Importance of Iron, Calcium, and Vitamins in Children’s Growth

Importance of Iron, Calcium and Vitamins in Children’s Growth

Good nutrition is essential for a child’s overall development. This includes iron, calcium and vitamins. Did you know that these nutrients play a bigger role in your child’s development, apart from physical development? Read on to understand how these nutrients help in shaping your child’s growth.

Importance of Nutrients

Essential nutrients support a child’s physical, cognitive and immune system development. Children should eat a variety of foods from different groups to get all essential nutrients in sufficient quantities. Though supplements and fortified foods are available, letting the body absorb it from natural foods is always a better option.

What Nutrients to Focus On?

During the growing years, children will require all nutrients possible. Calcium, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, iron, zinc and even fats are necessary for various bodily functions and development. 

While protein, carbohydrates and fats are essential for energy, calcium, iron and vitamins are essential for bone health, cognitive development and immune function. Let’s take a closer look at the second category.

Iron

Iron helps carry oxygen throughout the body. It is important for both children and adults alike. For growing children, a good oxygen supply is essential for physical and cognitive development, energy supply and immune function. 

Iron deficiency leads to anaemia, a serious condition that can result in poor growth, fatigue, impaired motor skills and a negative impact on cognitive development. 

Importance of Iron for Children

Iron is essential for a child, for the following reasons – 

• Iron is the key component in red blood cells and is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. 
• It is essential for energy production and supply to various parts of the body. 
• It helps in building strong bones and muscles, which are crucial for good physical growth and development. 
• In a child’s early years, iron plays a vital role in cognitive development and supports learning and concentration.
• It helps in developing and strengthening the immune system, which in turn helps fight infections and keep the body safe and strong. 

Impact of Iron Deficiency

When a child is anaemic or suffers from iron deficiency – 

• Oxygen supply to the body parts decreases, resulting in fatigue and a dip in energy levels.
• It slows down the development of motor skills, attention and memory.
• Poor concentration or the inability to maintain concentration can affect the child’s performance in school.
• Insufficient oxygen supply and energy will lead to irritability and mood swings.
• Growth and development can slow down.
• Shortness of breath during play or exercise time.
• Frequency of infections, impact and recovery time will be higher. 

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Calcium

It is common knowledge that calcium contributes to bone health. Children require good amounts of calcium during their growing years to help their bones develop well and become stronger. The foundation they develop before they reach adulthood is what helps prevent bone-related complications as they grow older. Some sources even suggest that calcium, along with vitamin D, is essential to prevent or reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure when older. 

Importance of Calcium for Children

Calcium contributes to your child’s growth and development in the following ways – 

• It is the primary building block for strong teeth and bones. 
• Consuming sufficient calcium throughout childhood will help develop good bone mass for the rest of their lives.
• It helps in muscle contraction and relaxation, which is essential for overall muscle functioning.
• It aids in sending and receiving signals through the nerves, which is essential for overall bodily functioning and communication within the body.
• Calcium aids in maintaining a steady and normal heart rate.
• It plays an important role in the release of hormones, which in turn can affect the child’s growth, development and bodily functions.
• It is essential for blood clotting. 

Impact of Calcium Deficiency

Not receiving enough calcium during their childhood can lead to the following issues – 

• Insufficient calcium in the very young age can lead to soft bones, poor growth and bowed legs – a disease known as rickets.
• Insufficient bone mass during growth will lead to weak bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis in older age.
• Insufficient calcium intake to carry out regular bodily functions will push the body to take it from the bones, causing loss of bone density and increasing the risk of bone-related issues in older age. 

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Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are very important for a child’s growth and development. Many doctors and sources recommend vitamin supplements for infants and toddlers, especially those below 6 months of age. This is the time when their bodies develop rapidly after birth, both physically and cognitively. 

Infant formulas are fortified with essential vitamins, so they may not need additional supplements. Breastfed infants require a vitamin D supplement throughout the first year of their lives to prevent health complications caused by vitamin D deficiency.

Book an online appointment with Dr. Jerin C Sekhar for Pediatric related issues

Importance of Vitamins for Children

Children require vitamin A, C and D in addition to zinc and iron, for the following reasons – 

• Vitamin D is essential for bone development, along with calcium. 
• Vitamin D also helps in improving the absorption of calcium from various food sources, which is again essential for bones and teeth.
• Vitamin A is essential for vision and the functioning of the immune system. 
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps fight infections and improve immunity. It is also important for producing collagen, a component in the skin, which is essential in wound healing. 
• Vitamin B12 is necessary for forming red blood cells, producing energy and supporting the nervous system and brain functioning.
• Vitamin K helps in blood clotting, an important requirement for growing children.
• Vitamin E protects cells from damage. 

Impact of Vitamin Deficiency

When a child does not get enough of various vitamins necessary for their overall development, it can lead to – 

• Insufficient vitamin D can negatively impact calcium absorption and increase the risk of rickets – a disease characterised by weak or soft bones.
• Lack of vitamin C can negatively impact collagen production, resulting in longer wound healing time. 
• Poor immunity increases the risk of infections, and recovery time is also longer, thus affecting various other aspects of the child’s life. 

Conclusion

Children require various nutrients in abundance to facilitate their growth and development. Different children grow at different paces, but it is necessary to ensure they receive their calcium, iron and vitamins throughout their childhood for optimal growth and development. 

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