Vitamins Deficiency in Kids. Part 2.

Whereas most animals produce their own vitamin C, humans and primates have lost this ability. Vitamin C is essential for the development of healthy bones, teeth, gums and blood vessels. Vitamin C also strengthens immune system, assists the body absorb iron and calcium, hasten cuts heals.

The most common symptoms of the deficiency of vitamin C include inflammation and bleeding of gums. Deficiency can also lead to joint pains, dry skin and damaged hair. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. So we need to get vitamin C often because it doesn't stay in our body very long. Vitamin C is found in green vegetables, berries and citrus fruits and many vegetables including tomatoes, green pepper, cabbage and potatoes.

Vitamin D is created by the body from sunlight. Kids with deficiency of vitamin D are inclined to bones deformations. This also can lead children to other health problems like heart disease, rickets and high blood pressure. Vitamin D helps the body use calcium that is necessary to bone formation and muscle activity. This vitamin is contained in fish and dairy products fortified with vitamin D, eggs, butter, milk and fish.

Deficiency of vitamins E and K is not so common because they are created by the body. While, deficiency of vitamin K occurs when there is excessive bleeding of wounds. Vitamin K plays an essential role in blood clotting and bone formation. Vitamin K also converts glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver. Vitamin K is contained in broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, egg yolks, liver, oatmeal, rye, and wheat.

Vitamin E helps prevent cancer, heart disease, cataracts and reduces scarring from some wounds. Zinc and vitamin E work together. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, vegetables (dark leafy green), nuts and seeds, spinach, almonds, herring, peanuts, brown rice, eggs, milk, organ meats, sweet potatoes, soy beans, unrefined cereal, and wheat germ.

Vitamins deficiencies may cause aggravation of health condition. It is necessary to take actions in time to improve the condition and prevent health problems.

Vitamins Deficiency in Kids. Part 1.

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.