The Nutrition Gap: How Can Parents Help Children Meet Their Dietary Needs

Ensuring children receive a balanced, nutrient-rich diet remains a pressing concern for Indian parents today. The latest NFHS-5 (2019-21) data explains that even after multiple efforts, about 32.1% of children under five years remain underweight. Despite parents' continuous efforts towards offering optimal nutrition for their children, busy schedules, picky eating habits, and processed foods inclination become a pressing challenge towards achieving the goal. These nutritional gaps during early development may have long-term implications on physical growth, cognitive ability, and overall well-being of the child.

The Nutrition Gap: How Can Parents Help Their Children Meet Their Dietary Needs
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At the heart of healthy growth lies a well-rounded diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. These nutrients serve critical functions, from building strong bones to supporting brain development and bolstering immunity. As children grow, their nutritional needs evolve, making it vital for parents to stay vigilant about potential deficiencies.

A joint study conducted by AIIMS, CSIR, the University of Chicago Medical Centre, and others underscores the gravity of the situation. The research found that micronutrient deficiencies remain widespread across different age groups in India:

• Iodine deficiency: 17%
• Folic acid deficiency: 37%
• Iron deficiency: 54%
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: 53%
• Vitamin A deficiency: 19%
• Vitamin D deficiency: 61%

Iron deficiency, notably, was most prevalent among pregnant women, but children also face significant risks, particularly from calcium and vitamin D deficiencies.

The Calcium And Vitamin D3 Connection

The Nutrition Gap: How Can Parents Help Their Children Meet Their Dietary Needs
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Calcium and Vitamin D3 form a critical partnership in supporting children's skeletal development. While calcium is the primary mineral responsible for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, vitamin D3 ensures that calcium is properly absorbed into the bloodstream from the gut. Without sufficient vitamin D3, much of the dietary calcium may go unused, leading to weaker bone structures and compromised growth.

As per a study published in Curr Rheumatol Report*, Vitamin D and calcium play important roles in the proper mineralisation of bone for optimal skeletal health. Additional benefits of vitamin D are said to include the prevention of autoimmune diseases, prevention of falls, improved immunity, prevention of hypertension, and diabetes.

Calcium Gummies: Bridging The Gap

Recognising the challenge of consistent calcium intake, many parents turn to calcium gummies as a supplemental aid. Their fruity taste, easy-to-chew format, and attractive appearance can make them more appealing than traditional tablets or syrups, particularly for fussy eaters.

However, not all gummies are created equal. Many commercial varieties are loaded with added sugars, potentially counteracting their health benefits by contributing to dental problems and unhealthy weight gain. Thus, sugar-free or low-sugar options are essential choices for health-conscious parents. Among the sugar-free options available, Shelcal Pro Gummies offer a potential solution for children aged between 5-18 years, available in attractive fruity flavours like lemon-orange and mixed berries. The brand claims that each gummy contains:

• 250 mg of calcium
• 125 IU of vitamin D3

The Nutrition Gap: How Can Parents Help Children Meet Their Dietary Needs
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To put this in perspective, it suggests that one Shelcal Pro gummy provides as much calcium as approximately equivalent to 1 glass of milk (1 glass ~ 200 ml) and Vitamin D3 equivalent to ~16 cheddar cheese slices (1 cheese slice ~ 28 gms).

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) 2020 guidelines, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium and vitamin D (in case of minimal sun exposure) varies by age group:

This means one Shelcal Kids Pro Gummy can fulfil approximately 25% of the RDA for teenagers, and a significant portion for children, especially those under 10.

The Shelcal Pro Gummies are also available for adults to aid their calcium and vitamin D3 intake. Drawing similarities with the kids' offering, they too are sugar-free, available in two flavours and support in building strong bones and joints and muscle strength.

Supplements: A Helping Hand, Not A Replacement

While supplements like Shelcal Pro Gummies can help bridge nutritional gaps, experts caution that they should never replace a balanced, varied diet. Nutrient-rich foods, including dairy products, leafy greens, legumes, fruits, and fortified cereals, should remain the foundation of a child's daily intake.

Parents concerned about persistent nutrient deficiencies should consult a paediatrician or nutritionist. Personalised medical advice ensures that supplementation is both appropriate and effective for the child's individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is balanced nutrition important for children?

Balanced nutrition provides the essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates needed for a child's growth, brain development, immunity, and overall well-being.

2. What are the common nutrient deficiencies in children?

Common deficiencies in children include iron, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin A, folic acid, and vitamin B12, all of which can impact growth, cognitive function, and bone health.

3. How can I ensure my child is getting enough vitamins and minerals?

Focus on offering a diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and dairy. In cases of picky eating or dietary gaps, supplements like gummies can be considered after consulting a healthcare professional.

4. Are nutrition gummies safe for children?

When used as directed and chosen carefully (preferably sugar-free and free of artificial additives), nutrition gummies can safely support children's nutrient intake alongside a balanced diet.

5. When should I consider supplements for my child?

Supplements may be considered if a child has dietary restrictions, is a picky eater, or has been diagnosed with specific nutrient deficiencies. Always consult a paediatrician before starting any supplementation.

Navigating children's nutritional needs can be complex, but solutions like sugar-free nutrition gummies offer parents valuable support. Products such as Shelcal Pro Gummies, formulated with key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D3, provide an easy, palatable way to bolster bone health and support overall growth.

Source: *Curr Rheumatology Report [Read Here]