Adequate nutrition plays a vital role in the growth and development of children and their well-being.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s family, relationship, and lifestyle show dubbed ‘Nyansapo Fie’ on the topic “Micronutrients deficiency ” with Mrs. Bernice Asante Amo a Nutritionist and a Senior Staff Nurse at the Tema Polyclinic hosted by Dr. Michael Asenso.
Mrs. Asante Amo said deficiencies in iron, vitamin A, zinc, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iodine can each have severe consequences, including increased susceptibility to infections, birth defects, blindness, reduced growth, cognitive impairment, decreased school performance and work productivity, and even death of children and adults.
She explained that it has been reported that the 2 most common deficiencies seen generally in healthy children are iron and vitamin D deficiencies.
Classical nutrient deficiencies lead to stunting (energy, protein, and zinc), rickets (vitamin D), and other bone abnormalities (copper, zinc, vitamin C).
She emphasized that nutritional deficiency occurs when the body is unable to absorb the required amount of nutrients or get them from the diet.
“For a growing child, it’s all the more important to have a nourishing and growth-promoting diet that will help him/her reach all milestones and mitigate health risks”
She finally urged parents especially mothers to take care of their babies and the kind of food they feed their children and also advised them to visit the hospital frequently with their children and check up on the well-being of their children if they are suffering from micronutrient deficiency.
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