Recognising the symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency can help seek timely medical advice and ensure your child receives the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
Vitamin B6 is a vital nutrient for children, essential for healthy brain development, immune system, and overall growth. Despite its importance, many children may suffer from vitamin B6 deficiency, which can lead to a range of health issues. As a parent, it’s essential to be aware of its signs that might indicate a deficiency. Recognising these symptoms early can help seek timely medical advice and ensure your child receives the necessary nutrients for optimal health. Here are 6 symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency that you should watch for in your child.
SIGNS OF VITAMIN B6 DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN
• Irritability or sudden changes in behavior: Parents, you may notice that the child has become moody or is unable to concentrate on studies or any task which can hinder their academic performance.
• Skin rashes or persistent irritations around the mouth: Both these symptoms indicate that the child may be deficient in vitamin B6.
• Frequent sickness: The child will fact sick time and again due to a weakened immune response associated with inadequate Vitamin B6 levels.
• Fatigue and tiredness: If the child is deficient in vitamin B6 he/she can get anemia. The child will exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin that need timely intervention. If your child appears to be drained due to the lack of energy then take him to the expert who will recommend checking his/her vitamin B6 levels.
• Vomiting, nausea, and poor appetite: Those children who have low levels of vitamin B6 may display signs and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite that will require immediate attention.
• Mood swings: If the child becomes cranky, irritable, frustrated, or keeps nagging constantly then you need to check his/her vitamin B6 levels. Mood swings may occur due to the low levels of vitamin B6. These are some of the signs that indicate vitamin B6 deficiency in children.
According to Dr. Jagdish Kathwate, Consultant Neonatologist & Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital Kharadi Pune, “If your child is found to be deficient in vitamin B6, consider including the following foods in their daily diet: eggs, banana, salmon, figs, raisins, avocado, dates, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds. Parents, you can consult with a nutrition expert who can provide you best guidance on the best food items for children. By following the expert’s advice, you can help ensure that your child meets the recommended levels of vitamin B6.”