This study measured nutrient levels in 9,848 children, aged one to six years, and found several common deficiencies. For vitamin D, 80 to 90 percent were not getting enough; for omega-3 DHA, 98 percent fell short. For vitamin E, 69 percent didn’t get enough, and more than 7 percent were anemic from low iron. Levels were also low for calcium, choline, fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6 in a significant percentage of the children.
“The early years between the ages of one and six are a period of rapid physical, social, and cognitive growth, and a nutritionally adequate diet is an important factor for optimum development,” doctors said.
Reference: Nutrients; 2021, Vol. 13, No. 3, 827