Children’s Day 2025: Expert reveals common deficiencies in children; Iron deficiency tops the list

Nutritional deficiencies in children are often overlooked, as early symptoms can be attributed to normal childhood behavior. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Even when it seems that their diet is good, children may still be deficient in certain nutrients. Since this is a silent progression of deficiencies, timely diagnostic tests are needed for detection.

“Nutritional deficiencies in children are often overlooked, as early symptoms can be subtle or attributed to normal childhood behavior. Even with parents' best efforts to feed them balanced meals, a number of factors such as lightning fast growth; picky eating; less outdoor time and more indoor time with screens and devices or families simply losing touch with what constitutes good nutrition -- can still cause hidden nutrient gaps. If left untapped, these shortfalls can affect immunity, growth, intelligence and general development.

Diagnostic analyses are no less important, then – because they help us identify shortcomings while visible symptoms have yet to appear. Testing early, and intervening promptly, will ensure that children get the nutrients they need to grow physically and cognitively, while setting them up for a healthy future.

Dr Subhasis Saha, Chief of Laboratory Operations (West Bengal), Metropolis Healthcare Limited shares how diagnostic help the deficiency early.

Iron Deficiency (Anaemia)

Iron deficiency is the commonest deficiency encountered in paediatric practice and may present with fatigue, poor attention, irritability, or frequent infections, all of which can easily be overlooked. Diagnostic tools such as CBC and serum ferritin may reveal low iron stores even before the onset of advanced anaemia, thus allowing early identification and prevention of further difficulties in learning and proper growth.

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Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency has become common in children due to reduced exposure to the sun and indoor sedentary living. Vitamin D deficiency causes pain in bones, retarded growth, and muscular weakness. An accurate assessment of vitamin D status is done by measuring 25-hydroxy vitamin D through a blood test. Early diagnosis enables proper supplementation and prevents rickets or other skeleton-related problems.

Calcium deficiency

Calcium deficiency quite often accompanies vitamin D deficiency. Such conditions can affect musculoskeletal health, dental health, and normal muscle function. Measurement of serum calcium, together with vitamin D and parathyroid hormone testing, helps in establishing the cause of calcium imbalance and guides corrective interventions.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency is increasingly being diagnosed, especially among children following mostly vegetarian diets. Symptoms can include tiredness, loss of appetite, behavioral changes, or, in long-term cases, neurological signs. A serum B12 test together with a CBC supports early detection of the deficiency and helps prevent long-term neurological complications.

Zinc Deficiency

It is an essential mineral necessary for immunity and growth. The deficiency may manifest as poor appetite, slowed growth, or recurring infections of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Serum zinc is useful when there is growth faltering or recurrent infections.

Iodine Deficiency

While iodized salt is widely used, iodine deficiency still exists and can affect both thyroid function and cognitive development. Thyroid function tests (T3, T4, TSH) are useful in identifying abnormalities that commonly result from insufficient iodine intake.

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Most nutritional deficiencies of childhood are silent, often making early diagnostic testing necessary. Timely identification of nutritional gaps allows the opportunity for simple and effective interventions to support a child's physical, cognitive, and healthful development throughout life.

FAQs on common deficiencies in children:

Q. What are the most common deficiencies in children?

Iron, vitamin D, calcium, and B12 deficiencies are among the most common.

Q. How do I know if my child has a nutrient deficiency?

Symptoms may include fatigue, poor appetite, frequent illness, or slow growth.

Q. Can picky eating lead to deficiencies?

Yes. Limited diets can prevent children from getting essential nutrients.

Q. Are supplements necessary for children?

Not always. A balanced diet usually covers needs, but a doctor may suggest supplements if levels are low.

5. How can I prevent deficiencies in my child?

Provide diverse foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, eggs, and iron-rich options.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.