| Every single bodily function depends on an | | | | these factors, the percentage of retarded growth |
| adequate supply of vitamins and minerals in the | | | | among children is unusually high. Depending on age |
| bloodstream, including the growth process. | | | | and weight, children should be consuming between |
| Nutrition has a major influence on the quality and | | | | 10 and 15 mg of Zinc every day. |
| speed of cell growth, starting in the uterus and | | | | For a child's bones to grow and develop into |
| continuing into adulthood. Poor prenatal nutrition will | | | | normal size and hardness, the most important |
| not only retard the growth process, but may also | | | | vitamins and minerals, calcium, phosphorous, |
| lead to birth defects and other physical | | | | Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and |
| abnormalities. | | | | magnesium, must all be present in sufficient |
| The most important group of vitamins in terms | | | | quantity within the body. These vitamins and |
| of growth and development are the vitamins that | | | | minerals all have properties that cause them to |
| make up the Vitamin B complex. The B complex | | | | work as partners in regards to bone structure |
| is critical for normal growth in children, as well as | | | | and density. Taken individually, they will not be as |
| many physical and mental bodily functions. One of | | | | effective as they are when present as a group. |
| the vitamins with the B complex, Vitamin B12, is | | | | Since the bones are continually losing calcium, |
| especially important for normal growth in children | | | | sustaining the required levels of this group of |
| due to its supply of cobalt. Vitamin B9, also | | | | vitamins and minerals is critical to proper growth. |
| known as folic acid, is probably the most | | | | Anyone with children can tell you that it is not |
| important of the B vitamins while the child is still | | | | always easy to fit all these nutritional |
| inside the uterus. Folic acids are known to prevent | | | | requirements into their daily diet. Kids won't |
| birth defects and aids in the proper creation of | | | | always eat the healthiest foods, and won't often |
| the child's DNA. | | | | eat everything you put in front of them. For this |
| In order for a child to grow into a healthy body | | | | reason, dietary supplements may be an easier |
| weight, the thyroid must function properly. The | | | | and more effective way to ensure that your child |
| key mineral that aids in thyroid health and | | | | will grow properly. However, different children |
| development is Zinc. Zinc deficiency is commonly | | | | have different dietary needs, so always consult |
| seen in third world countries where diets are | | | | with your family doctor before starting your child |
| usually poor and the crops are grown in poor soil | | | | on a nutritional supplement program. |
| quality which is usually short on Zinc. Because of | | | | |