Vitamins are essential for proper growth and metabolism. Deficiencies of vitamins may result from inadequate intake of supplements as well as from other factors. For instance, vitamin K and biotin are both created by bacteria living within the intestine may be removed by antibiotics, newborns also lack the intestinal bacteria.Vitamins are divided into fat soluble vitamins and water soluble ones. Fat soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, K, and E, whereas water soluble vitamins are vitamins C and B complex.
The water-soluble vitamins may be quickly destroyed during cooking or heating. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins can be accumulated to excess levels. Thus, water-soluble vitamins in the body can run out more quickly that leads to a vitamin deficiency if they are not replaced regularly.
It is very essential to feed kids with nutritious foods to prevent vitamin deficiencies.
The most common symptom of vitamin A (beta-carotene) deficiency is problems related with the eyes, such as pain in the eye, reddening eye, blurred vision, dry eyes and even night blindness. Vitamin A also is essential for bones and teeth and protects against infections, cold and flu as well. Apart from this, deficiency of vitamin A impacts on normal operating of the immune system. Vitamin A deficiency causes tiredness, hair loss, weakened muscle, joint pain, swelling, weight loss.
To get vitamin A children need the foods contained vitamin A such as fish and liver, green and yellow fruits and vegetables, butter, carrots, spinach, sweet potato, peppers, calf liver, eggs, cow’s milk, apricots, broccoli, grapefruit, and tomatoes.
Vitamin B complex includes vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, biotin. The simple signs of vitamin B deficiency are a general disturbance connected to the mouth and skin. Vitamin B deficiency affects the functions of nerve system and brain, immune system and gastrointestinal tract.
Children with this deficiency are at risk of heart diseases. Deficiency of vitamin B12 results in anemia, appetite loss, depression, digestive disturbances, dry hair or hair falling out, hypertension, insomnia and nervousness. Vitamin B is found in milk products, cheese, eggs, fish, seafood, meat, nuts and vegetables high in protein, broccoli, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, whole grains.