Signs of vitamin deficiency in children
The most acute lack of vitamins in a child manifests itself in vitamin deficiency. This is a state of the body in which for quite a long time any vitamin or a whole group of them is completely or almost completely absent. The most common signs of vitamin deficiency are weakness, increased fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and impaired physical and mental development of the child. Also among the characteristic symptoms:
- lack of appetite;
- depression, irritability, tearfulness;
- decreased immunity, frequent colds;
- insomnia, difficulty waking up in the morning;
- skin itching, peeling;
- poor posture, deformation of skeletal bones.
Such painful changes are usually accompanied by a significant decrease in the child’s activity in kindergarten and his performance at school.
B vitamins
The key role of these vitamins is to ensure energy metabolism - the conversion of useful substances received by the child into energy, and this is what ensures the vital functions of our body. Also, vitamins of this group ensure normal functioning of the nervous system, increase resistance to stress, and improve the functioning of the digestive system.
For children, a lack of B vitamins in the body is usually indicated by symptoms such as poor appetite, apathy or, conversely, increased excitability and irritability, as well as insomnia. It should be noted that for normal growth and development, a child needs vitamins in a much higher dosage than an adult.
Compatibility. B vitamins are well compatible with each other, but the combination of B1 with B6 and B12 is not permissible.
Vitamin B5 – pantothenic acid.
Discovery history and interesting facts:
It got its name from the Greek word, which translated means “omnipresent”. And this is true, vitamin B5 is found in every tissue, in every cell of a living organism. Pantothenic acid performs important functions for the normal functioning of physiological processes. Pantothenic acid was first isolated in 1933 by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin. Using brewer's yeast as a model organism, they isolated a previously unknown nutrient. The essential function of pantothenic acid was determined in 1953 with the discovery of coenzyme A (coenzyme A or CoA). Vitamin B5 is a substrate for the body's production of CoA, without which our cells cannot feed and function properly. Therefore, sufficient presence of pantothenic acid in the body is a prerequisite for maintaining normal life functions.
Role in the body:
— as a structural component of CoA, vitamin B5 is involved in the metabolism of macronutrients: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, cholesterol and fatty acids;
- participates in the biosynthesis of hormones - steroid and sex hormones, growth hormone;
- actively participates in the formation of erythrocyte hemoglobin, histamine synthesis and antibody production;
— vitamin B5 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters of the nervous system, especially important for the conversion of choline into acetylcholine.
Daily requirement: children under 1 year – 2 mg; adults – from 5 to 10 mg.
Vitamin E
A deficiency of vitamin E in a child's body manifests itself in extensive and varied symptoms. First of all, this is a weakened immune system and susceptibility to frequent colds. There is also delayed intellectual and physical development, impaired speech, coordination of movements, and reflex motor skills.
Vitamin E is necessary for children in all of the above cases. As an immunomodulator, it develops the baby’s immune system and increases the body’s resistance to colds and other diseases. Also, this vitamin (like A and C) is a powerful antioxidant; it protects cells and blood vessels from the harmful effects of free radicals, supports metabolism, ensuring the growth and development of the child.
Compatibility. The vitamin is well compatible with vitamin C and selenium, and in small quantities improves the absorption of vitamin A.
Vitamin B3 (vitamin PP) – niacin, nicotinamide.
Discovery history and interesting facts:
This is a family of vitamin PP, which includes two related compounds: nicotinic acid and its amide. Nicotinic acid has been known for a long time: back in 1866, it was obtained by oxidation of nicotine isolated from tobacco. However, until the 40s of the 20th century, no one suspected that it had vitamin activity. It was recognized as a vitamin after it was found that nicotinic acid perfectly cures pellagra, a serious disease from which thousands of people who ate mainly corn suffered. Hence the name “vitamin PP” - from the initial letters of two Latin words “preventive pellagra” - “preventing pellagra”.
Role in the body:
- together with vitamins B1 and B2, participates in energy metabolism processes - they contribute to the conversion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy;
- has a vasodilating effect, promotes wound healing;
- has hypolipidemic activity - causes a decrease in total cholesterol, atherogenic low-density lipoproteins and especially triglycerides;
- nicotinamide is involved in the synthesis of cortisone, thyroxine and insulin.
Daily requirement: children under 1 year – 5 mg; adults – from 15 to 20 mg.
What does vitamin compatibility mean?
Above we indicated the compatibility of vitamins. It can be both good and bad. In the latter case, this means that the simultaneous use of some of them impairs absorption and does not provide the desired beneficial effect. This often happens when parents, without consulting a doctor, purchase separate vitamins and the child takes them all at once.
This negative factor is taken into account in ALFAVIT vitamin and mineral complexes. All the vitamins and microelements present in their composition are perfectly combined and give a synergistic effect - they promote the best mutual absorption in the body (pharmaceutical interaction) and/or enhance each other’s effects (pharmacological effects).
Hypervitaminosis and its symptoms
Hypervitaminosis is a condition of the body that occurs as a result of the ingestion of an ultra-high dose of one or more vitamins. The source of the latter can be both food products and vitamin preparations. Symptoms of hypervitaminosis vary depending on the vitamin, the amount of which significantly exceeds the norm.
| A type of hypervitaminosis | Symptoms of hypervitaminosis |
| Hypervitaminosis a | Peeling of the skin, itching, hair loss, increased excitability, headaches, nausea and vomiting, joint pain. |
| Hypervitaminosis d | Lethargy, drowsiness, headaches, pain in joints, bones, muscles, stomach, itching, thirst, nausea, vomiting, weight loss. |
| Hypervitaminosis e | Weakness, headaches and muscle pain, diarrhea, possible seizures. |
| Hypervitaminosis c | Insomnia, headaches, feeling hot, dizziness, itching, rash, damage to tooth enamel, high blood pressure, loose stools. |
Vitamin A
If the child is often sick, gets tired even after light exertion; if he has a lag in growth and physical strength in comparison with his peers, as well as problems with the digestive system, blurred vision (especially in the dark), problems with skin and hair. Vitamin A will be an effective helper in solving these problems.
Vitamin A helps improve metabolism, gain muscle mass and achieve normal growth characteristic of a certain age - which is why it is called the vitamin for child growth. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the immune system, increasing the resistance of the child’s body to viral colds, and in the case of an existing cold, it allows it to be more easily and comfortably tolerated. In addition, this vitamin has a positive effect on vision, the condition of the skin, hair, nails, and makes wound healing easier and faster. Compatibility. In vitamin complexes, vitamin A combines well with vitamins C and E and Zinc, while vitamin A itself helps absorb iron, which is important for the child’s body.
