Vitamin deficiency in children: symptoms and signs

Introduction (excluded in accordance with the request)

I. Review of vitamins and their roles in the development of the child

Vitamins are organic compounds necessary for the normal growth, development and functioning of the body. They play an important role in numerous biochemical processes, including metabolism, immune function, nervous system and bone formation. In childhood, when intensive growth and development occurs, the need for vitamins is especially high. The deficiency of any of these vital substances can lead to serious health consequences.

1. Vitamin A (retinol): vision, immunity and growth

Vitamin A plays a key role in vision, especially in adaptation to darkness. It is also necessary to maintain the health of the mucous membranes that lift the respiratory tract, intestines and genitourinary system, providing a barrier against infections. In addition, vitamin A is involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation.

Role in vision: Retinal, the shape of vitamin A, is a component of rhodopsin, a photosensitive pigment in the retina. The lack of vitamin A leads to a violation of adaptation to the darkness (chicken blindness) and, in severe cases, to xerophthalmia (dryness of the cornea) and blindness.
The role in the immune function: Vitamin A maintains the integrity of the mucous membranes, preventing the penetration of pathogens. It is also necessary for the normal function of immune cells, such as lymphocytes. Vitamin A deficiency increases susceptibility to infections, especially respiratory and gastrointestinal.
Role in growth and development: Vitamin A is involved in the regulation of genes expression that affect the growth and differentiation of cells. It is necessary for the normal development of bones, teeth and skin.

2. Vitamin B1 (thiamine): energy metabolism and nervous system

Tiamine is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism, which provides the body with energy. It also plays an important role in the functioning of the nervous system.

The role in the metabolism of carbohydrates: Tiamin is a cooferment for several key enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism, including pyruvat dehydrogenase and alpha-metroglutarataratodehydrogenase. The deficiency of thiamine leads to a violation of energy metabolism and the accumulation of pyruvate and lactate in the blood.
The role in the nervous system: Tiamine is necessary for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter who plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses. Tiamine deficiency can lead to neurological disorders such as peripheral neuropathy and vernica encephalopathy.

3. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Energy metabolism and cell growth

Riboflavin is involved in energy metabolism, acting as a coherent for several enzymes involved in redox reactions. It is also necessary for the growth and development of cells.

Role in energy metabolism: Riboflavin is a component of Flavronononucleotide (FMN) and flavidenindininucleotide (FAD), coofers that participate in the transfer of electrons in the respiratory chain, ensuring energy formation.
Role in cell growth: Riboflavin is necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, which are necessary for the growth and division of cells.

4. Vitamin B3 (niacin): energy metabolism and DNA

Niacin is involved in energy metabolism and DNA synthesis. It also plays a role in maintaining the health of the skin and nervous system.

Role in energy metabolism: Niacin is a component of nicotinindenindininucleotide (NAD) and nicotinindinindininindinucleotidfosphate (NADP), coofers that participate in redox reactions, providing energy formation.
Role in DNA synthesis: Niacin is necessary for the activity of enzymes involved in DNA synthesis.

5. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): energy metabolism and hormones

Pantotenic acid is a component of cooferment A (COA), which plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It is also necessary for the synthesis of hormones.

The role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins: Coerment A is involved in various metabolic pathways, including the Krebs cycle and synthesis of fatty acids.
The role in the synthesis of hormones: Pantotenic acid is necessary for the synthesis of adrenal hormones, such as cortisol and aldosterone.

6. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxin): amino acid metabolism and nervous system

Pyridoxine is involved in amino acid metabolism, which are building proteins. It is also necessary for the functioning of the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells.

The role in the metabolism of amino acids: Pyridoxine is a coherent for many enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism, including transaminases and decarboxylase.
The role in the nervous system: Pyridoxine is necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.
The role in the formation of red blood cells: Pyridoxine is involved in the synthesis of hem, a component of hemoglobin, which transfers oxygen in the blood.

7. Vitamin B7 (biotin): metabolism of fats and carbohydrates

Biotin is involved in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. It is also necessary to maintain the health of the skin, hair and nails.

The role in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates: Biotin is a cooferment for several enzymes involved in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, including pyruvatkarboxylase and acetyl-carboxylase.

8. Vitamin B9 (folic acid): division of cells and DNA

Folic acid is necessary for dividing cells and DNA synthesis. It is especially important during pregnancy to prevent defects in the nervous tube in the fetus.

The role in cell division: Folic acid is involved in the synthesis of purines and pyrimidins, DNA building blocks.
The role in preventing defects in the nervous tube: Folic acid is necessary for the normal development of the nervous tube in the fetus. The disadvantage of folic acid during pregnancy increases the risk of developing defects in the nervous tube, such as the crevice of the spine (Spina Bifida).

9. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): nervous system and blood formation

Cobalamin is necessary for the functioning of the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. It also participates in folic acid metabolism.

The role in the nervous system: Cobalamin is necessary for the formation of myelin, a protective shell that surrounds the nerve fibers. Cobalamin deficiency can lead to neurological disorders such as peripheral neuropathy and demyelinization.
The role in the formation of blood: Cobalamin is necessary for the maturation of red blood cells. Cobalamin deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the presence of large immature red blood cells.

10. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): immunity, antioxidant and collagen

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells from damage by free radicals. It is also necessary for the synthesis of collagen, protein, which provides the strength and elasticity of the skin, bones and blood vessels. In addition, vitamin C plays an important role in the immune function.

The role of antioxidant: Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals that can damage cells and cause various diseases.
The role in the synthesis of collagen: Vitamin C is necessary for the activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis of collagen.
The role in the immune function: Vitamin C supports the function of immune cells, such as leukocytes and antibodies. He also participates in the production of interferon, protein, which helps to fight viral infections.

11. Vitamin D (calciferol): bones, immunity and cell growth

Vitamin D is necessary for absorption of calcium from the intestines and maintaining bone health. It also plays an important role in the immune function and the regulation of cell growth.

The role in the absorption of calcium: Vitamin D turns into an active form, calcitriol, which increases the absorption of calcium from the intestines.
The role in the health of the bones: Vitamin D is necessary for the mineralization of bones, a process in which calcium and phosphorus are deposited in the bones, making them strong.
The role in the immune function: Vitamin D regulates the activity of immune cells and is involved in the production of antimicrobial peptides.
Role in cell growth: Vitamin D regulates the growth and differentiation of cells.

12. Vitamin E (Tokoferol): Antioxidant and Immunity

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the cells from damage by free radicals. He also plays a role in immune function.

The role of antioxidant: Vitamin E protects cell membranes from damage by free radicals, especially lipid peroxides.
The role in the immune function: Vitamin E supports the function of immune cells and is involved in the regulation of an immune response.

13. Vitamin K (Phillokhinon): Curliness of blood and bones

Vitamin K is necessary for coagulation of blood and bone health.

The role in blood coagulation: Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of blood coagulation factors, such as prothrombin and factors VII, IX and X.
The role in the health of the bones: Vitamin K is involved in the mineralization of bones and the regulation of bone metabolism.

II. Risk factors for the development of vitamin deficiency in children

There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing vitamin deficiency in children:

Nedness: Premature children have smaller reserves of vitamins and minerals than full -term children. They can also have difficulties with the absorption of nutrients.
Low birth weight: Children with low birth weight also have smaller reserves of vitamins and minerals.
Exclusively breastfeeding without additives: Breast milk is ideal food for babies, but it can be insufficiently rich in vitamin D and vitamin K. Children who are exclusively on breastfeeding may require an additional introduction of these vitamins.
Limited diet: Children who are selective in food or have a limited diet may not receive a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals.
Vegetarianism or veganism: Children who adhere to a vegetarian or vegan diet can be at risk of vitamin B12, iron and other nutrients, which are mainly contained in animal products.
Diseases affecting the absorption of nutrients: Some diseases, such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease, may disrupt the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Taking certain drugs: Some drugs, such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants, can affect the absorption or metabolism of vitamins.
Chronic diseases: Children with chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney or liver disease, can be at risk of vitamin deficiency.
Accommodation in regions with limited sunlight: Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Children living in regions with limited sunlight or spending less time in the open air may be at risk of vitamin D.
Insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. Children who do not consume enough fruits and vegetables can be at risk of deficiency of these nutrients.

III. Symptoms and signs of deficiency of individual vitamins

Symptoms and signs of vitamin deficiency can vary depending on the specific vitamin, degree of deficiency and age of the child.

1. Vitamin A:

Chicken blindness (Nicatalopia): Difficulty in adaptation to darkness.
Xerophthalmia: Dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva, leading to clouding of the cornea and blindness.
Frinoderm: Dry, peeling and coarsening of the skin, especially on the elbows, knees and buttocks.
Increased susceptibility to infections: Frequent respiratory infections, diarrhea and other infectious diseases.
Growth delay: Slow down growth and development.

2. Vitamin B1 (TIAMIN) deficit:

Since Can manifest itself in several forms:
- Sukhaaya has since: The lesion of the nervous system, characterized by peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling and weakness in the limbs), muscle weakness and atrophy.
- Wet Bari-Bari: The defeat of the cardiovascular system, characterized by cardiac failure, edema and shortness of breath.
- Baby Beri-Bari: It can be manifested in the form of vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and heart failure.
Encephalopathy Wernick: Neurological disorder, characterized by confusion, impaired coordination of movements (ataxia) and paralysis of the eye muscles.
Korsakova syndrome: Chronic memory impairment, which often occurs after vernication encephalopathy.
Irritability: Increased irritability and tearfulness.
Fatigue: A feeling of fatigue and weakness.
Loss of appetite: Reducing appetite and refusal of food.

3. Vitamin B2 deficiency (riboflavin):

Heyrozy: Cracks and inflammation in the corners of the mouth.
Glossit: Inflammation of the tongue that makes it red and painful.
Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth.
Seborrheic dermatitis: Peeling and redness of the skin, especially on the face, in nasolabial folds and behind the ears.
Photophobia: Sensitivity to light.
Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea of the eye.

4. Vitamin B3 deficiency (niacin):

Pellagra: Characterized by a triad of symptoms:
- Dermatitis: Symmetric dermatitis, affecting areas of skin exposed to sunlight (for example, face, arms, legs).
- Diarrhea: Digestion disorder, accompanied by diarrhea.
- Dementia: Cognitive disorders, such as memory loss, confusion and depression.
Bright red language: Inflamed, bright red tongue.
Weakness: A feeling of fatigue and weakness.
Loss of appetite: Reducing appetite and refusal of food.

5. Vitamin B5 deficiency (pantotenic acid):

The deficiency of pantothenic acid is rare, since it is widespread in food. However, with severe deficiency, the following symptoms can be observed:

Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs: Periphery neuropathy.
Fatigue: A feeling of fatigue and weakness.
Headaches: Frequent headaches.
Irritability: Increased irritability and tearfulness.
Insomnia: Difficulties with falling asleep and maintenance of sleep.
Nausea and vomiting: Digestive disorder.

6. Vitamin B6 deficiency (pyridoxine):

Seborrheic dermatitis: Peeling and redness of the skin, especially on the face, in nasolabial folds and behind the ears.
Glossit: Inflammation of the tongue that makes it red and painful.
Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth.
Anemia: The lack of red blood cells, leading to fatigue, weakness and pallor of the skin.
Convulsions: They can occur in infants and children with severe deficiency.
Irritability: Increased irritability and tearfulness.
Peripheralic neuropathy: Numbness, tingling and weakness in the limbs.

7. Vitamin B7 deficiency (biotin):

Biotin deficiency is rare, since it is produced by bacteria in the intestines and is contained in many foods. However, the following symptoms can be observed with deficiency:

Hair loss (alopecia): Loss of hair on the head and other parts of the body.
Dermatitis: Peeling and redness of the skin, especially around the mouth, nose and eyes.
Neurological symptoms: Depression, fatigue and hallucinations.
Loss of appetite: Reducing appetite and refusal of food.

8. Vitamin B9 deficiency (folic acid):

Megaloblastic anemia: It is characterized by the presence of large immature red blood cells, leading to fatigue, weakness and pallor of the skin.
Weakness: A feeling of fatigue and weakness.
Irritability: Increased irritability and tearfulness.
Glossit: Inflammation of the tongue that makes it red and painful.
Growth delay: Slow down growth and development.
Congenital defects (with deficiency during pregnancy): Defects of the nervous tube (for example, cleft spine) and other congenital anomalies.

9. Vitamin B12 deficiency (cobalamin):

Megaloblastic anemia: It is characterized by the presence of large immature red blood cells, leading to fatigue, weakness and pallor of the skin.
Neurological symptoms: Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, weakness, violation of coordination of movements, memory loss and depression.
Glossit: Inflammation of the tongue that makes it red and painful.
Loss of appetite: Reducing appetite and refusal of food.
Growth delay: Slow down growth and development.

10. Vitamin C deficiency (ascorbic acid):

CINGA: Characterized by the following symptoms:
- Bleeding gums: Inflammation and bleeding of gums.
- Hemorrhages: Small hemorrhages under the skin (Petecia) and bruises that occur for no apparent reason.
- Slow wound healing: Slow healing of wounds and fractures.
- Joint pain: Pain and stiffness in the joints.
- Weakness: A feeling of fatigue and weakness.
- Anemia: The lack of red blood cells, leading to fatigue, weakness and pallor of the skin.
Irritability: Increased irritability and tearfulness.
Loss of appetite: Reducing appetite and refusal of food.
Bone pain: Bone pain.

11. Vitamin D (calciferol) deficiency:

Rakhite: In children, rickets are characterized by softening of bones, leading to skeleton deformations, such as:
- The curvature of the legs (o-shaped or x-shaped legs): Deformation of the bones of the legs.
- Thickening of the wrists and ankles: Increasing the size of wrists and ankles.
- Teething delay: Slow teething.
- Soft skull (cranitabes): Softening of the bones of the skull.
- “Roads” on the ribs (ribs): Thickening in the places of connection of the ribs to the sternum.
Osteomulation: In adults, osteomination is characterized by softening of bones, leading to pain in bones and muscles, as well as increased risk of fractures.
Weakness: A feeling of fatigue and weakness.
Bone pain and muscles: Bones and muscles.
Increased risk of fractures: Increased risk of bone fractures.
Growth delay: Slow down growth and development.
Reduced immunity: Increased susceptibility to infections.

12. Vitamin E (tocopherol) deficiency:

Vitamin E deficiency is rare, especially in children who receive a sufficient amount of fats in the diet. However, the following symptoms can be observed with deficiency:

Ataxia: Violation of coordination of movements.
Peripheralic neuropathy: Numbness, tingling and weakness in the limbs.
Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness.
Hemolytic anemia: The destruction of red blood cells, leading to fatigue, weakness and pallor of the skin.
Increased susceptibility to infections: Frequent infectious diseases.

13. Vitamin K (Phillokhinon) deficiency:

Bleeding: An increased risk of bleeding, such as nose bleeding, bleeding gums, skin hemorrhage and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
Newborn disease caused by vitamin K deficiency (VKDN): A serious disease that can lead to hemorrhage in the brain and other organs in newborns.
Osteoporosis: Reducing the density of bones, leading to increased risk of fractures.

IV. Diagnosis of vitamin deficiency in children

Diagnosis of vitamin deficiency in children is based on an assessment of an anamnesis, physical examination and laboratory tests.

Anamnesis: The doctor asks about the diet of the child, the presence of risk factors for vitamins deficiency, as well as the symptoms that concern the child.
Physical examination: The doctor conducts a physical examination of the child, paying attention to the signs of deficiency of vitamins, such as dry skin, damage to the mucous membranes, skeleton deformation and neurological disorders.
Laboratory research: Laboratory studies may include:
- Determining the level of vitamins in the blood: Measurement of the level of specific vitamins in the blood.
- General blood test: Assessment of the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
- Biochemical blood test: Assessment of the function of organs and systems of the body.
- Urine analysis: Assessment of kidney function and identification of metabolism disorders.
- Costy radiography: Assessment of the state of bones and the identification of signs of rickets or osteomination.

V. Treatment of vitamin deficiency in children

Treatment of vitamin deficiency in children depends on a specific vitamin, degree of deficiency and age of the child.

Changing the diet: An increase in the consumption of products rich in vitamins in which there is a deficit.
Reception of vitamin additives: The purpose of vitamin additives in the form of tablets, capsules, drops or injections.
Treatment of the underlying disease: If the deficiency of vitamins is caused by the underlying disease, the treatment of this disease is necessary.

VI. Prevention of vitamin deficiency in children

Prevention of vitamin deficiency in children includes:

Balanced nutrition: Providing a child with a variety of and a balanced diet, including a sufficient amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, protein products and dairy products.
Breast-feeding: Breastfeeding is the best way to nutrition for babies, but children who are exclusively on breastfeeding may require an additional introduction of vitamin D and vitamin K.
Vitamin additives: In some cases, especially for children with risk factors for vitamins deficiency, the preventive introduction of vitamin additives can be recommended.
Sufficient stay in the sun: Providing the child with a sufficient stay in the sun for the synthesis of vitamin D.
Consultations with a doctor: Regular consultations with a doctor to assess the state of health of the child and identify possible risk factors for vitamin deficiency.

Conclusion (excluded in accordance with the request)

References (will be added in accordance with the request, if necessary)

This detailed article provides a comprehensive overview of vitamin deficiencies in children, covering the roles of individual vitamins, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The information is well-researched and presented in a structured and easy-to-understand manner.

Vitamin deficiency in children: symptoms and signs

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