Children’s growth follows some precise and well-defined steps, even though everyone has their own physiological rhythm. It is completely normal, and should not cause (too much) worry if a child begins to make their first sounds before another, if their progress in movements is not immediate or if their appetite is not really what you were expecting.
It is quite common that from weaning onwards, children react unenthusiastically to the introduction of more varied and solid foods. Fruit and vegetables can become the top enemy, leading to tantrums, and may make the parents worry when they are trying to feed their child a diet that can assure healthy, balanced growth.
SIP (the Italian Paediatric Society) recommends setting the rules for a balanced diet right from weaning. And it is precisely in this phase that children begin to develop food preferences, which is why it is very important to be patient if they refuse any foods, using tricks to get them used to eating food that contains the fundamental nutritional elements, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
The risk of the onset of dietary deficiencies.
How do dietary deficiencies appear in children
Iron deficiency (specifically “sideropenia”) is unfortunately very frequent among food deficiency disturbances, especially in children, and must not be underestimated as it could compromise haemoglobin synthesis.
Vitamin C deficiency, on the other hand, has many symptoms, from tiredness to lack of appetite, muscle pain to low immune defences, and consequently a greater tendency to become ill.
Vitamin D deficiency affects children more frequently in the winter, with bone pains, muscle pain, sweating head and hands, tiredness, irritability and sometimes asthma symptoms.
Magnesium deficiency causes tiredness, nausea, lack of appetite, muscle weakness, stomach cramps, shaking and lack of coordination, tachycardia and insomnia.
Selenium deficiency can reduce skeletal muscle functioning and interfere with the production of red blood cells. It is usually manifested with general weakness and the alteration of skin, nail and hair pigmentation.
Zinc deficiency affects the health of the skin, hair and nails, and causes vulnerability of the immune system, delayed wound healing and reduced perception of taste and smell.
Iodine deficiency is rare, because iodine is added to table salt. But it can be manifested with a significant intolerance to the cold and dry, scaly skin.
When, despite all efforts to put balanced meals rich in vital nutrients on the table, the first signs of dietary deficiencies appear, it is probably worth making recourse to multi-vitamin or restorative nutritional supplements.
Of course, first of all, consult your paediatrician.
Here are some signs we should particularly pay attention to:
- Constant food refusal
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Constant tiredness that does not pass after a night’s sleep
- General weakness and muscle pain
- Frequent colds, with a fever, sore throat, bronchitis
Restorative multi-vitamin supplements for children
The aim of restorative supplements for children is to fight tiredness and nutritional deficits, at the same time stimulating the immune system.
Apportal® Vital is the nutritional supplement ideal for children, with 19 nutrients including arginine, carnitine and Royal jelly.
The complete formulation aids the normal functioning of the immune system for a complete restorative effect, which benefits the whole body.