Dry Fruits: Nutrients & Precautions
Comprehensive Guide to Natural Dry Fruits in Pediatric Practice
Tree Nuts
Almonds (Prunus dulcis)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Protein: 21.15g
- Healthy Fats: 49.93g
- Vitamin E: 25.63mg (170% DV)
- Magnesium: 270mg
- Calcium: 269mg
- Zinc: 3.12mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Growth and development
- Bone health in growing children
- Cognitive development
- Athletic children requiring higher protein intake
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Tree nut allergies
- Children under 5 years (choking hazard - should be finely ground)
- History of kidney stones (high oxalate content)
Walnuts (Juglans regia)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 9.08g
- Protein: 15.23g
- Vitamin B6: 0.537mg
- Copper: 1.586mg
- Manganese: 3.414mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Brain development
- ADHD management support
- Visual development
- Sleep regulation (natural melatonin)
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Tree nut allergies
- Bleeding disorders (due to omega-3 content)
- Pre-surgery (stop 2 weeks before)
Pistachios (Pistacia vera)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Protein: 20.16g
- Vitamin B6: 1.7mg
- Potassium: 1025mg
- Iron: 3.92mg
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin: 1205µg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Sports nutrition
- Eye health
- Growth promotion
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Tree nut allergies
- Fructan sensitivity
- High sodium content in salted varieties
Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Protein: 30.23g
- Iron: 8.82mg
- Zinc: 7.64mg
- Magnesium: 592mg
- Tryptophan: 576mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Iron deficiency prevention
- Immune system support
- Sleep disorders
- Parasitic infections
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Seed allergies
- Diverticulitis
- Children under 4 (choking hazard)
Watermelon Seeds
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Protein: 28.33g
- Magnesium: 515mg
- Iron: 7.3mg
- Zinc: 10.2mg
- Folate: 58µg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Growth support
- Anemia prevention
- Protein malnutrition
- Athletic performance
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Seed allergies
- Choking hazard in young children
- Digestive sensitivity
Dried Berries
Goji Berries (Wolfberries)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Vitamin C: 48.4mg
- Beta-carotene: 7.4mg
- Iron: 6.8mg
- Zeaxanthin: 162mg
- Protein: 14.26g
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Visual development
- Immune system support
- Growth and development
- Anemia prevention
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Nightshade sensitivity
- Diabetes (high sugar content)
- Blood thinning medications
Traditional Indian Dry Fruits
Dried Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Vitamin C: 478.56mg
- Polyphenols: 5-8%
- Iron: 1.2mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Chromium: 0.006mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Immune system enhancement
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Growth promotion
- Diabetes prevention
- Eye health
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Hyperacidity
- Dental erosion (high acid content)
- Blood thinning medications
Dried Black Dates (Kala Khajoor)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Iron: 7.3mg
- Potassium: 696mg
- Magnesium: 54mg
- Fiber: 6.7g
- Natural Sugars: 66.5g
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Constipation
- Energy supplementation
- Recovery from illness
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Diabetes
- Dental caries risk
- Fructose malabsorption
Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Protein: 9.7g
- Potassium: 448mg
- Magnesium: 67mg
- Phosphorus: 362mg
- Low Glycemic Index
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Malnutrition
- Calcium deficiency
- Sports nutrition
- Weight management
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Choking hazard in young children
- Allergies (rare)
Mediterranean Dry Fruits
Dried Figs (Anjeer)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Calcium: 162mg
- Potassium: 680mg
- Iron: 2.03mg
- Fiber: 9.8g
- Vitamin K: 15.6µg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Constipation
- Bone health
- Growth support
- Athletic recovery
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Latex allergy
- Diabetes (high sugar content)
- Diarrhea
- Vitamin K antagonist medications
Dried Mulberries
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Iron: 1.85mg
- Vitamin C: 36.4mg
- Resveratrol
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Protein: 3.8g
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Immune support
- Anemia prevention
- Digestive health
- Antioxidant support
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Diabetes (high sugar content)
- Diarrhea
- Blood sugar medications
East Asian Dry Fruits
Dried Chinese Jujubes (Red Dates)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Vitamin C: 69mg
- Iron: 5.1mg
- Potassium: 531mg
- Cyclic AMP: 0.63mg
- Fiber: 3.9g
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Immune system support
- Anemia prevention
- Sleep improvement
- Stress reduction
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Diabetes
- Evening consumption (may affect sleep)
- Digestive sensitivities
South American Dry Fruits
Brazil Nuts (Bertholletia excelsa)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Selenium: 1917µg (3485% DV)
- Magnesium: 376mg
- Phosphorus: 725mg
- Protein: 14.32g
- Zinc: 4.06mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Thyroid function support
- Immune system enhancement
- Cognitive development
- Growth support
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Tree nut allergies
- Selenium toxicity risk (limit to 1-2 nuts/day)
- Choking hazard in young children
Dried Açaà Berries
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Anthocyanins: 320mg
- Iron: 2.4mg
- Vitamin A: 1002 IU
- Fiber: 44.2g
- Omega-3: 0.5g
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Athletic performance
- Immune support
- Brain development
- Visual health
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Berry allergies
- Blood thinning medications
- High sugar content in sweetened varieties
African Dry Fruits
Baobab Fruit Pulp
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Vitamin C: 280-300mg
- Calcium: 293mg
- Potassium: 2140mg
- Fiber: 44g
- Iron: 9.3mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Digestive health
- Immune system support
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Citrus allergies
- Kidney stones (high oxalate)
- Digestive sensitivity
Marula Nuts
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Protein: 28.3g
- Vitamin E: 21mg
- Magnesium: 462mg
- Iron: 4.8mg
- Antioxidants: High levels
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Protein malnutrition
- Growth support
- Immune function
- Skin health
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Tree nut allergies
- High fat content
- Choking hazard in young children
Advanced Seed Varieties
Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Omega-3: 17.83g
- Fiber: 34.4g
- Calcium: 631mg
- Iron: 7.72mg
- Protein: 16.54g
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Constipation
- Brain development
- Bone health
- Sports nutrition
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Seed allergies
- Choking risk if not properly hydrated
- Blood thinning medications
- Low blood pressure
Hemp Seeds
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Protein: 31.56g
- Omega-6: 27.36g
- Omega-3: 8.68g
- Iron: 7.95mg
- Zinc: 9.9mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Protein supplementation
- Brain development
- Growth support
- Immune system function
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Seed allergies
- Cannabinoid sensitivity
- Digestive sensitivity
Pacific Island Dry Fruits
Dried Breadfruit
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Fiber: 4.9g
- Potassium: 490mg
- Vitamin C: 29mg
- Magnesium: 25mg
- B-complex vitamins: High
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Energy metabolism
- Digestive health
- Electrolyte balance
- Athletic performance
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Latex fruit allergies
- Diabetes (moderate glycemic index)
- Digestive sensitivity
Dried Pandanus Fruit
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Beta carotene: 5000 IU
- Calcium: 60mg
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Vitamin B1: 0.7mg
- Essential oils: Various terpenes
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Vision development
- Bone growth
- Digestive health
- Traditional respiratory support
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Unknown allergies (test small amount first)
- Respiratory sensitivity to essential oils
- Not recommended for infants
Middle Eastern Specialties
Dried Barberries (Zereshk)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Vitamin C: 281mg
- Berberine compounds
- Anthocyanins
- Iron: 2.3mg
- Antioxidants: High levels
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Immune system support
- Digestive health
- Iron supplementation
- Antioxidant support
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Berry allergies
- Blood pressure medications
- Diabetes medications
Pine Nuts (Chilgoza)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Protein: 13.7g
- Iron: 5.53mg
- Magnesium: 251mg
- Vitamin K: 53.9µg
- Zinc: 6.45mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Growth and development
- Bone health
- Brain development
- Energy metabolism
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Pine nut syndrome (taste disturbance)
- Tree nut allergies
- Choking hazard in young children
Traditional Chinese Medicinal Dry Fruits
Dried Longan (Dragon Eye Fruit)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Iron: 4.9mg
- Vitamin A: 28 IU
- Potassium: 1132mg
- Polyphenols
- Vitamin B2: 0.3mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Anemia support
- Sleep improvement
- Anxiety reduction
- Memory enhancement
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Diabetes (high sugar content)
- Evening consumption (may affect sleep)
- Heat sensitivity
Dried Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Vitamin C: 87mg
- Flavonoids: High
- Quercetin
- Fiber: 9.4g
- Antioxidants: High levels
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Digestive support
- Appetite regulation
- Immune support
- Cardiovascular health
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Cardiovascular medications
- Blood pressure medications
- Berry allergies
Southeast Asian Dry Fruits
Dried Rambutan
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Vitamin C: 40.9mg
- Iron: 0.35mg
- Calcium: 22mg
- Phosphorus: 9mg
- Antioxidants: High levels
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Immune system support
- Energy metabolism
- Digestive health
- Sports nutrition
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Latex fruit allergies
- High sugar content
- Digestive sensitivity
Dried Jackfruit
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Potassium: 303mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.329mg
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Vitamin A: 110 IU
- Magnesium: 37mg
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Energy supplementation
- Blood pressure regulation
- Bone health
- Vision development
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Latex allergies
- Diabetes (high sugar content)
- Blood pressure medications
Exotic Berries
Dried Sea Buckthorn
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Vitamin C: 400-800mg
- Vitamin E: 180mg
- Beta-carotene: 30mg
- Omega-7: 30-35%
- Flavonoids: High
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Immune enhancement
- Skin health
- Eye health
- Mucous membrane support
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Blood thinning medications
- Autoimmune conditions
- High blood pressure
Dried Aronia (Chokeberries)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Anthocyanins: 1480mg
- Vitamin C: 13.7mg
- Fiber: 16.9g
- Iron: 0.93mg
- Antioxidant ORAC: 16,062
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Immune support
- Athletic recovery
- Cognitive function
- Vision health
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Berry allergies
- Blood sugar medications
- Astringent taste may be unpalatable
Advanced Seed Varieties
Lotus Seeds (Makhana)
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Protein: 17.2g
- Magnesium: 102mg
- Potassium: 556mg
- Zinc: 4.9mg
- Low Glycemic Index
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Protein supplementation
- Sleep improvement
- Anxiety reduction
- Athletic recovery
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Seed allergies
- Choking hazard if not properly processed
- May cause bloating in sensitive individuals
Black Sesame Seeds
Nutrient Profile (per 100g):
- Calcium: 975mg
- Iron: 14.6mg
- Zinc: 7.8mg
- Protein: 17.7g
- Methionine: High levels
Pediatric Clinical Applications:
- Bone development
- Anemia prevention
- Hair and nail health
- Growth support
Contraindications/Cautions:
- Sesame allergies (common allergen)
- Calcium absorption disorders
- Diverticular disease
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.
