Children Who Feel Colder Than Others In Winter May Be Suffering From This Nutrient Deficiency...

Children who feel excessively cold may be suffering from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. They need immediate medical attention and some blood tests done to ascertain the exact cause, and start a timely treatment that mostly includes dietary changes, in order for them to feel healthy in the chilly months.

Why do some people feel colder than others in the winter months? This is a question that has plagued the minds of many. When the temperature drops, some people experience severe symptoms of winter, such as seasonal allergies and ailments, feeling excessive lethargy and winter mood swings, feeling discomfort and pain in the toes and hands -- a symptom of chilblains, etc. It is true for both adults as well as children. A child may also feel colder than others in the winter months, owing to certain deficiencies in the body, which need to be addressed immediately. Most parents tend to think that their kid is making excuses to avoid going to school and spend the day in the warmth and comfort of the house, but feeling excessively cold is a serious problem that indicates an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed without much delay. Read on to find out more about it.

Nutritional Deficiencies In Winter Months

Dr Amar Bhise, consultant -- PICU (paediatric intensive care unit), neonatology, paediatrics at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune says many children feel unusually cold during winter months, and while individual temperature sensitivity varies, certain vitamin deficiencies are known to make one susceptible to cold.

"It is a known fact that vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in children in winter, when sunlight exposure is limited due to a drop in the temperature. This makes it difficult for children to get the required sun exposure. This vitamin D is often referred to as 'sunshine vitamin', and plays an important role in regulating the body temperature and boosting immunity," the doctor points out.

Dr Bhise adds that iron deficiency anemia is another health concern, wherein the child's body struggles to distribute heat the way it is supposed to, due to a lack of iron. Additionally, they may feel severe coldness in their hands and feet. B12 deficiency is another factor that needs to be considered. "Though it is not commonly seen in children, it can lead to problems with temperature regulation and increased cold sensitivity," he states.

How To Deal With This Problem?

According to the doctor, adequate vitamin C intake is essential for proper blood flow, which helps maintain the body's warmth. Its deficiency can lead to poor circulation and a constant feeling of coldness.

"Parents should ensure their children [get a] balanced diet [comprising] these essential vitamins and minerals as per an expert's recommendation. In case the child feels cold, which is accompanied by shivering, slurred speech, weakness, loss of coordination, and slow breathing, parents must consult a pediatrician, who will do some blood tests. The expert will look for deficiencies and recommend appropriate supplements or dietary changes, if needed. Remember, addressing these issues early on can help the child feel comfortable during chilly days," the doctor concludes.