A child’s diet needs to be balanced between portion size and nutrition. Several nutrients are essential for a child's wellness. These include protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fibre, water, and fats, which are also called macronutrients.
Further, some micronutrients are also integral to your child's health and stronger immunity. Micronutrients are types of vitamins and minerals that perform various functions, like nutrient absorption, ensuring smooth blood flow, and more. In certain cases, a micronutrient deficiency may disrupt immune function or growth. In such a scenario, Bournvita can provide some essential micronutrients to a child. This may include vitamin A and D, zinc, calcium, and magnesium.
Micronutrients can be categorized into different types of vitamins and minerals. For a broad division, you may divide them into four types. Here is a list of different types of micronutrients, categorized by their function.
These may include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6. One of the major functions of water-soluble micronutrients in your child's body is to produce energy and act as a catalyst in the important bodily chemical reactions. These are called water-soluble because they get absorbed in the body and are not easily flushed out with sweat or urine.
Fat-soluble vitamins are a type of micronutrient that also do not dissolve in water. These are best when consumed with some source of fat. Fat-soluble vitamins may include vitamins A, D, E, and K. These are necessary for bone development, absorption of calcium in the body, and good eyesight.
Trace minerals are responsible for muscle development and tissue formation in the body. This may include iron, copper, manganese, iodine, and fluoride. Although not required in large quantities, these types of micronutrients support day-to-day activities and bone health.
The body needs macronutrients in larger quantities than trace minerals. These may include calcium, sodium, chloride, potassium, and phosphorus. Micronutrients are essential for bone development, the maintenance of blood pressure, and fluid balance in the body.
As a parent, it is quite common for you to be concerned about your child's health and wellness. Now that you know about the role of micronutrients, it's time to learn how to prevent micronutrient deficiency among kids.
The need for a balanced diet in your child's life cannot be overstated. A balanced diet encompasses all the necessary macro and micro nutrients that can help in optimizing your child's brain and muscle health. Instead of focusing on a single nutrient, it's better to add a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products into your child's diet for a fulfilling and balanced meal.
As per NIH, processed food can cause several digestive problems and may also lead to high blood pressure, as well as other chronic diseases like diabetes among kids. Additionally, regular intake of food rich in sodium and sugar may lead to several nutritional deficiencies and weaker immunity.
It's always better to detect early signs of nutritional deficiencies to prevent them from turning into aggravated disorders. You can have your child checked by a professional doctor periodically to receive a comprehensive health report. If any deficiencies are detected, you may adjust your child's diet by incorporating various foods rich in micronutrients and macronutrients.
As a parent, you need to have a deep understanding of nutrition and be aware of foods high in micronutrients. This knowledge can be particularly helpful when structuring your child's diet and may encourage the integration of micronutrient-rich foods into your child’s diet. For example, knowing the type of micronutrients present in milk and different kinds of fruits and vegetables may make you understand why they're essential for your kid.
The role of micronutrients is indispensable in a child's life. Parents can contribute to their child's overall well-being by monitoring their diet and incorporating a variety of healthy food items into it. This may not only make a child physically strong but also enhance their cognitive development and prevent micronutrient deficiency.