Preschoolers can be inconsistent and picky eaters, fixating on one or more foods or refusing to eat. This common problem can lead to poor eating habits and poor health later in life. With a little guidance, your preschooler can avoid some common nutritional problems.
Obesity
Childhood obesity is a serious issue, even as early as preschool. Among low-income families, one in seven preschool-age children is obese, according to data collected by the 2009 Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes the potential health risks: cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, joint problems, fatty liver disease, asthma and gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Furthermore, obese children run a greater risk of psychological problems, bullying and poor self-esteem. Early childhood obesity is often caused by the overconsumption of trans and saturated fats and simple carbohydrates such as white flour and sugar.
Vitamin Deficiency
Deficiencies of the vitamins and micronutrients normally found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and animal products can be a serious problem for preschoolers. Poor health in childhood leads to poor health in adulthood, and according to researchers in the "Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition," may even impair normal brain development. Vitamin A, vitamin C, iodine, selenium and zinc are essential to young children's growth and immune function. Poor nutrition among preschool-age children is most prevalent in developing countries, but affects families across the globe.
Iron Deficiency
Iron is necessary to help your child's muscles and tissues get enough oxygen. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia can lead to serious health problems. Children between 1 and 3 need 7 mg of iron a day, according to the Mayo Clinic. Four-year-olds need 10 mg a day. Children born prematurely, who aren't breast-fed or given formula with iron and children between the ages of 1 and 5 who drink more than 24 oz. of milk a day run the risk of iron deficiency. Symptoms that your child is iron deficient may include fatigue, pale skin, short breath, an inflamed tongue, frequent infection or illness and, in severe cases, a craving for non-food substances such as dirt or ice.
Tips
The United States Department of Agriculture suggests offering your preschooler a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean animal products at each meal. Start with small portions and model good eating habits for your child. Try nutrient-dense foods such as avocados, broccoli, peanut butter, cheese, eggs, chicken, sweet potatoes and yogurt. Steer children away from packaged foods, snack foods and sugary drinks such as soda and juice. A high-quality multivitamin is also a good idea.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Overweight and Obesity; 2011
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Obesity Among Low-Income Preschool Children
- "Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition"; Nutritional Solutions to Major Health Problems of Preschool Children; Olivier Goulet et al.; December 2006
- AskDrSears.com: Feeding the Picky Eater -- 17 Tips
- U. S. Department of Agriculture: MyPyramid for Preschoolers
- Mayoclinic.com; Iron Deficiency in Children: Prevention Tips for Parents; Mayo Clinic Staff; 2011
