Is Your Child Getting Enough Micronutrients? Recognizing the Signs of Hidden Deficiencies and How it Can Lead to PICA

As parents, we often focus on making sure our children are eating enough — but what about what they’re missing? Micronutrient deficiencies are often silent, showing up as subtle signs that we may easily overlook.

Here’s a guide to help you decode your child’s symptoms and link them to possible nutritional gaps. Remember, these are not for diagnosis — but they are red flags that your child’s diet may need attention.

Iron Deficiency (Iron-Deficiency Anemia)

Symptoms:

•  Pale appearance
•  Feeling lethargic or tired all the time
•  Breathlessness even after mild activity
•  Headaches
•  Dizziness or light headedness
•  Poor concentration, lack of interest in studies

How it shows up:
Iron is essential for oxygen transport. When deficient, your child may appear constantly tired and struggle with learning or physical activity.

 

 Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy)

Symptoms:

• Bleeding gums, especially while brushing
• Easy bruising
• Delayed wound healing
• Frequent colds or infections

How it shows up:
Vitamin C helps with collagen production and immunity. Deficiency makes gums weak and healing slow.

Vitamin D Deficiency(Rickets)

Symptoms:

• Frequent fractures or bone pain
• Muscle weakness
• Low energy or mood swings
• Poor growth
• Frequent infections

How it shows up:
Vitamin D supports bone strength and immunity. A lack of it can make bones soft, and immunity low.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Mood changes or irritability
• Memory problems or brain fog

How it shows up:
Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve health and red blood cell formation. Deficiency may mimic psychological issues or nerve problems.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Deficiency

Symptoms:

• Cracked lips
• Dryness or soreness at the corners of the mouth
• Red, swollen tongue
• Sensitivity to light

How it shows up:
B2 helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes. Deficiency first shows up on the lips and mouth.

 Vitamin A Deficiency

Symptoms:

• Difficulty seeing in low light (night blindness)
• Dry, itchy eyes
• Frequent infections
• Dry or rough skin

How it shows up:
Vitamin A supports vision and immunity. Lack of it affects the eyes first, then immunity.

Zinc Deficiency

Symptoms:

• Poor appetite
• White spots on nails
• Frequent colds
• Slow wound healing
• Delayed growth or puberty

How it shows up:
Zinc is vital for growth, repair, and immune defense. A deficiency shows up as poor growth and immunity.

Calcium Deficiency

Symptoms:

• Muscle cramps
• Brittle nails
• Poor growth
• Bone pain or delayed teething in younger kids

How it shows up:
Calcium supports bones, teeth, and muscle function. Without it, growth and strength are affected.

Magnesium Deficiency

Symptoms:

• Muscle cramps or spasms
• Poor sleep
• Anxiety or restlessness
• Fatigue

How it shows up:
Magnesium is involved in nerve and muscle function. Deficiency can cause cramps, low mood, or irritability.

Folic Acid Deficiency

Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Mouth ulcers
• Irritability
• Growth issues

How it shows up:
Folic acid helps form red blood cells and supports growth. A lack of it can mimic iron deficiency symptoms.

 

Biotin Deficiency

Symptoms:

• Hair thinning or hair fall
• Brittle nails
• Dry, scaly skin
• Low energy

How it shows up:
Biotin supports skin, hair, and energy metabolism. Deficiency is often seen on the outside first.

Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency (Omega-3s)

Symptoms:

• Dry, rough skin
• Poor concentration
• Learning difficulties
• Mood swings
• Hyperactivity

How it shows up:
EFAs are vital for brain development and skin health. Lack of it shows up as behavioral and skin concerns.

So What Can You Do?

Start by paying attention to these signs — they’re your child’s way of asking for help. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is the first step. But in today’s busy lifestyles, even healthy diets may fall short

Could Your Child Be Craving Non-Food Items?

Understanding PICA — Another Sign of Nutritional Deficiency

 

 

Besides the signs and symptoms listed above, there could be other ways your child’s body is crying out for nutrients — and one of the most surprising is through craving or eating non-food items.

Yes, non-food items.

This condition is called PICA, where children develop a persistent craving to eat things that aren’t meant to be eaten, such as:

• Ice
• Mud or soil
• Chalk or wall paint
• Plaster
• Ash
• Soap or clay

While it may seem like a phase or just curiosity, PICA is often the body's instinctive attempt to compensate for missing nutrients.

Why Does PICA Happen?

When the body is low on certain micronutrients, especially calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium, it may trigger abnormal cravings for substances that it perceives contain those minerals.

For example:

        A child chewing on chalk, wall paint, or plaster may be trying to fulfill a calcium deficiency.

• Craving or eating mud or soil may be linked to iron or zinc deficiency.
• Chewing ice is also commonly seen in children with iron-deficiency anemia.
• Repeatedly licking or nibbling on ash, charcoal, or powdery substances can sometimes be a sign of magnesium deficiency.

Though these items can’t actually meet the body’s needs, the brain may falsely associate their texture or mineral-like taste with relief — leading to repeated, and often dangerous, consumption.

 Why It Shouldn’t Be Ignored

PICA can lead to:

• Worm infestations or parasitic infections (especially from soil)
• Lead or heavy metal poisoning (from paint or wall chips)
• Constipation or intestinal blockages
• Worsening of the very deficiencies it's trying to fix

So if you notice such behavior, it’s important not to dismiss it as “just a habit.” It could be a nutritional red flag.

What Can You Do?

• Don’t scold or shame the child.
• Consult a pediatrician or dietitian to check for nutritional deficiencies — especially iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.
• Focus on providing a nutrient-dense diet with enough variety, whole foods, and fortified options.

 A smart step? Add a daily scoop of ChhilRun to 150 ml milk — it’s thoughtfully designed to bridge common micronutrient gaps that can often lead to PICA like behaviousr and support your child’s energy, growth, and immunity.