Lack of trace elements can hamper growth of teens.
Is your child showing signs of hampered physical and mental growth? The reason could be her incomplete diet. A recent study by nutritionists shows that girls in the age-group of 2-18 years are prone to inadequate growth due to the lack of micronutrients in their diet. While it is a known fact that their physical growth is affected due to poor intake of nutrient rich diet, experts claim that micro nutrient deficiency may hamper their mental growth too.
The study was conducted by a team of pediatrics in Mumbai headed by Dr Vaman Khadilkar and Dr Anuradha Khadilkar and was recently published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
“Micronutrients include trace elements such as iron, zinc, iodine etc. which are important in the development of humans. However, if children are deprived of these nutrient rich foods it may hamper their physiological as well as psychological health,” said Dr Anuradha Khadilkar, deputy director, H C Jehangir Medical Research Institute.
“We studied over 1,300 girls in the age group of 2-18 years for over a four years and their anthropometric measurements and dietary intake of nutrients. We found that the girls with low micronutrient intake like calcium, zinc, iron, riboflavin, niacin, folate and ascorbic acid intake were shorter and had hampered linear growth,” she added.
Catalyst
“Micronutrients act as catalysts in the body and boost the functions of any nutrient in the diet which is required for hormonal development. So if one is eating a high protein or high carb diet but not enough micronutrients, these foods convert into fats and act as empty calorie foods,” said Dr Veena Ekbote, Nutritionist at Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute.
Meanwhile, dietitians claim that the deficiency may also hamper mental development (bit.ly/NnR99L) of the children as it is essential for brain development in children.
“Micronutrients, especially trace elements, help nerve strengthening and neuron multiplication, which causes brain development. It is hence required by children as that is the peak time for mental growth among humans.
“Besides, the brain requires slow energy releasing foods that boost the IQ of children,” said Dr Geeta Dharmatti, President, Indian Dietetic Association, Pune.
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