Protein is very important for the body. This is necessary for everyone from children to adults. Lack of protein causes many problems in the body. Like adults, children also have its deficiency in their bodies. However, in many cases, the symptoms of protein deficiency in children’s body are not easily detected. In such a situation, the doctor has explained why there is protein deficiency in children and what are its initial symptoms.
Dr. Himanshu Bhadani in Pediatric Department at AIIMS Delhi It is said that protein is very important for growing children. It is with its help that cells are formed in the body and muscles develop. Protein also improves the immune system, but if it is deficient then many types of symptoms start appearing in the body.
What symptoms appear in a child’s body due to protein deficiency?
Dr. Himanshu explains that if there is protein deficiency in the child’s body, then his muscles do not develop properly. His weight is also less than that of normal children and his height also does not grow properly. Due to lack of protein, the immune system also becomes weak and the child may fall ill again and again. At an early age his skin starts deteriorating and hair also starts falling. Due to lack of protein, the child starts getting tired again and again and becomes very weak.
Why is there protein deficiency in children?
Dr. Himanshu says that the biggest reason for protein deficiency in children is their diet not being right. If parents do not feed green vegetables, pulses or any fruits to their children, then there may be protein deficiency in the child’s body. This can happen with any child.
From what sources will children get protein?
Include protein-rich items like milk, curd, pulses, eggs in the diet of children. If the child eats non-veg then chicken and fish can also be fed. Dr. Himanshu tells that till the age of 1-3 years, the child requires 13 grams of protein (or approximately equal to body weight) per day. A child of 4 to 8 years needs 19-20 grams of protein and a child of 9 to 13 years needs 34 grams of protein per day.