Should vitamin B1 supplements be given to children with anorexia?

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Bui Thi Ha - Neonatologist - Pediatrics - Neonatology Department - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital

Almost every child has anorexia that worries parents. Many families have to take their children to the malnourished clinic for examination because their children are lazy to eat. Therefore, parents really want to find a solution to completely overcome this problem. One of them is supplementing vitamin B1 for children with anorexia.

There are many different causes of anorexia in children, namely:
Pathology: Certain health problems, for example colds, digestive disorders, glossitis, viral/bacterial infections, constipation , diarrhea, ... will make the baby become tired and easily fussy, thereby also losing appetite. Physiological: When the body enters the transition between periods, such as eating solids, learning to walk, learning to speak, teething,..., children will have physiological changes, leading to laziness. eat, anorexia. Psychological: The psychological causes of anorexia in children are because the menu is not varied, the meal usually lasts more than 30 minutes, the child is forced to eat when not hungry, is bullied, threatened while eating, ... It is even possible to mention the impatient psychology of parents, wanting their children to eat a lot, so they think they have anorexia. Unhealthy digestive system: Because the intestinal tract is not yet complete, young children are prone to deficiency of digestive enzymes, causing the intestinal microflora to be out of balance. Changing living environment, inappropriate food, contaminated food, long-term use of antibiotics, etc. are also a few factors that contribute to the weakening of the baby's digestive system, leading to anorexia . Undernutrition: In young children, vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc, ...) are essential for metabolism and food absorption. If the child's diet does not ensure enough of these micronutrients, anorexia will be born.

Vitamin B1 - also known as Thiamin, is one of the water-soluble B vitamins. Thiamin plays a role in converting carbohydrates into glucose, thereby, creating energy for daily activities. Vitamin B1 is also necessary in the process of breaking down fats and proteins, stimulating children's appetite.
Because it is an important nutrient for young children, it plays a role in glucose metabolism to help stimulate appetite, so many mothers believe in using vitamin B1 for their anorexia. However, doctors warn, not every child who is lazy to eat needs to supplement with thiamin. The way to supplement vitamin B1 for babies and young children is not always effective because:
As mentioned above, children with anorexia can be due to many different reasons, parents need to find out if Why does the baby lose appetite? If it weren't for the lack of vitamin B1, taking this supplement would certainly not overcome the lack of appetite. Before supplementing with any vitamins and minerals, users also need to consult with medical staff, especially for children. Arbitrarily using vitamin B1 for anorexia children can lead to many health consequences, such as headaches, fatigue, nerve and muscle numbness, heart palpitations, edema,... Regular use of vitamin B1 for children without a doctor's prescription will lead to dependence. If there is no medicine, the baby will not eat.

Instead of arbitrarily supplementing vitamin B1 for an anorexic child, the mother should help her child overcome the period of lazy eating by:
Try to diversify the menu for the baby, change dishes often and prioritize the foods that the child likes. If you want to teach your child to eat new foods, give them small amounts at breakfast, gradually they will be easier to accept. Ensure a balance of nutrients in each meal, beautifully presented to stimulate the baby's eyesight. Do not try to force your child to eat all the portion, eat continuously when not hungry. Meals should be spaced at least 2-3 hours apart, following the principle of feeding your child at a fixed time. Do not allow children to eat street food or indulge in children's hobbies while eating while watching TV, eating sweets or drinking carbonated water. Children should get into the habit of sitting at the table and focusing on enjoying the meal. Ensure food hygiene and safety when preparing food for children, do not use contaminated food to avoid disturbing the immature intestinal tract of young children.

In addition, mothers can also take their children to the clinic to accurately assess the condition of anorexia and determine the cause, from which, advise solutions to improve anorexia quickly and effectively. Nutrition experts can also assist in building a menu that is suitable for each child's preferences and eating habits, guiding mothers to choose foods, preparing nutritious dishes, as well as supplementing vitamins. B1 for infants and children is reasonable.
Deficiency of vitamin B1, children often anorexia, making children malabsorption and growth retardation. Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause dangerous complications for children's health and mental health, so parents need to observe and timely supplement this important source of vitamin.
In addition to dietary supplements, parents can give their children support foods containing vitamin B1 and essential micro-minerals such as zinc, lysine, chromium, selenium, ... to help fully meet their needs. nutritional needs in children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
>> Parents can learn more: Vitamin B1 deficiency: What parents need to know by Specialist Doctor I Le Tuyet Nga - Pediatrician - Vinmec Gardenia Clinic
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Reference sources: nutrihome.vn, tuoitre.vn