Written by Anna Shull, dietetic intern, and reviewed by Christina Wright‑Yee, dietetic internship coordinator, both at Rady Children’s Hospital Orange County.
Common nutrient deficiencies in children and their impact on development
Nutrition plays a critical role in childhood growth, development, and long‑term health. Children need not only enough calories but also a wide variety of vitamins and minerals to support brain development, immune function, bone strength, and energy levels. According to a 2024 analysis in the journal Nutrition Journal, micronutrient deficiencies remain widespread among children worldwide even when calorie intake is adequate.
Iron
Iron deficiency continues to be one of the most common micronutrient concerns in childhood, according to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. It helps carry oxygen in the blood and supports normal brain development, learning, and energy.
Children have higher iron needs during periods of rapid growth.
Signs and symptoms of deficiency
- Fatigue or low energy
- Pale skin
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Getting sick more often
Sources and interactions
- Beef, chicken, turkey
- Beans, lentils, spinach
- Iron-fortified cereals
Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Good sources include oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Calcium can reduce iron absorption. To support ion intake, limit dairy foods to no more than three servings per day and avoid consuming high-calcium foods at the same time as iron-rich meals.
Some children may need iron supplements under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A supports normal vision, immune function and growth. It also helps keep skin and tissues healthy and supports the proper development of organs and the nervous system.
Signs and symptoms of deficiency
- Trouble seeing in dim light
- Dry eyes or skin
- Frequent infections
Sources and interactions
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Dark green vegetables
- Eggs
Vitamin A works with zinc to support the immune system. Low zinc can worsen vitamin A status.
Zinc
Zinc supports normal growth, wound healing, and immune health. It also plays a role in taste, smell, normal cell function, and helps the body fight infections.
Signs and symptoms of deficiency
- Slow height or weight gain
- Poor wound healing
- Frequent infections
- Diarrhea
Sources and interactions
- Meat and poultry
- Beans
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
Zinc absorption can be reduced by high iron or phytate-rich foods. Zinc also supports the vitamin A function in the body.
Iodine
Iodine is needed for thyroid hormone production, which supports metabolism, brain development and energy.
Signs and symptoms of deficiency
- Slow mental or physical development
- Swelling in the neck
- Fatigue
Sources and interactions
- Iodized salt
- Seafood
- Dairy products
- Egg
Iodine interacts with selenium, which helps the body use thyroid hormones effectively. Deficienies in either nutrient can affect development and learning.
Simple steps to reduce common nutrient deficiencies in children
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that offering a variety of nutrient‑rich foods is one of the most effective ways to prevent common nutrient deficiencies in children.
- Include iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, and iron-fortified cereals. Pair plant-based iron sources with Vitamin C foods to improve absorption.
- Provide diary or fortified plant-based milks for calcium and vitamin D, but limit to three servings per day separate from iron-rich meals.
- Offer nuts, seeds, meat, and legumes for zinc.
- Use iodized salt and include eggs or seafood a few times per week for iodine.
- Talk to your pediatrician about supplements if your child is picky, has limited sunlight exposure, or has conditions that affect nutrient absorption.
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Learn more about CHOC’s Clinical Nutrition Program
At CHOC, we specialize in providing a full continuum of pediatric nutrition services, including inpatient and outpatient services, depending on our patients’ needs.
