Comprehensive Pediatric Vegetable Nutrition Guide
A reference guide for pediatricians and medical students covering non-leafy vegetables, their nutritional content, clinical applications, and contraindications.
Root Vegetables
Carrots (Daucus carota)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Beta Carotene: 8285μg
- Vitamin A: 16706 IU
- Vitamin C: 5.9mg
- Potassium: 320mg
- Fiber: 2.8g
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Visual development in infants and children
- Growth and development
- Immune system support
- Prevention of Vitamin A deficiency
- Skin health maintenance
Precautions:
- Carotenemia (harmless yellowing of skin from excessive consumption)
- Potential allergen in rare cases
- Monitor intake in children on anticoagulants due to Vitamin K content
Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Beta Carotene: 9180μg
- Vitamin C: 2.4mg
- Potassium: 337mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin B6: 0.2mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Management of childhood obesity (high satiety index)
- Sports nutrition for young athletes
- Growth support during rapid development phases
- Excellent first solid food for infants
- Blood sugar regulation in pediatric prediabetes
Precautions:
- Monitor portions in diabetic children
- Possible allergic reactions in latex-allergic children
- High FODMAP content - use with caution in IBS
Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Folate: 109μg
- Iron: 0.8mg
- Nitrates: ~250mg
- Potassium: 325mg
- Vitamin C: 4.9mg
- Betalains: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Sports performance in young athletes
- Pediatric anemia prevention
- Cognitive development support
- Blood pressure regulation in adolescents
- Support for pediatric exercise-induced asthma
Precautions:
- Can cause pink/red urine (beeturia) - parents should be informed
- High oxalate content - caution in children with kidney stones
- Monitor in children with iron absorption disorders
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Vitamin C: 48.2mg
- Vitamin K: 15.5μg
- Folate: 57μg
- Fiber: 2g
- Glucosinolates: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Immune system development
- Supports healthy gut microbiome
- Alternative for children with potato allergies
- Weight management in pediatric obesity
- Support for pediatric inflammatory conditions
Precautions:
- May cause gas and bloating
- Monitor in children with hypothyroidism
- May interfere with blood thinning medications
Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Vitamin C: 89.2mg
- Vitamin K: 101.6μg
- Folate: 63μg
- Calcium: 47mg
- Sulforaphane: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Bone development support
- DNA synthesis and repair
- Support for pediatric asthma
- Immune system enhancement
- Cancer prevention education
Precautions:
- May interfere with thyroid function if consumed in very large amounts
- Monitor in children on blood thinners
- Can cause gas - introduce gradually
Nightshade Vegetables
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Lycopene: 2573μg
- Vitamin C: 13.7mg
- Potassium: 237mg
- Beta Carotene: 449μg
- Vitamin K: 7.9μg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Sun protection support
- Cardiovascular health
- Eye health maintenance
- Antioxidant support during growth
- Bone health support
Precautions:
- Common allergen - introduce carefully
- High acid content may trigger reflux
- Avoid in children with nightshade sensitivity
- May increase inflammation in certain conditions
Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Fiber: 3g
- Potassium: 229mg
- Manganese: 0.2mg
- Anthocyanins: significant amounts
- Nasunin: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Cognitive development support
- Digestive health maintenance
- Blood sugar regulation
- Heart health support
- Weight management support
Precautions:
- High oxalate content
- Potential nightshade sensitivity
- Monitor in children with arthritis
- Can be allergenic in some children
Gourds and Squashes
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Beta Carotene: 3100μg
- Vitamin A: 7384 IU
- Potassium: 340mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Vitamin C: 9mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Visual development support
- Immune system enhancement
- Digestive health in infants
- First complementary food
- Prevention of vitamin A deficiency
Precautions:
- Monitor in children with diabetes
- Possible allergic reactions
- May cause bloating if consumed in large amounts
Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Vitamin C: 10.1mg
- Vitamin B Complex: significant amounts
- Potassium: 150mg
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Choline: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Digestive disorders
- Pediatric obesity management
- Mild fever management
- Sleep regulation
- Rehydration support
Precautions:
- Avoid bitter-tasting pieces (toxic)
- Not recommended raw
- Monitor in children with IBS
Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Vitamin C: 84mg
- Iron: 1.6mg
- Folate: 72μg
- Potassium: 296mg
- Charantin: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Blood sugar regulation
- Immune system support
- Pediatric obesity
- Skin conditions
- Parasitic infections
Precautions:
- Start with small amounts due to bitter taste
- Monitor blood sugar in diabetic children
- Contraindicated in G6PD deficiency
- Not recommended for infants
Allium Vegetables
Red Onion (Allium cepa)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Quercetin: 19.93mg
- Vitamin C: 7.4mg
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Anthocyanins: significant amounts
- Sulfur compounds: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Upper respiratory infections
- Allergic conditions
- Immune system support
- Prebiotic benefits
- Cardiovascular health
Precautions:
- Can cause reflux in sensitive children
- May increase risk of bleeding if on anticoagulants
- Can cause bad breath
Purple Yam (Dioscorea alata)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Anthocyanins: high amounts
- Vitamin C: 17.1mg
- Potassium: 816mg
- Fiber: 4.1g
- Protein: 1.5g
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Cognitive development
- Athletic performance
- Blood pressure regulation
- Digestive health
- Antioxidant support
Precautions:
- Monitor in diabetic children
- May cause allergic reactions
- High oxalate content
Bamboo Shoots (Bambusa vulgaris)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 2.6g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Potassium: 533mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.24mg
- Zinc: 1.1mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Growth and development
- Digestive health
- Weight management
- Blood sugar control
- Immune system support
Precautions:
- Must be properly processed to remove toxins
- Not recommended raw
- May cause thyroid issues if consumed in large amounts
Traditional Asian Vegetables
Water Chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Potassium: 584mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.3mg
- Copper: 0.3mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Manganese: 0.3mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Digestive health
- Energy metabolism
- Bone development
- Red blood cell formation
- Immune system support
Precautions:
- Choking hazard in young children if not properly cut
- Potential allergic reactions
- Should be properly cleaned and cooked
African Indigenous Vegetables
African Eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Iron: 1.5mg
- Vitamin C: 16.5mg
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Protein: 1.4g
- Calcium: 28mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Growth support
- Digestive health
- Immune system support
- Bone development
Precautions:
- Nightshade sensitivity
- Potential allergic reactions
- High oxalate content
Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 19g
- Iron: 12.2mg
- Zinc: 2.8mg
- Magnesium: 184mg
- Fiber: 6.5g
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Protein-energy malnutrition
- Growth stunting prevention
- Cognitive development
- Sports nutrition
- Iron deficiency prevention
Precautions:
- Legume allergy risk
- Must be properly cooked
- High FODMAP content
African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 21g
- Iron: 5.9mg
- Calcium: 98mg
- Phosphorus: 241mg
- Essential amino acids: complete profile
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Malnutrition prevention
- Growth support
- Bone development
- Athletic performance
- Brain development
Precautions:
- Contains anti-nutrients - proper cooking essential
- Potential legume allergies
- Gas production in sensitive individuals
Latin American Vegetables
JÃcama (Pachyrhizus erosus)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Vitamin C: 20.2mg
- Fiber: 4.9g
- Prebiotic inulin: significant amounts
- Potassium: 150mg
- Iron: 0.6mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Digestive health
- Probiotic support
- Diabetes prevention
- Weight management
- Dental health (natural xylitol)
Precautions:
- Only eat tuber - leaves and seeds are toxic
- May cause gas initially
- Monitor in diabetic children
Chayote (Sechium edule)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Vitamin C: 7.7mg
- Folate: 93μg
- Potassium: 125mg
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Zinc: 0.74mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Cardiovascular health
- Blood pressure regulation
- Digestive health
- Weight management
- DNA synthesis support
Precautions:
- Potential allergic reactions
- May interact with blood pressure medications
- Monitor in children with kidney issues
Nopales (Opuntia ficus-indica)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Vitamin C: 14mg
- Calcium: 164mg
- Magnesium: 85mg
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Antioxidants: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Blood sugar regulation
- Digestive health
- Obesity management
- Bone development
- Athletic recovery
Precautions:
- Must be properly prepared to remove spines
- May cause loose stools in large amounts
- Monitor in children with IBS
Mediterranean Vegetables
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Fiber: 5.4g
- Vitamin C: 11.7mg
- Vitamin K: 14.8μg
- Magnesium: 60mg
- Cynarin: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Liver health support
- Digestive issues
- Cholesterol management
- Gut microbiome support
- IBS management
Precautions:
- May interact with iron absorption
- Monitor in children on blood thinners
- Potential choking hazard if not properly prepared
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Vitamin C: 12mg
- Potassium: 414mg
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Calcium: 49mg
- Anethole: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Infantile colic
- Digestive discomfort
- Respiratory health
- Anti-inflammatory benefits
- Appetite regulation
Precautions:
- Potential allergic reactions
- May increase sun sensitivity
- Monitor in children with hormone-sensitive conditions
Asian Root Vegetables
Lotus Root (Nelumbo nucifera)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Vitamin C: 44mg
- Potassium: 556mg
- Iron: 1.2mg
- Fiber: 4.9g
- Copper: 0.13mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Respiratory health support
- Blood formation
- Digestive health
- Energy metabolism
- Immune system enhancement
Precautions:
- Must be properly cleaned and cooked
- Potential choking hazard if not cut properly
- May interact with blood sugar medications
Taro Root (Colocasia esculenta)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Fiber: 4.1g
- Vitamin E: 2.38mg
- Potassium: 591mg
- Manganese: 0.45mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.283mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Digestive disorders
- Growth and development
- Energy metabolism
- Heart health support
- Blood sugar regulation
Precautions:
- Must be thoroughly cooked - toxic when raw
- Monitor in children with kidney stones
- Potential allergic reactions
Daikon Radish (Raphanus sativus)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Vitamin C: 22mg
- Potassium: 227mg
- Folate: 24μg
- Calcium: 27mg
- Glucosinolates: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Respiratory health
- Digestive support
- Liver function support
- Immune system boosting
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Precautions:
- May cause gas and bloating
- Monitor in thyroid conditions
- Introduce gradually to prevent digestive upset
Pacific Island Vegetables
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Fiber: 4.9g
- Potassium: 490mg
- Vitamin C: 29mg
- Calcium: 17mg
- Magnesium: 25mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Energy metabolism
- Growth support
- Digestive health
- Blood pressure regulation
- Diabetes prevention
Precautions:
- Must be cooked before consumption
- Latex allergy cross-reactivity
- Monitor in diabetic children
Green Papaya (Carica papaya)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Papain enzyme: significant amounts
- Vitamin C: 61.8mg
- Folate: 38μg
- Potassium: 257mg
- Fiber: 2.3g
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Digestive enzyme support
- Protein digestion
- Wound healing
- Immune system support
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Precautions:
- Latex allergy cross-reactivity
- May increase bleeding risk
- Avoid in children with papain sensitivity
Middle Eastern Vegetables
Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Inulin: 31.5g
- Iron: 3.4mg
- Potassium: 429mg
- Thiamin: 0.2mg
- Fiber: 1.6g
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Prebiotic support
- Digestive health
- Iron deficiency
- Blood sugar regulation
- Immune system support
Precautions:
- May cause significant gas
- Introduce gradually
- Monitor in FODMAP-sensitive children
Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Vitamin C: 62mg
- Potassium: 350mg
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Vitamin B6: 0.15mg
- Glucosinolates: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Immune system support
- Digestive health
- Growth and development
- Weight management
- Blood sugar control
Precautions:
- Monitor in thyroid conditions
- May cause gas in sensitive individuals
- Start with small amounts
Fava Beans (Vicia faba)
Key Nutrients (per 100g raw):
- Protein: 7.6g
- Folate: 423μg
- Iron: 2.7mg
- Fiber: 5.4g
- L-dopa: significant amounts
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Growth and development
- Brain development
- Blood formation
- Protein supplementation
- Energy metabolism
Precautions:
- Contraindicated in G6PD deficiency
- Common allergen
- Must be properly cooked
Disclaimer
The notes provided on Pediatime are generated from online resources and AI sources and have been carefully checked for accuracy. However, these notes are not intended to replace standard textbooks. They are designed to serve as a quick review and revision tool for medical students and professionals, and to aid in theory exam preparation. For comprehensive learning, please refer to recommended textbooks and guidelines.
