HEALTHY FAMILY
Is Your Child at Risk for a
Vitamin Deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency
in children often
presents itself in
non-specific symptoms such
as developmental
delays, weakness,
fatigue or irritability.

itamins are critical for develop-
ment and are one of the most
important nutrients for healthy
growth in kids. They are important for
resisting infections, maintaining healthy
nerves and gaining energy. However, nearly
one-third of certain population groups have
a vitamin or mineral deficiency, according to
the Centers for Disease Control.

Most parents know that children need vita-
mins to stay healthy. The problem is knowing
which nutrients they need, how much they
should have and if their child is lacking the
basic ones to ensure proper growth and devel-
opment. Parents should first seek advice from
your child’s pediatrician for safe, personalized
recommendations. When you’re staring down a pharmacy
aisle packed with vitamin gummies for your
child, it’s tempting to just grab a bottle and
hope for the best or assume your child is get-
ting enough from playing outside and eating
healthy. However, your child’s health may
lose if you play the vitamin guessing game.

For example:
• Vitamin D deficiency, in particular, is
widespread in our country with one in
10 children deficient and 60 percent
may have substandard levels.

• More than 10 percent of Americans ages
one and up have a vitamin B6 deficiency.

• Nearly 10 percent of women ages 12 to
49 have an iron deficiency.

Wondering if your child needs to strengthen
their vitamin supply? Here are common signs
of vitamin and mineral deficiencies to look out
for and some foods to conquer it.

Cracks in the skin at
the corner of the mouth.

This is most commonly seen in vegetarians
but may be a sign that your child is miss-
ing some iron and zinc in their diet. For
more iron, increase your child’s lean meat,
seafood, poultry, beans and iron-fortified
cereals and breads.

green, leafy vegetables, milk and eggs that
support healthy bones development.

Easy bruising and/or
slow wound healing.

While many kids may get bumps and bruises,
if you notice your child is bruising easily
this could be one of the first symptoms of
a vitamin C deficiency. Slow healing cuts or
wounds can be one of the more advanced
signs. Adding in more foods rich in vitamin C
such as guava, yellow bell peppers, kiwi and
broccoli can possibly boost levels.

Brittle hair and nails.

Brittle nails or excess hair shedding might
be a sign of vitamin D or iron deficiency. To
conquer it, you can absorb iron through foods
such as beef, tuna, chicken and egg yolks.

Extreme fatigue or weakness.

Vitamin B12 deficiency in children often
presents itself in non-specific symptoms
such as developmental delays, weakness,
fatigue or irritability. If your child is display-
ing some of these symptoms, try increasing
foods like fish, meat, poultry, milk and other
dairy products.

Impaired reflexes
and/or coordination.

While vitamin E deficiency is not very com-
mon, difficulty walking or slow reflexes may
be some symptoms. Add in more foods such
as almonds, avocado, spinach and sweet
potatoes that are rich sources of vitamin E to
dinner or snack time.

Children are among the highest risk of
several deficiencies. Closely monitoring
your child’s health is important. Are they
getting enough physical activity? Are they
getting a proper amount of sleep and con-
suming a healthy diet? While all of those are
important, if you want to make sure your
child is covered from A to zinc, check with
your child’s pediatrician. They can provide
recommendations on children’s vitamins
and provide guidance on any symptoms of a
vitamin deficiency you may see. ■
Delayed growth and
bone development.

Delayed growth and bone development in Irene-Myers Thompson is a
children might be a sign of vitamin A defi- wellness director for UnitedHealthcare
ciency. If you’re concerned, serve up more of Mid-Atlantic.

30 WashingtonFAMILY JULY 2019
ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/CHALABALA
V BY IRENE-MYERS THOMPSON



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