Your child may have an eye problem if she has trouble learning to read, falls behind in school for no other apparent reason or squints or blinks frequently. Some eye problems are inevitable, but you can support your child's visual health by ensuring that her diet is adequate in essential nutrients, including vitamins. Consult a specialist if you are concerned about your child's eyes.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E deficiency is rare, but your child may be at risk if she has a medical condition that impairs her ability to absorb dietary fat, such as cystic fibrosis or cholestatic liver disease, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Symptoms may include pigmented retinopathy, or retinal damage, as well as muscle weakness or lack of coordination. Good sources of vitamin E include nuts, peanuts, avocados, olives, olive oil and carrots.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential part of the visual cycle, and mild deficiency in children may lead to night blindness, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. More severe deficiency can cause permanent scarring and ultimately blindess. Vitamin A is in cod liver oil, orange vegetables, such as carrots, squash and sweetpotatoes, leafy green vegetables, melons and pumpkin. High amounts of vitamin A from supplements or cod liver oil can lead to liver damage, but vitamin A from fruits and vegetables is not harmful.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin, or vitamin B-2, is a water-soluble vitamin which is essential for healthy vision, according to KidsHealth. Symptoms of riboflavin deficiency, known as ariboflavinosis, may include cheiliosis, or cracks at the side of your lips, anemia and eye problems such as the formation of blood vessels on the cornea of your child's eyes, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Riboflavin is in a variety of foods, including milk, fortified cereal, nuts, beef, fish, chicken, vegetables and enriched bread.
Thiamin
Your child may display abnormal eye movements as the result of a thiamin deficiency, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Thiamin, or vitamin B-1, is in fortified cereals, lentils, whole grain, such as brown rice and whole wheat bread, enriched refined grains, nuts, pork, vegetables and milk. Along with encouraging your child to get enough thiamin from her diet, help prevent deficiencies by discouraging her from drinking too much coffee, which contains anti-thiamin factors that can block thiamin absorption.
References
- KidsHealth: Vitamins
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center; Vitamin E; Victoria Drake; June 2008
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center; Essential Fatty Acids; Victoria Drake; April 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center; Riboflavin; Jane Higdon; September 2002
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center; Thiamin; Victoria Drake; June 2007
