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Spotting Vitamin Deficiency In Kids: Signs and Symptoms

Team AckoJun 18, 2024

Vitamin deficiency simply refers to a condition wherein the body suffers from an extreme lack of essential vitamins. It's of two types, the first being primary vitamin deficiency, in which the deficiency is simply due to the lack of vitamin intake and the second being a secondary vitamin deficiency, in which the deficiency is due to some underlying health issue.

Contents

Vitamin B6:
Vitamin B9 :
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin C:
Vitamin D:
Vitamin E:
Vitamin K:

It is essential to spot early and prominent signs of vitamin deficiency in your child so that his growth and development doesn't suffer.

Vitamin B6:

Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 belongs to the group of B complex vitamins and contributes exponentially to factors like enzyme reactions, protein metabolisms, hemoglobin formation, as well as immunity functions among many others. The best sources of vitamin B6 includes fruits and vegetables. A deficiency in vitamin B6 can increase the risks of cognitive issues, cardiovascular issues, among many others

Signs and symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency:

1. Weak immune system 2. Anemia 3. Itchy rashes 4. Scaly skin on the lips 5. Cracks at the corners of the mouth 6. Swollen tongue 7. Depression and confusion 8. Growth retardation 9. Systemic convulsions 10. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea etc.

Vitamin B9 :

Vitamin B9 is also known as Folate or Folic Acid and is a part of the B-complex vitamin group. It is a water-soluble vitamin that helps in the normal growth of cells especially in infants and children. Folate also helps in synthesizing DNA. A folic acid deficiency in children can cause serious side effects. It can lead to children with low birth weight (when pregnant women have folate deficiency), neural tube deficiency (birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord), folic acid deficiency anemia etc.

Signs and symptoms of Vitamin B9 deficiency:

1. Chronic fatigue 2. Dyspnea 3. Heart palpitations 4. Weakness 5. Glossitis (sore or inflamed tongue). 6. Nausea 7. Low body weight 8. Headache 9. Fainting 10. Irritability 11. Jaundice and yellowing of skin.

Vitamin B12:

Vitamin B12 is also known as Cobalamin and is a water-soluble vitamin. It plays an important role in the normal functioning of the nervous system (brain and nerve function) and in the maturation of developing RBCs (red blood cells) in the bone marrow of your child's body. It is not produced in the human body and needs to be obtained from food. Vitamin B12 deficiency is found in breastfed kids whose mothers have B12 deficiency themselves. The symptoms of the babies may show before their mothers do.

Signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency:

1. Vomiting 2. Irritability 3. Anorexia 4. Lethargy 5. Anemia 6. Failure to thrive or weakness 7. Low muscle tone (hypotonia) 8. Development delays or regression 9. Neurological problems

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals that are formed when food is converted to energy. Vitamin C deficiency is not that common in kids and is known as scurvy. The human body does not naturally store vitamin C so its intake should be through proper diet.

Signs and symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency:

1. Bleeding gums 2. Frequent nosebleeds 3. Dry hair 4. Wounds that don’t heal easily 5. Iron deficiency 6. Dry, red or wrinkled skin 7. Easy bruising 8. Lesser immunity 9. Moodiness and fatigue 10. Lethargic or less active

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble vitamins that are responsible for the intestinal absorption of magnesium, calcium and phosphate. It is known as the ͞sunshine͟ vitamin because the human body needs direct UV light from sunshine to make vitamin D. 90% of the vitamin D needed by the body is made by the body itself. Children need adequate Vitamin D to form healthy bones, teeth and muscles during their growing years. vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets (a disease where the tissues in the bone do not mineralize, leading to soft bone and skeletal deformities) in children. The symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency are not easily identified. These days, doctors prescribe Vitamin D supplements to all babies to prevent deficiency. The best way to get vitamin D is from sun exposure and through milk (breastmilk and later on, cow's milk).

Signs and symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency:

1. Muscle cramps, seizures and breathing difficulties 2. Rickets – Complaints of severe leg and muscle pain due to a soft skull and curved, soft leg bones. Skeletal deformities like bow legs, thick wrists and ankles, curved spines, pigeon chest, pelvic deformities and skull malformations. 3. Susceptibility to bone fractures 4. Slower growth rate or failure to thrive 5. Late teething or dental problems 6. Irritability 7. Frequent respiratory infections 8. Weakness of heart muscles (rare)

Vitamin E:

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in many foods. It acts as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals to specific fats in the body that are vital for your health and naturally slows ageing. Vitamin E deficiency is very rare in kids even if they are fussy and picky eaters. It is only found in those children who suffer from malabsorption of vitamins or low birth weight.

Signs and symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency:

1. Muscle weakness 2. Vision problems 3. Numbness 4. Difficulty in walking 5. Tremors

Vitamin K:

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is needed for correct/proper blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. Vitamin K deficiency leads to a condition known as Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Till the normal intestinal bacteria start making Vitamin K and until the age of 4-6 months when babies start eating solid food, all babies regardless of gender, race or ethnic background are at higher risk for VKDB.

Signs and symptoms of Vitamin K deficiency:

1. Easy bruising, especially around the baby’s face and head 2. Bleeding from umbilical cord or nose 3. Skin colour that is becoming paler. For dark-skinned babies, gums may become paler 4. After first 3 weeks, baby’s eyes start turning yellow 5. Vomiting blood or stools that contain blood/is black or dark and sticky 6. Irritability 7. Seizures 8. Excessive sleepiness

Now that you know the signs and symptoms of vitamin deficiencies in babies, you must consult your doctor as soon as you have questions or witness any of these signs, as early detection helps in effective treatment.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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