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About Nutritional Issues for Kids

A healthful diet is essential for kids. According to the National Institutes of Health, consuming nutritious foods supports children's growth, prevents diseases linked to obesity, builds strong bones and muscles, and provides energy. Teaching your child early on about the importance of eating healthfully can help prevent nutrition issues that may arise.

  1. Unhealthful Diet

    • Poor eating habits, overeating and binging can lead to obesity in kids. In 2008, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reported that obese children between 10 and 13 years of age have an 80 percent risk of becoming obese adults. It states that obesity usually starts around the age of 5 and 6. Obese kids should learn how to eat more healthfully by selecting better foods and reducing their food intake. Parents of obese kids should focus on their children's positive qualities and strengths instead of their weight to help increase their self-esteem.

    Calcium Deficiency

    • Calcium in a child's diet is essential because it supports bone development and reduces the risk of fractures and osteoporosis later on in life. In 2006, the New York Presbyterian Hospital website reported that nine out of 10 teenage girls and seven out of 10 teenage boys in the United States lack the calcium they need. Parents can provide their kids with calcium through foods such as green, leafy vegetables, dairy products, salmon, sardines and calcium-fortified cereals and juices. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that kids ages 4 to 8 need three servings of calcium daily, and kids ages 9 to 18, should consume four servings.

    Iron Deficiency

    • A lack of iron in a child's diet can interfere with the body's production of red blood cells. As a result, the child's organs may not receive sufficient oxygen to function properly. Girls who just started menstruating and young athletes are especially at risk for iron deficiencies, because menstrual blood and sweat both contain iron. These children need to replenish lost iron through food. According to the Kids Health website, children ages 1 through 12 need between 7 to 10 mg of iron per day. Iron-rich foods include chicken liver, oysters, turkey, tuna and beef.

    Eating Disorders

    • Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia often start between the ages of 11 and 13. The Everyday Health website reports that the bodily changes adolescents undergo may be hard to deal with and, combined with pressure from the media and peers, eating disorders may arise. Restricting nutrients from the body or vomiting to purge food after binging can lead to health issues such a potassium deficiency, a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, tooth decay, loss of hair, breaking nails and death. You can help prevent eating disorders in your children by increasing their self-esteem and promoting more healthful ideals than those portrayed in the media.

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