HCDC warns of mistakes that can cause children to still be deficient in nutrients even when they eat enough.

Many children eat regular meals but grow slowly or get sick frequently due to micronutrient deficiencies from monotonous menus and unbalanced daily eating habits.

Eating too many fried foods can lead to micronutrient deficiencies in children. Photo: Freepik .

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), micronutrient deficiencies remain a common problem in the community, especially among young children and pregnant women. This condition can lead to delayed physical development, reduced immunity, and increased susceptibility to illness in children, even with normal eating habits.

According to health authorities, many families currently maintain monotonous menus, lacking diversity in food groups or failing to prioritize foods rich in micronutrients. This is a major reason why children lack essential vitamins and minerals for development.

To prevent micronutrient deficiencies, experts recommend that each family should build a balanced and varied diet, prioritizing nutrient-rich foods and products fortified with micronutrients. Utilizing locally available foods is also considered a suitable solution for many families.

For young children, breast milk continues to be a vital source of nutrition. Infants should be breastfed within the first hour of birth, exclusively breastfed for the first six months, and continue breastfeeding until 24 months of age or longer, combined with appropriate complementary feeding.

When preparing food, parents should add oil or fat to help the body better absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. This is a simple method but can significantly improve nutritional efficiency.

In addition to diet, children of appropriate age should receive a high dose of vitamin A twice a year as directed by the local health center. Children over 2 years old should also be dewormed regularly to prevent parasitic infections, one of the causes of reduced nutrient absorption.

The health sector also recommends that women of childbearing age and pregnant women take iron, folic acid, or multivitamin supplements as directed by healthcare professionals to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

In addition, maintaining personal hygiene, food hygiene, ensuring food safety, and getting adequate daily sun exposure help the body synthesize vitamin D naturally, contributing to the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies.

Source: https://znews.vn/hcdc-canh-bao-sai-lam-khien-tre-an-du-van-thieu-chat-post1654615.html