Is my child getting proper nutrition?

So what if I offer certain foods but my child still doesn’t eat it?
 
The concern here now is mainly if my child is getting all the nourishment that he/she needs.  I went through the same thoughts and feelings as any parent would.
 
First, I like to take note and look back at what my child ate or has been eating.  If I see gaps in certain food groups, I know that may be of concern.  When the child does not eat a variety of foods over the span of a week that may be a red flag for me.  Food jags are common however for children and if the child is stuck with one food that is ok!  It will pass.
 
The American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend a vitamin and mineral supplement if the child has poor eating habits, following a fad diet, or is undernourished. According to the Vitamin Supplement Journal, certain vitamins such as calcium, folate, iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and zinc were found to be deficient in certain percentages of American children.
 
Here is a list of foods that have a high source of the specific vitamin:

Vitamin C

• berries
• kiwi
• citrus fruits
• melons
• cabbage family vegetables
• peppers
• fortified foods

 
Iron

• Heme iron – red meats, poultry, beef liver, and shellfish
• Non –heme iron (need intake of vitamin C) to be absorbed – cooked spinach, white beans, pumpkin seeds, fortified cereals

 
Vitamin A

• Dark green leafy greens
• Broccoli
• Deep orange fruits and vegetables
• Cheese
• Butter
• Eggs
• Fortified milk/beverages

 
Vitamin D

•  Sunlight exposure for at least 15 – 20 minutes
•  Fortified milk/cereals
•  Fatty fish

 
Vitamin B6

• Meats
• Fish
• Poultry
• Beans
• Non citrus fruits

 
Vitamin B12

• Meat
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Fish
• Poultry
• Fortified foods

 
Folate

• Raw leafy greens
• Legumes
• Oranges
• Wheat germ
• Fortified cereals

 
Zinc

• Whole grains
• Red meats
• Organ meats
• Shellfish
• Fortified foods

 
Calcium

• Dairy products
• Fortified milk alternatives
• Tofu
• Cooked spinach/broccoli
• Fortified foods

 
 
There are others worth mentioning such as fluoride for tooth formation and water should be of adequate amount in the child’s diet.  This list does not mention other important vitamin and minerals, so remember it is a good idea to refer to the basic food groups for proper nourishment.

A multivitamin may be beneficial due to a busy life but keep in mind natural food provides more fiber (better for gut health) and phytonutrients to help fight free radicals and inflammation.

When I do pick out vitamins for a client, I consider their age, gender, illness if any, and their preferences as well.  In the huge market of nutrition supplements, what do you buy!?? What is a good quality product? I would choose the highly recommended, quality products for my clients. 

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