Overweight children can still be deficient in micronutrients.

VTV.vn - Many children today eat well, or even are overweight, but still lack iron, zinc, or vitamins due to unbalanced diets and overuse of processed foods.

According to nutrition experts, the condition of "excess energy but micronutrient deficiency" is becoming increasingly common, especially in urban areas. Children may gain weight quickly but still lack essential nutrients for physical, brain, and immune system development.

Dr. Vi Thi Hue, Head of the Nutrition Department at the Dak Lak Center for Disease Control, said that many parents still think that children who eat a lot and are chubby are healthy. However, many children frequently consume fast food, soft drinks, bubble tea, or ultra-processed foods but lack green vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in micronutrients.

According to the National Institute of Nutrition, the rate of zinc deficiency in children under 5 years old in Vietnam is currently around 58%, while the rate of stunting is nearly 19%. This shows that children may eat more but are not necessarily being properly nourished.

Experts warn that micronutrient deficiencies often occur silently. Children may still function normally, but may show signs such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, slow growth, frequent illnesses, or persistent constipation.

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision and immunity; iron deficiency affects memory and learning ability; while zinc deficiency impairs growth and resistance.

According to UNICEF and WHO, modern children are heavily influenced by ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, and social media advertising, increasing their risk of obesity and micronutrient deficiencies.

Experts advise parents to build a diverse diet that includes green vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs, milk, and legumes; while limiting sugary drinks, fast food, and processed foods.

Besides taking children to the health center to receive vitamin A supplements on schedule, parents should maintain family meals, train children to eat at regular times, limit phone use during meals, and increase physical activity to protect their children's long-term health.

Source: https://vtv.vn/tre-thua-can-van-co-the-thieu-vi-chat-dinh-duong-100260529142943397.htm