Does your child have a poor diet?

Is your child a fussy eater?

They may have a multiple nutritional deficiency.

Young children and adolescents are frequently ‘fussy’ eaters – not wanting to eat their ‘greens’. This can lead to a range of nutritional deficiencies. Children are influenced by the family’s eating patterns, so regular meals are important, particularly breakfast. These should be planned, seated around a table and not rushed.

 Research has shown that children’s diets are frequently deficient in iron, calcium, vitamins A, D and C; although in most cases energy and intake is adequate and if fruit and vegetables are eaten then deficiencies are unlikely.

 As children grow their dietary requirements change. Peak growth is between 11 and 16 years.  Nutritional needs vary greatly from one child to another and from day-to-day. This growth spurt puts a greater demand on a number of nutrients and intake needs to be modified.

Most frequent nutritional deficiencies

Iron deficiencies are common among adolescents resulting in iron-deficiency anaemia. The increased muscle bulk, especially in boys, demands more iron and the menstruation in girls places the same demands. Evidence shows that iron deficiency can lead to academic disadvantages.

The diet should be high in:

·         Lean meat and fish

·         Beans and dark green vegetables

·         Nuts and fortified cereals

Alternatively, an iron-rich supplement should be considered.

Animal sources of iron are absorbed better than non-animal, so vegetarians, frequent among adolescents, especially girls, are particularly prone to iron deficiency. Vitamin C, in the form of fruit juices, improves absorption and should be consumed along with the iron-rich foods.

 Increased growth requires more calcium for the production of bones. The efficiency of calcium absorption is only 30%, so it’s important that the diet supplies an adequate calcium intake. This is achieved by consuming:

·         Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese

·         Fortified soya products

·         Leafy green vegetables,

·         Salmon, canned sardines

·         Tofu

Other nutrients needed for bone production are vitamin D and phosphorous, the utilisation of these nutrients will be improved with weight-bearing exercise.

How to alleviate these nutritional deficiencies

The frequency of periodic food fads, slimming trends, tendencies to skip meals and irregular eating habits points towards the need for supplementation. However, many children and adolescents are unwilling or unable to take tablets. We have linked up with the producers of liquid-based supplements called Aquaceuticals.

This blend is specially designed taking into account all information highlighted above. The mixture of iron, calcium and vitamins A, C and D, blended together in an orange-flavoured drink. This can be drunk on its own or added to water or other beverages. This should supplement the diet of growing children and adolescents.

More information on childhood and adolescent nutritional deficiencies

http://www.eufic.org/en/quickfacts/child_nutrition.htm

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/nutrition/

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