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Can vitamin deficiencies affect early learning?

Parenting Perspective

Yes. Nutritional gaps in vitamins and essential fats can have a noticeable impact on a young child’s ability to learn, regulate emotions, and develop behaviour. Iron deficiency may lead to tiredness, poor concentration or irritability. A shortage of vitamin D can interfere with mood and overall health, while low levels of vitamin B12 and omega‑3 fatty acids are linked to memory difficulties and slower cognitive responses.
Simple dietary adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Include leafy greens such as spinach, protein sources like eggs or beans, oily fish, seeds and fortified cereals or plant milks. Whole foods support steady energy and brain health.
If challenges persist despite consistent meals, a healthcare consultation may help. A doctor might suggest supplements or more targeted dietary support. Supporting brain‑nourishing nutrition in the early years strengthens a child’s learning capacity, emotional wellbeing and resilience. It creates lasting benefit rather than short‑term performance.

Spiritual Insight

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah, Verse 168: ‘O mankind, consume from the Earth what is lawful and pure.’ This verse encourages us not only to eat but to choose with care and intention. What we provide a child nourishes not just the body but the mind and spirit too. Food is a trust given by Allah Almighty and caring for it is a form of worship.

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5678, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘There is no disease that Allah Almighty has created, except that He also has created its treatment.’ It is also well documented that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spoke about the benefits of food and medicine. His ﷺ practice shows that caring for health, including the intake of nourishing food, is entwined with spiritual mindfulness. Feeding a child wholesome nourishment is then more than a routine. It is a responsibility rooted in gratitude and faith.

Ensuring that children receive essential nutrients is an act of love and spiritual responsibility. It supports clarity of mind, emotional steadiness and the capacity to learn with joy. By feeding children with intention and awareness, parents honour both their physical wellbeing and their potential for knowledge and character development.


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