Essential micronutrients
Micronutrients comprise up to 90 different types essential for the body, including fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, and water-soluble vitamins such as vitamins B and C, as well as minerals like copper, iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and iodine.
Micronutrients are involved in building cells and tissues, in the respiratory, metabolic, and excretory functions of cells, in building the body's immune system, in many mechanisms of action of various organs in the body, in maintaining the balance of the homeostasis system, in helping to repair damaged cells and tissues, and are the main components in the production of hormones and digestive fluids... Micronutrients are essential for the intellectual and physical development of children.
- Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for growth, helps strengthen the immune system and prevent infections, and improves eyesight. A deficiency can lead to night blindness, dry eyes, corneal ulcers causing blindness, stunted growth, and increased susceptibility to infections such as skin infections, diarrhea, and respiratory infections.
- B vitamins
B vitamins play a crucial role in energy metabolism, supporting a healthy nervous system and blood formation. Typical symptoms of B vitamin deficiency in children include edema, hot and inflamed skin on the hands and feet, loss of appetite, digestive disorders, and lethargy. Foods rich in B vitamins include brown rice, chicken, legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, milk, bananas, and cheese.
Micronutrients are substances that our bodies only need in very small amounts but play a very important role in our health.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a micronutrient that acts as an excellent antioxidant, participating in many important bodily functions such as collagen formation, and stimulating iron absorption in the small intestine. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to swollen gums, increased susceptibility to illness and bleeding, and fatigue in children during playtime and activities. Vitamin C is abundant in fruits such as tangerines, grapefruits, guavas, oranges, and some vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, and water spinach.
- Vitamin D and calcium
Calcium and vitamin D play a crucial role in the formation and development of teeth and bones. A deficiency in these two nutrients can cause delayed tooth eruption in children, as well as restless sleep, excessive sweating, especially around the head. Calcium is abundant in foods such as shrimp, crab, clams, and snails. Vitamin D is primarily obtained from foods such as fish oil, eggs, and liver.
- Iron
Iron is a crucial substance involved in blood formation and is part of the brain's structure. Therefore, iron deficiency in children leads to iron-deficiency anemia, which can impair their intellectual and physical development, reduce their resistance to infection, and decrease their physical activity capacity. Parents can supplement their children's iron intake with iron-rich foods such as liver, chicken gizzards, egg yolks, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and pork heart.
- Zinc
Zinc is one of the components of over 300 enzymes involved in various bodily functions, helping to increase absorption, improve appetite, synthesize protein, strengthen the immune system, and promote height growth in children. Zinc deficiency can lead to poor appetite and increased susceptibility to infections. Zinc is abundant in foods such as beets, peas, shellfish, soybeans, and egg yolks.
- Iodine
Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland to synthesize thyroid hormones, which aid in body growth and brain formation and development. Iodine deficiency in children during pregnancy can lead to severe brain damage and complications such as intellectual disability and other neurological defects. Iodine deficiency is particularly severe in children under two years old because this is a period of rapid brain development. Iodine deficiency in school-aged children can reduce intelligence and academic performance.
In summary, micronutrients for children are substances that the body only needs in very small amounts but play an extremely important role. Essential micronutrients for children include vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and groups of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium. A deficiency in micronutrients can lead to serious health problems, especially in young children. Therefore, parents need to plan for micronutrient supplementation through food or dietary supplements.
Note: If using dietary supplements, choose those of natural origin that are easily absorbed, and avoid using multiple types simultaneously or constantly switching between different supplements.
Solutions for preventing micronutrient deficiencies
There are three main solutions for preventing micronutrient deficiencies:
* Short-term solutions (directly supplementing micronutrients such as taking vitamin A, iron tablets, iodized oil, etc.).
* Medium-term solution (fortifying food with micronutrients).
* Long-term solutions (diversifying meals, comprehensively improving the quality of people's meals).
Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/nhung-vi-chat-dinh-duong-can-thiet-cho-tre-nho-169251222112352905.htm
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