Nutritional deficiencies in children

For family education. This resource is not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Discuss concerns with an appropriately qualified professional.

What it means

Nutritional deficiencies occur when a child does not have enough of particular nutrients for healthy body and brain function. Examples include deficiencies of iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iodine, or other micronutrients. Effects vary by the nutrient, severity, duration, and the child's overall health.

Causes and risk factors

Restricted intake, inadequate food access, feeding disorders, difficulties absorbing nutrients, increased requirements, or some medical conditions can contribute. Prematurity can increase particular needs. A varied-looking diet or normal body weight does not always establish nutritional adequacy.

Signs and everyday impact

Signs may include poor growth, fatigue, pallor, bone or muscle concerns, developmental changes, or other symptoms depending on the deficiency. Some children have no obvious signs. These symptoms have many possible causes and should not be used to select supplements without assessment.

Assessment and diagnosis

A clinician and dietitian review diet, growth, feeding, health, and relevant risk factors. Targeted blood tests may assess specific deficiencies; broad panels are not automatically necessary for every developmental concern. Test interpretation should consider age, illness, and the suspected nutrient problem.

Treatment and therapy

Treatment provides the deficient nutrient in a suitable form and treats the reason it became low. It may include dietary support, prescribed supplements, feeding therapy, or medical treatment for absorption or illness. Dose, duration, interactions, and monitoring vary. More vitamins are not necessarily better, and excessive intake can be harmful.

Support at home

Follow the child's prescribed nutrition plan, keep supplements out of reach, and bring product labels to visits so doses are not duplicated. Seek help with restricted foods or affordability. Do not start restrictive diets or high-dose supplements marketed as developmental treatments.

When to seek help

Severe weakness, neurological changes, inability to feed, dehydration, or significant illness needs prompt medical assessment; reduced consciousness or breathing difficulty is an emergency.

Questions for the care team

• Which deficiency is suspected and what evidence supports it?
• What is the likely cause and appropriate treatment?
• How will response and safe stopping or maintenance be monitored?

Terms in plain language

• Micronutrient: a vitamin or mineral needed in small amounts.
• Absorption: taking nutrients from the gut into the body.
• Supplement: a product supplying additional nutrients.

Podcast preparation

Use this resource to prepare a later episode: define the topic, discuss causes and signs, explain assessment, describe treatment and home supports, then close with urgent signs and a next step.

A supplement does not treat every developmental delay, and nutrient needs should be established rather than guessed.

Verify current clinical guidance and obtain clinical review before public recording.

Sources

1. WHO guideline on the prevention and management of wasting and nutritional oedema (‎acute malnutrition)‎ in infants and children under 5 years - https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240082830
2. Anemia in Children and Teens: Parent FAQs - HealthyChildren.org - https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chronic/Pages/Anemia-and-Your-Child.aspx?alt_id=c6bbd
3. Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing - https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/pediatric-feeding-and-swallowing/

Sources accessed 3 October 2026.