Your body requires several essential vitamins and minerals to support proper cellular and tissue functioning. These nutrients are best consumed through a varied diet, rich in a range of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, nuts and legumes. However, picky eaters, who typically eat a more narrow range of healthy foods, or may eat many processed foods with little nutritional content, are are higher risk of vitamin deficiencies. By ensuring that you consume adequate amounts of vitamins that are commonly deficient in American diets, you may help protect against nutritional deficiencies.
Vitamin D
One vitamin that may prove beneficial for picky eaters is vitamin D, since mild vitamin D deficiency is common, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Vitamin D, also called cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol, helps regulate calcium levels in your body. Severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to diseases like osteoporosis, while milder forms of vitamin deficiency may lead to less severe bone problems. Vitamin D can be synthesized in your body upon exposure to sunlight, but many people also require some form of vitamin D supplementation in their diet. Picky eaters that avoid vitamin D-rich foods like milk, salmon and sardines may suffer from vitamin D deficiency and may benefit from vitamin supplementation.
Vitamin B9
Another beneficial vitamin for picky eaters is vitamin B9, or folic acid, a vitamin crucial for proper brain functioning. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that mild folic-acid deficiency is fairly common, causing health problems including gingivitis, forgetfulness and irritability. The vitamin is commonly found in leafy green vegetables, as well as asparagus, beets and turnip, so picky eaters that avoid these foods are at higher risk for folic-acid deficiency. You can increase your folic-acid intake by introducing these foods into your diet or taking a multivitamin supplement that contains vitamin B9.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine supplementation may also prove beneficial for some picky eaters. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that while severe vitamin B6 deficiency is rare amongst healthy adults, milder forms of pyridoxine deficiency are common, especially in the elderly and in children. This deficiency may cause muscle weakness, depression and decreased cognitive functioning, which can prove especially harmful for children and affect their performance in school. Foods like chicken, turkey, salmon, shrimp and milk are all rich sources of vitamin B6, so picky eaters living on a vegetarian or vegan diet may suffer from vitamin B6 deficiency. If you or your child follows a strict diet free of animal products, consult with a physician about the possibility of vitamin B6 supplementation.
Member Comments