Children suffer from different types of deficiency diseases. The reason is children are not nourished properly. Most of the complaints are also due to malnutrition. The other problem is due to their growth. The common complaints about the children are they are not eating well, loss of weight, thinness, the child weeps much, problems related to school and education etc.,

In this context we have to know two terms growth and development. The term growth refers to physical or increase in size. Development refers to functional increases or improvement in capacities. In other words growth refers to increase in height and weight. Development refers to mental and intellectual abilities. Growth is quantitative and development is qualitative.

In all the above conditions food and supplements are very essential in addition to healthy food habits. The most important point is to nourish children properly. We should help children for their good health, growth and development.

The following vitamins help children to solve many of the health related problems.

Vitamin A: It is known as retinal. Due to vitamin A deficiency many children become blind in their early years. The major causative factor of blindness is vitamin A. So, a prophylactic dose of vitamin A is necessary to prevent blindness in children. It is also used in children to increase growth and development.

Vitamin D: It is known as sunshine vitamin.The deficiency of vitamin D is also common in some children. Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children. It causes softening and deformation of bones due to defective calcification. It is necessary to prevent rickets and treat or else it results in stunted growth and bony deformations.

Vitamin C: It is known as anti-scurvy vitamin. Deficiency of vitamin C produces Scurvy. The early symptoms of the disease scurvy are painful joints, anorexia etc., The major symptoms are bleeding gums, painful joints, decreased resistance etc.,

Iron: The deficiency of Iron results in anemia. Iron deficiency is mostly due to malnutrition. During infancy and childhood malnutrition is more common. Anemia is more common between 1-3 years and 6-12 years age group. This is due to malnutrition and rapid growth.

Lysine: It is one of the twenty essential amino acids that are necessary for the body. Lysine is a protein. It is an essential amino acid. Lysine is necessary for growth. We get it from food and other preparations. Lysine and vitamin B complex are useful in growth.

For anabolic activities B complex of vitamins are very essential. The B complex vitamins are water-soluble vitamins. So for growth and development vitamins and minerals are very essential. Proper nourishment makes the child healthy and free from diseases.