6 warning signs of nutrient deficiency in children

Irregular irritability, frequent fatigue or diarrhea are considered common signs of nutritional deficiency in children that parents should be aware of. 

Before showing symptoms, the lack of nutrients existed inside the child's body for a long time. However, there are still many manifestations that you and your doctor can see to diagnose the disease before it becomes serious. The following article will reveal 6 common warning signs for nutritional deficiencies in children.

Fatigue for no apparent reason

Fatigue is a common sign of iron deficiency and can lead to anemia due to low red blood cells. However, you should note that other health conditions such as heart disease, depression or thyroid disease can also cause fatigue in the child's body.

If you feel your child's body shows signs of fatigue, you should quickly bring him to the doctor to be diagnosed with the disease as well as supplementing the right nutrients in case the child is anemic.

Boat foundation (concave foundation)

Nail shape is also considered a warning sign of lack of substance inside the body. Boat base (concave nail) is a case of nail shaped like a spoon. When this happens, the child is more likely to develop iron deficiency anemia.

To treat iron deficiency anemia, the doctor will give the child iron supplements and eat foods high in iron such as animal liver or seafood such as cockles, clams, oysters ...

Oral problems

Inflammatory mouths and mouth sores (impetigo) are considered warning signs of vitamin B2 deficiency or iron deficiency. A swollen tongue can be caused by iron deficiency or vitamin B2. Meanwhile, a lower level of iron, zinc or vitamin B is likely to cause burning mouth syndrome in children.

Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea can be a sign of malabsorption in a child when nutrients are not fully absorbed into the body. Poor absorption can be caused by infections, surgery, or digestive disorders such as Celiac disease or Crohn's disease .

If your child has persistent diarrhea, quickly bring him to see a doctor for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Easy to get irritable

A child's constantly changing and unpredictable emotions, sometimes being irritable, and sometimes indifferent, can be signs of psychological illnesses like depression. However, this can also be a symptom that your baby is not absorbing the necessary energy.

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, promptly take them to the doctor.

Loss of appetite

Chronic loss of appetite is a serious sign that your baby is lacking in nutrients. If your child regularly skips meals and doesn't feel hungry, take him or her to the doctor for an accurate diagnosis. A blood test can show your baby's body is lacking in nutrients so that you can help your baby supplement that nutrient properly.

With the above basic signs above, hopefully you will control and soon recognize the abnormalities in the child's body to get timely and correct treatment.