Children who eat a healthy breakfast have been shown to do better academically and are also more likely to meet the USDA Food Guide Pyramid recommendations than children who skip breakfast. In fact, a large percentage of children who skip breakfast do not meet two-thirds of the RDAs for vitamin A, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, and zinc. Parents should limit a child's access to candy, soft drinks, and other sugary snacks to ensure that their kids have good appetites and plenty of room for nutritious foods. Parents should provide children with nutrient-rich foods and meals that build healthy bodies. Niacin plays an essential role in the repair of DNA in all body cells and is a critical co-factor in energy metabolism.
Folic acid is a vital nutrient for cell division.
A number of scientific studies have shown that women who have adequate intakes of folic acid before conception can significantly reduce their risk of having neural tube defects in a developing fetus. Folic acid deficiency can also lead to anemia. The risk for deficiency is higher during periods of rapid growth such as in young children. Vitamin B6 is critical in the development of the central nervous system and for the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It is also a vital nutrient in the body's production of neurotransmitters.