequent headaches. All of these are especially concerning in children because it keeps them in their typically active lives. You can increase the amount of iron in your child’s diet by adding more red meats, beans, and whole wheat products.
As much as possible, you should be aware of what your child is consuming inside and outside of your home. Analyze his or her diet to figure out where there may be nutrient deficiencies. Making sure that your child has a well-balanced diet will help your child stay active, healthy, and happy.
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