Minerals For Children: Why Is It Important, And Which Minerals Are Most Important For Your Children?

As parents, it is our responsibility to feed our children a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet that will give them everything they need to grow and develop. But are you aware of the importance of minerals for children?

Your toddler’s nutritional requirements are increasing as they develop. Like vitamins, minerals also help in the growth, development, and maintenance of your child’s body. A balanced diet is the best way for your children to get enough minerals. The majority of the time, the food absorbs minerals and other elements better than supplements do. Therefore, it is our duty as parents to feed our children balanced, healthy food.

This article will discuss the importance of minerals along with food options.

You can also read: Vitamins For Children: Why Vitamins Are Important And Why They Are Required For A Child's Growth And Development

Mealtime Of A Child: How To Make A Child's Mealtime More Interesting

Healthy Eating Habits: Why Is It Important And How To Develop Healthy Eating Habits In Toddler's

Why Are Minerals So Important For Children?

Every day, the human body requires various types of minerals to grow and develop strong, healthy bones and muscles. Additionally, it promotes a number of biological processes. Understand that there is a high risk of developing certain nutritional deficiency diseases such as anemia, osteoporosis, and many others when the body does not get enough minerals. Therefore, it is important to feed a child, a diet rich in minerals.

What Are The Various Types Of Minerals A Child Need To Consume Every Day?

Naturally, the human body needs specific amounts of minerals. Some minerals must be consumed in large quantities, while others may only need to be consumed in limited quantities. Although there are many minerals available, not all of them are necessary. We do need two different types. They are:

1. Macro minerals and

2. Micro minerals

Calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulphur are examples of macro minerals.

Iron, iodine, copper, zinc, selenium, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, and fluoride are examples of micro minerals.

What Essential Minerals Does A Child Need?

We all understand the value of minerals in maintaining a child’s overall health and well-being. However, are you aware of the unique functions that various minerals carry out to support their developing body?

Here is a list of the essential minerals for children, along with their importance and food ideas.

1. Calcium

Calcium is important for developing healthy bones and teeth. Children grow and develop quickly at this time. Therefore, the actions of calcium are especially important for maintaining a developing, energetic child.

Importance of Calcium

--> Calcium helps control muscle contraction

--> It improves healthy bones and teeth

--> It helps to maintain cholesterol levels

--> It helps in the regulation of normal heart rhythms and nerve functions

Food rich in Calcium

Dairy products (milk, cheese, and curd), lentils (dal), almonds, spinach (palak), figs, beans, tofu, green and leafy vegetables, and seeds (chia, sesame, sunflower, and poppy)

2. Iodine

Iodine is an important micro-mineral that helps maintain normal brain growth and cognitive function.

Importance of Calcium

Iodine helps make thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate a variety of essential bodily functions, including metabolism.

Foods rich in Iodine

Seafood (shrimp, cod, and tuna), iodized salt, eggs, dairy products (milk, curd, cottage cheese, and cheese), and prunes

3. Iron

Iron is an important mineral for your little one, which is required for growth and development.

Importance of Iron

--> Iron helps form haemoglobin, a protein found in RBC that transports oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.

--> Iron also helps make myoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen to muscles.

Foods rich in Iron

Lean meat, seafood, poultry, white beans, lentils, spinach, kidney beans, chickpeas, nuts, dried fruits (raisins), vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and dark chocolate

4. Magnesium

Like calcium, magnesium is important for a child’s healthy bones, muscle growth, and development.

Importance of Magnesium

--> It helps in promoting protein synthesis, which is essential to developing strong and healthy muscles.

--> It promotes heart rhythm regulation and cardiovascular system health.

--> It helps in the production of energy and the maintenance of energy levels. It keeps the neurological system in check and maintains nerve function.

Foods rich in Magnesium

Spinach, broccoli, legumes, brown rice, nuts (cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, and peanuts), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, and chia), soy milk, tofu, bananas, dark chocolate or cocoa powder, whole grains, seafood, and lentils

5. Zinc

Zinc is a micro mineral found all over your body. It is important for the immune system to operate normally and for many other bodily functions.

Importance of Zinc

Zinc helps in the synthesis of DNA, the growth of cells, building proteins, and healing damaged tissue. It supports healthy eye function.

Foods rich in Zinc

Red meat, cheese, milk, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, chickpeas, green peas, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts

Parenting Tip

Utilize your mineral-rich food to the maximum. Parents should be aware that processed foods do not always retain their mineral content. Minerals can dissolve if cooked in water. Therefore, steaming is always preferred. The best way to ensure that all nutrients and minerals are maintained while preparing them is to use this procedure.

Final Thought

The right amount of minerals should be included in a healthy, well-balanced diet to promote a child’s growth and development. Mineral supplements may be required on occasion for children who eat less or have less ability to absorb nutrients. If in doubt, parents and caregivers should consult with their child’s doctor for more guidance on a recommended diet and nutritional supplements.