Less Common Nutrients that Are Essential for Optimal Growth

All nutrients in the body are important for growth and development in children because they support how energy is produced and how new cells are made to increase muscle and bone size, strength, and activity. Some micronutrients (also called trace nutrients, because the body doesn’t need very much) are less commonly present in nutrient supplements or fortified foods for children, but they are critical for growth and development, and help prevent undernutrition.

The WHO has found that around 45% of child health problems are due to undernutrition^[1], from simply not providing enough of the right nutrients, and these can be prevented using comprehensive nutrient sources.

Trace nutrients needed to meet the growth needs of children after 12 months

Some less common nutrients are listed below. These have different support (helper) roles^[2]:

• Vitamins
  • Vitamin K: helps to mobilize and deposit calcium into new bones as they grow longer and increase in hardness^[3]
  • Biotin (vitamin B7): used in special processes within cells that produce energy for growth^[4]
  • Vitamin B5: used to convert fats, carbohydrates, and protein into energy for growth
  • Choline: used to make fatty cell membranes in the body. Membranes are what hold tissues and organs together and they increase in amount as kids’ bodies get bigger
• Minerals
  • Selenium: protects against infections that slow down the growth rate
  • Manganese: used in the formation of bone mineral
  • Molybdenum: converts protein from the diet into amino acids, which are used for the growth of muscles and other tissues^[5]
  • Chromium: helps with converting glucose into energy for growth
  • Copper: used for the production of new cells, including red blood cells
  • Potassium: controls muscle function and movement, which stimulates skeletal development

Why are these substances important to children?

• As seen from their roles above in relation to growth, these nutrients participate in a lot of different processes that control growth at the cellular level. This includes making energy from macronutrients or using that energy to build new tissue, cell by cell.
• In the case of energy, a problem with energy production basically means a slowdown in growth, leading to stunting and wasting.
• Many of these nutrients are considered essential when children have a diet that is not adequate enough, such as for children with specific illnesses, infections, or ongoing health problems^[6]
.

How do these nutrients affect children and how do they work together?

• Deficiencies in one or more of these nutrients can also cause health problems, because they are involved in many other aspects of children’s body functions, including immunity, digestive health, and brain and eye health.
• These substances protect children’s bodies against the deficiencies mentioned above, which allows their bodies to grow and develop optimally, and prevent times when growth is halted or delayed.
• Some of them work together in the following ways:
  • Copper, selenium, and manganese support antioxidant processes that work in the immune system to protect against illnesses and infections, which in turn, protect growth and development. They also protect brain, eye, and gut function.
  • Vitamin K, manganese, and potassium contribute to the stimulation of bone formation and strength through different pathways
  • Chromium, biotin, vitamin B5, and molybdenum help the body convert macronutrients from food into energy
  • Choline, potassium: help to support healthy brain and nerve activity and reflexes

Food sources of these substances

Some examples:

• Vitamin K: fermented foods, like natto, kefir, and kale
• Biotin: eggs, dairy milk, oats, cereal
• Vitamin B5: mushrooms, dairy milk, chicken
• Choline: eggs, fish, chicken
• Selenium: tuna, brown rice, Brazil nuts
• Manganese: pineapple, sweet potato, berries
• Molybdenum: lentils, peas, beans
• Chromium: beef, broccoli, rice
• Copper: seafood, leafy vegetables, rice
• Potassium: banana, mushrooms, rice
• Protein sources: protein is not just important on its own for the growth of muscle and body size. Meats, fish, and dairy foods contain almost all of the abovementioned nutrients at varying levels. Children who are not consuming enough protein, like in a vegan family/group or in a rural area with mostly plant-based or traditional diets, may be deficient in many of these nutrients
• Seeds and nuts: These may sometimes cause allergies, but small amounts of seeds and nuts contain many of the minerals above, and may complement a varied diet
• Leafy vegetables: these are also sources of minerals; however, on their own, they can also remove minerals from the body if there is not enough protein consumed

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose health conditions or make changes to medical treatments. Always consult with your healthcare professional for advice.