The main cause of multiple mineral deficiencies is a poor-quality diet, often due to an adequate intake of animal source of foods especially in developing country.
Dietary extremes of mineral intake can cause a number of mineral-mineral interactions that could result in unexpected deficiencies or excess.
An imbalance in the intake of calcium and phosphorus may occur in infants who are given whole cow’s milk instead of infant formula; neonatal tetany may be observed in such cases.
Whole cow’s milk is also a poor source of iron, and adequate intake of iron from other food sources such as iron-fortified cereal may cause iron-deficiency anemia.
Infants who were subject to iron deficiency in the womb also display symptoms of impaired brain development. Unfortunately, the effects are long-lasting and may be irreversible.
Children who had a low iron status at birth have significantly worse language ability, fine motor skills, and emotional control.
Mineral deficiency in infants
