Proper Nutrition and Identifying Signs of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Children

Abstract

Nutrition is one of the most important factors determining the health of the population. Proper nutrition ensures the growth and development of children, helps prevent diseases, prolong life, increase efficiency and creates conditions for adequate adaptation to the environment [2,3,4,15]. Micronutrients are found in the human body in extremely small quantities, but nevertheless play an important role in all biochemical processes. A lack of these substances can lead to catastrophic consequences for the child’s body [6,7,16]. There are several types of micronutrients, each of which performs its own specific function. However, the main purpose of all components included in the groups is to protect the body from the adverse effects of the environment [1,12,13,14]. When considering the role of microelements in the processes of growth and development of a child, one cannot fail to mention the importance of such an element as iodine. According to WHO (World Health Organization), 30% of the world's population is at risk of developing iodine deficiency diseases. Iodine is actively involved in the development of a child’s cognitive processes [8,9,17]. Many foods of plant and animal origin contain natural antioxidant micronutrients, but their quantity, and therefore the degree of impact on health, varies widely. The most well-known antioxidant micronutrients are vitamins A, C, E, and selenium. Zinc and alpha-lipoic acid, although they do not have a direct antioxidant effect, when entering the body, they are either actively involved in biochemical reactions that provide antioxidant protection, or are converted into compounds with a powerful antioxidant effect [7,18]. According to statistics, risk groups for micronutrient deficiency are children under 3 years old, preschoolers 5-7 years old, and adolescents 11-15 years old. Children who are frequently ill are a special risk group [4,5,19]. In subsequent periods of childhood, nutrition as the main source of vitamins and microelements should be balanced and rational, taking into account age-related needs. And the nutrient needs of children are much higher than those of adults. That is why, in addition to the basic diet, a mandatory supplement of vitamins and micronutrients is required [10,11,20].