Symptoms of PEDIATRIC DIETS

Both the American Medical Association and the American Dietetic Association recommend that healthy children should get all their nutrients from foods rather than vitamin supplements. However, there is no significant risk if a parent wishes to give their child a standard pediatric multi-vitamin. Nutrients that are most likely to be deficient in a child's diet are calcium, iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folic acid, and Vitamin B6. Calcium deficiency, is particular risk for children who consume little or no dairy products. Calcium deficiency that can interfere with bone growth and development. Foods that are good sources of calcium include low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt, and cheeses. Other foods such as broccoli, cooked greens, and canned salmon (with bones) will also provide a source of calcium in the diet. Iron requirements vary by age, rate of growth, iron stores, increasing blood volume, and rate of absorption from food sources. Adolescent girls will have increased iron needs due to menstrual losses. Food sources of iron include meat, fish, poultry, iron-fortified cereals, spinach greens, and dried beans and peas.