SPECIAL FEATURE The Importance of Micronutrients in Children’s Growth and Development Insufficient dietary intake and poor absorption of nutrients due to infection, inflammation, and chronic diseases lead to micronutrient deficiencies.2 Micronutrient Deficiencies Micronutrient deficiencies, also referred to as hidden hunger, in children can negatively affect health by impairing growth, immune functions, and cognitive functions.4 Some of the most common micronutrients that children are deficient in are iron, folate, iodine, vitamin A, and zinc deficiencies.5 Iron deficiency Iron is essential for motor and cognitive development in children. Iron also supports the immune system functions. Lowered concentration of iron in the brain causes behavioral symptoms such as irritability, apathy, reduced concentration ability, and other cognitive deficits.6,7 Iron deficiency may impair immune system functions due to alterations in the levels of interleukins and cytokines. Respiratory tract infections occur more frequently in children with iron deficiency.8 Folate deficiency Folate is essential for optimum growth and the metabolism of homocysteine (essential for cell homeostasis). Folate deficiency in infants and children can result in cognitive impairment, megaloblastic anemia, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, and impaired growth. Other possible conditions include microcephaly, developmental delay, epilepsy, blindness, and cerebellar ataxia.6,9,10 Iodine deficiency Iodine deficiency is a major and preventable cause of mental retardation in children. An iodine-deficient diet leads to disorders such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and cretinism, which are associated with speech and hearing impairments, retarded psychomotor development, and reduced energy levels in children.11 Vitamin A deficiency Vitamin A facilitates cell differentiation and controls apoptosis. It is also important for optimal growth, immune functions, and vision. A low intake of vitamin A can increase the risk of night blindness, conjunctival lesions, xerophthalmia, and keratomalacia. Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of measles, malaria, and diarrhea in children.6,8 Zinc deficiency Zinc is important for growth and for the functioning of the immune and gastrointestinal systems.6 Zinc deficiency increases the risk of infectious diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria.12 Zinc deficiency also causes growth retardation, Continued on page 15... Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that the body needs in small amounts for normal cellular and molecular functions.1,2 Micronutrients are vital dietary components that enable the body to produce enzymes, hormones, and other substances essential for optimum growth and development.1 Vitamins are organic micronutrients, and are classified as water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamins B and C, and fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Minerals are inorganic micronutrients classified as macrominerals and microminerals. Some of the key macrominerals (required in amounts > 100 mg/d) include calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride. Some of the key microminerals (required in amounts < 100 mg/d) include iron, copper, zinc, selenium, and iodine.3 ® Quick start nutrition for active, strong, and smart kids Quista kidz is a scientifically researched nutritional supplement, specially formulated for children aged 2 to 10 years, to help bridge the nutritional gaps and support their overall development and well-being. Himalaya Infoline • Vol 19 • No. 2 • May–Aug 2023 • 13
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