City children missing vital nutrients? Pediatric neurologist flags diet problems: ‘Deficiency severely affects growth’

Urban children are vulnerable to deficiencies like anemia and fatigue because of nutritional gaps caused by reliance on processed foods.

Childhood is a critical period of growth and development. During this period, parents need to provide adequate nutrition so that children's physical strength, cognitive abilities and immunity develop in the right direction. But with the growing influx of junk food and ultra-processed options all around, proper nourishment has a tendency to take a backseat. The convenience of food delivery apps makes them materialise at your doorstep with a tap of a phone.

Parents need to ensure their children's dietary requirements are met, to prevent nutritional deficiencies. (Picture credit: Freepik )

These foods are loaded with preservatives, sugar and additives, making them more palatable, so children are naturally drawn to them. As a result, healthier and more nutritious home-cooked meals are usually replaced. Over time, it creates major nutritional gaps in the children's diet.

HT Lifestyle connected with Dr Sonam Kothari, pediatric neurologist and CEO and Co-Founder of Butterfly Learnings, who helped explain the dietary gaps children in urban cities often face and why these nutritional shortfalls are becoming increasingly common.

“The shift is largely because these foods are ‘highly palatable.’ However, they contain excessive sugar, salt and fats, which can put health at significant risk," she said.

This suggests that because these foods taste good, they naturally become more attractive to children. Since children are more willing to eat them without any fuss or tantrums, parents also don't mind. These foods are typically loaded with calories but contain very little nutritional value. Such empty-calorie foods mainly result in weight gain.

Nutrients lacking in urban diets

Children are more attracted to junk food, causing an obvious nutritional gap in their diet because they are empty calorie foods. (Picture credit: Freepik)

Dr Kothari observed that the gap is present in both macro and micronutrients, with the former being carbs, protein and healthy fats and the latter consisting of vitamins, minerals like zinc, and magnesium.

“The majority of urban Indians suffer from protein deficiency, primarily because their diets are heavily based on cereals that are low in high-quality protein,” the pediatric neurologist shared. “This ongoing deficiency severely affects growth, muscle recovery, and immune function.”

Protein is foundational for the diet, but still a large section of the population, especially during the developing years, misses out on high-quality protein because of poor dietary choices.

Another macronutrient that is often missing in healthy fat, with the major one being, omega-3 fatty acids. The neurologist traced back the causes, which are rooted in excessive reliance on refined oil and reduced consumption of fatty fish and other natural sources of omega-3.

How to bridge the nutrition gap?

Eat chia seeds for good omega-3 intake. (Unsplash)

Dr Kothari recommended these steps to bridge the nutrition gaps:

1. Replace refined foods with whole foods:

• Swap refined grains (maida, white bread, packaged snacks) with whole grains like whole wheat, millets, brown rice and oats.
• Include leafy greens, nuts and seeds in daily meals for better nutrient intake.

2. Eat omega-3-rich foods

• Flax seeds
• Walnuts
• Chia seeds

3. Diversify protein sources

• Go beyond pulses for protein
• Consider adding legumes, lentils, eggs, lean meats, fish, and dairy items.

4. Cut down on processed foods

• Limit foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats
• Eat nutrient-dense foods with empty calories

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.