Diet and nutrition are important in the promotion and maintenance of good health throughout a person’s entire life. Especially in early life, an inadequate diet with insufficient micronutrient density results in impairment of physical growth, mental development and immune function, and in increased risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Vitamin C and zinc are essential micronutrients with profound effects on children’s physical and mental development, health maintenance and well-being. Both are required for optimum immune response and are, therefore, important for disease prevention and combating infections. Vitamin C is a cofactor for several enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of collagen, carnitine and neurotransmitters; it is a water-soluble antioxidant and enhances gastrointestinal absorption of dietary non-haem iron. Marginal vitamin C deficiency results in fatigue, lack of well-being and poor concentration, whereas severe deficiency causes weakening of collagenous structures, resulting in tooth loss, joint pains, bone and connective tissue disorders (e.g. impaired bone growth and disturbed ossification), poor wound healing and a compromised immunity. Zinc is required in numerous transcription factors and enzymes, it plays a central role in cellular differentiation and proliferation, and its deficiency causes growth retardation, skin changes, impaired immune response, increased susceptibility to infections, delayed wound healing abnormal dark adaptation, delayed sexual maturation and impaired fertility.
The health and well-being of children depend upon the interaction between their genetic potential and external factors, such as adequate nutrition, environmental safety, and social interaction and stimulation. With the progressive elimination of protein– energy deficits in the diet, deficiencies of micronutrients are emerging as the restriction to ensuring optimal health in growing children. Data from several countries in Asia and Latin America indicate that deficiencies of vitamin C and, particularly, zinc continue to be present at disturbing levels. Data on zinc deficiency are backed up by matching data reporting stuntedgrowth.
Overall, there is increasing evidence that deficiencies in micronutrients, such a vitamin C and zinc, adversely affect the physical and mental growth of children and can impair their immune defences. Nutrition should be the main vehicle for providing adequate amounts of these essential nutrients; however, supplementation can represent a valid support especially in developing regions.
