Nutritional Deficiencies in Infants

Definition

Deficits in essential nutrients (proteins, vitamins, minerals) due to insufficient or inadequate feeding

How it works

Infants are highly vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies as they entirely rely on external food sources for all nutrients

Role

Identifying and correcting nutritional deficits to ensure normal growth and healthy development

Examples

• Iron deficiency
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency
• Protein deficiency
• Iodine deficiency

Recommendations

Follow pediatric guidelines for breastfeeding or formula feeding, introduce complementary foods at 6 months with nutrient-rich foods, perform regular blood tests to detect deficiencies and consult if signs of alert such as delayed growth or abnormal paleness

Key takeaway

Nutritional deficiencies in infants are preventable with appropriate and age-adapted feeding

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