Top Nutritional Deficiencies in Kids Who Avoid Food

Every parent must have been in a situation where they felt like they were begging their child to take just ‘one bite’ of their food. However, for some children this habit of picky eating may take a toll on their overall health. And these food-avoidant behaviors can actually lead to nutritional deficiencies that may impact growth and immunity.

Read below this article to explore the common nutritional deficiencies seen in kids who avoid food.

Iron plays a vital role in forming hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. Kids who avoid iron-rich foods, such as red meat, leafy greens, or fortified cereals, may experience iron deficiency. According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency affects up to 25 percent of kids worldwide, thereby making it one of the most common deficiencies in kids. The common symptoms of iron deficiency in kids include

Children often skip dairy products such as milk or yogurt, missing out on calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Kids aged 4–8 need 1,000 mg of calcium daily. However, the picky kids may often fail to meet this recommended dietary requirement. The common symptoms of calcium deficiency in kids include

In case your child is lactose intolerant, you can consider incorporating calcium sources, such as plant-based milk or leafy greens.

Also known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D helps in calcium absorption and supports a healthy immune system. However, kids who avoid vitamin D-rich foods and don’t get enough sunlight are at risk of deficiency. The common signs that may indicate vitamin D deficiency include

Proteins are the building blocks of the body, essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and enzyme production. And kids who avoid meats, legumes, or eggs might not get enough protein in their diet. Here are a few common signs of protein deficiency in kids.

The best way to reduce the risk is to introduce protein-rich sources, such as nut butter or cheese.

This deficiency, although less common, can occur in kids who avoid fruits such as oranges, strawberries, or bell peppers. Vitamin C is an essential element for immune system and collagen production. Below are the common symptoms of vitamin C deficiency.

According to the CDC, a deficiency in vitamin C is rare but still possible in kids who mostly consume processed foods.

Food refusals are indeed an uphill battle. However, by sneaking in nutrition through smoothies or other delicious options, providing multivitamins or supplements, and switching to a positive mealtime experience, you can address the nutritional deficiencies effectively.