How to know if your child is deficient in these 5 essential vitamins

Ensuring that your child gets the right proportion of nutrients will ensure proper growth, development, and well-being. While most parents are eager to see to it that their children eat enough food at each given chance, vitamin deficiencies slip through cracks leading to long-term health issues. Such vitamins include vitamin D, which play important roles in immune function, bone health, and cognitive development. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to know early signs of deficiency. The following are the five most essential vitamins and how to identify when your child may be deficient in them.
1. Vitamin D: Essential for bone health
Vitamin D is one of the notable requirements for the growth and immune system of your child. It also facilitates an easy intake of calcium for your body, which serves as an enhancement for the growth of firm bones. You may observe that your child is low in vitamin D by traits that include bone pain and weakness in the muscles, or even poor growth and development. If your child often falls ill or is prone to infections, this might be a signal that she/he might not be getting enough vitamin D. Sources that provide good amounts of vitamin D include exposure to sunlight and foods such as fortified milk and eggs, though in some children, supplements may be the best way of ensuring they get adequate amounts. According to the National Institutes of Health, deficiency in vitamin D is common in children who spend most of their time indoors.
2. Vitamin A: For healthy vision and skin

Vitamin A acts similarly and plays a critical role in healthy vision, skin, and immune function. A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, and even recurring infections. If your child usually complains of difficulty seeing in dim light or has dry, rough skin, it could be a sign of vitamin A deficiency. This vitamin is found in food staples such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. These nutrients will be sufficiently supplemented through continued consumption of these food items, but a severe deficiency may need supplementation. As per the study published in Frontiers, The clinical manifestations of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) involve night blindness, bitot’s spots, corneal xerosis, and corneal scars. It is the most important cause of preventable childhood blindness among children and causes morbidity and mortality

3. Vitamin C: Boosting immunity
Vitamin C is an antioxidant in the body that fights infections and helps heal wounds. Deficiency in vitamin C may manifest as bleeding gums, dry skin, or slow healing of wounds. In extreme cases, it leads to scurvy, which will be accompanied by aching joints and lack of energy, perhaps drowsiness. Good sources include orange, strawberry, and bell peppers. These foodstuffs will make sure that your child gets the nutrients to keep them in a healthy condition about their immunity. Such diets are also favoured in children by the World Health Organization that keeps common illnesses at bay.
4. Vitamin B12: For cognitive function
Vitamin B12 is vital for brain development and the production of red blood cells. Lack of B12 leads to frequent bouts of weakness, lassitude, poor concentration, pale skin, or even neurological issues. Vegetarians and children who have a limited diet may be at higher risk for B12 deficiency. Foods rich in vitamin B12 are generally sources of meat, dairy, and fortified breakfast cereals. If your child shows signs of tiredness or cannot concentrate, you may need to check your child’s B12 level.
5. Folate: For healthy cell growth
Folate, or vitamin B9, is essential for healthy cell growth and development. A lack of folate can cause poor growth, fatigue, and irritability. It’s particularly important during times of rapid growth, such as in infancy and adolescence. Foods like leafy greens, beans, and fortified cereals are good sources of folate. Research from the National Institutes of Health links folate deficiency with developmental delays and increased risk of anemia in children. If your child shows signs of low energy or growth delays, it could be a sign of a folate deficiency.
When to see a doctor
In case you notice symptoms similar to those of vitamin deficiency, see a pediatrician. A pediatrician can easily determine whether your child is deficient in any of the essential vitamins by simply conducting a blood test. Then again, your child’s diet may also be adjusted for a proper round-up of nutrients. They can help monitor your child regularly to detect any forms of deficiencies early before they cause long-term health issues.
Your child requires the right mix of vitamins for growth and development. If any deficiency is suspected, then keep an eye out on symptoms such as fatigue, skin issues, or slow growth. Provide a nutrient-rich diet to your child and supplement them as required to help support your child’s health to grow robustly and healthily.