A detailed resource for pediatricians and medical students covering natural, unprocessed fruits and their clinical applications.

Tropical Fruits

Mango (Mangifera indica)

Origin: South Asia

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 36.4mg (40% DV)
• Vitamin A: 1082 IU (54% DV)
• Folate: 43μg (11% DV)
• Potassium: 168mg
• Fiber: 1.6g
• Beta-carotene: 640μg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Vision development in infants and toddlers
• Immune system enhancement
• Prevention of Vitamin A deficiency
• Supports healthy growth during rapid development phases

Cautions:

• High FODMAP content - avoid in children with IBS
• Natural latex content may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals
• High sugar content - moderation needed for diabetic children

Banana (Musa acuminata)

Origin: Southeast Asia

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Potassium: 358mg (10% DV)
• Vitamin B6: 0.4mg (20% DV)
• Vitamin C: 8.7mg
• Magnesium: 27mg
• Fiber: 2.6g
• Prebiotics: Resistant starch and pectin

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• First solid food for infants
• Management of acute diarrhea (BRAT diet)
• Sports nutrition for young athletes
• Constipation prevention
• Electrolyte balance during illness

Cautions:

• Avoid in latex allergy cases
• High in natural sugars - portion control for diabetic children
• Can cause bloating in some children

Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Origin: Middle East

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 10.2mg
• Vitamin K: 16.4μg
• Folate: 38μg
• Potassium: 236mg
• Polyphenols: Punicalagins
• Fiber: 4g
• Iron: 0.3mg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Iron deficiency anemia (enhances iron absorption)
• Immune system support
• Inflammatory bowel conditions
• Sports recovery in adolescents

Cautions:

• Choking hazard in young children (seeds)
• May interact with certain medications
• Can stain clothes and teeth

Citrus Fruits

Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Origin: China

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 53.2mg (59% DV)
• Folate: 30μg
• Calcium: 40mg
• Potassium: 181mg
• Flavonoids: Hesperidin
• Beta-cryptoxanthin: 116μg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Prevention of scurvy
• Enhanced iron absorption from meals
• Upper respiratory tract infection prevention
• Wound healing support

Cautions:

• Acid reflux in sensitive children
• May increase tooth sensitivity
• Can interact with certain medications

Sweet Lime (Mosambi - Citrus limetta)

Origin: South Asia

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 48mg
• Potassium: 150mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Fiber: 2.8g
• Citric acid
• Flavonoids

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Rehydration during fever
• Digestive aid
• Vitamin C supplementation
• Electrolyte balance in summer

Cautions:

• Moderate acid content - caution in GERD
• Dental erosion with excessive consumption

Berries and Small Fruits

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Origin: North America

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin K: 19.3μg (24% DV)
• Vitamin C: 9.7mg (11% DV)
• Manganese: 0.3mg (17% DV)
• Anthocyanins: 163.3mg
• Fiber: 2.4g
• Quercetin: 8.0mg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Cognitive development and memory enhancement
• Night vision improvement
• Urinary tract infection prevention
• Antioxidant support during growth

Cautions:

• High pesticide residue - prefer organic
• Choking hazard in very young children if not properly prepared
• May cause temporary blue-colored stools

Indian Gooseberry (Amla - Emblica officinalis)

Origin: India

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 478mg (530% DV)
• Calcium: 25mg
• Phosphorus: 20mg
• Iron: 1.2mg
• Tannins
• Gallic acid

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Immune system boosting
• Growth promotion
• Prevention of recurrent infections
• Hair and skin health
• Iron absorption enhancement

Cautions:

• Very sour taste - may need proper introduction
• Can interfere with diabetic medications
• High vitamin C may cause mild stomach upset in sensitive children

Stone Fruits

Plum (Prunus domestica)

Origin: Caucasus region

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 9.5mg
• Vitamin K: 6.4μg
• Potassium: 157mg
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Sorbitol
• Anthocyanins

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Natural laxative for constipation
• Iron absorption enhancement
• Bone health support
• Antioxidant protection during growth

Cautions:

• Choking hazard from pit
• May cause diarrhea if consumed in excess
• High sorbitol content may cause bloating

Exotic Tropical Fruits

Dragon Fruit (Pitaya - Hylocereus undatus)

Origin: Central and South America

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 9.0mg
• Iron: 1.9mg
• Magnesium: 68.0mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Betalains

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Digestive health promotion
• Iron deficiency prevention
• Prebiotic support for gut health
• Natural antioxidant source

Cautions:

• May cause pink/red urine (harmless)
• Seeds may be difficult for very young children
• Rare allergic reactions reported

Mediterranean Fruits

Fig (Ficus carica)

Origin: Middle East and Western Asia

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Calcium: 35mg
• Potassium: 232mg
• Iron: 0.4mg
• Fiber: 2.9g
• Polyphenols
• Prebiotics

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Natural constipation relief
• Bone health support
• Growth and development
• Sports nutrition for young athletes

Cautions:

• High sugar content - moderation needed
• Latex allergy cross-reactivity
• May cause loose stools if consumed in excess

Indigenous Australian Fruits

Quandong (Desert Peach - Santalum acuminatum)

Origin: Australia

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 57mg
• Vitamin E: 15mg
• Folate: 3μg
• Iron: 5.3mg
• Zinc: 0.8mg
• Magnesium: 528mg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Iron deficiency prevention
• Immune system support
• Skin health maintenance
• Growth and development support

Cautions:

• Limited availability outside Australia
• Sour taste may need gradual introduction
• Hard pit - choking hazard

African Indigenous Fruits

Baobab Fruit (Adansonia digitata)

Origin: Sub-Saharan Africa

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 360mg (400% DV)
• Calcium: 295mg
• Potassium: 1240mg
• Iron: 9.3mg
• Fiber: 44g
• Antioxidants: Significant levels

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Severe malnutrition recovery
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Calcium supplementation for bone growth
• Immune system strengthening
• Prebiotic support for gut health

Cautions:

• Very high fiber - introduce gradually
• May interfere with iron absorption if taken with meals
• Limited availability outside Africa

Marula (Sclerocarya birrea)

Origin: Southern Africa

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 168mg
• Protein: 3.4g
• Essential fatty acids
• Magnesium: 85mg
• Zinc: 0.4mg
• Antioxidants: High levels

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Protein-energy malnutrition
• Vision development
• Growth promotion
• Wound healing support

Cautions:

• Nut allergy cross-reactivity possible
• Seeds pose choking hazard
• High natural sugar content

South American Superfruits

Açaí Berry (Euterpe oleracea)

Origin: Amazon Rainforest

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Anthocyanins: 320mg
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.5g
• Fiber: 44.2g
• Protein: 8g
• Vitamin E: 15mg
• Iron: 2.2mg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Sports nutrition for young athletes
• Cognitive development
• Athletic recovery
• Immune system support

Cautions:

• High calorie content
• May interact with pain medications
• Best consumed fresh/frozen - avoid processed forms

Lucuma (Pouteria lucuma)

Origin: Andean Valleys

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Beta-carotene: 2.3mg
• Iron: 2.3mg
• Zinc: 0.4mg
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Niacin: 1.96mg
• Calcium: 16mg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Natural sweetener for diabetic children
• Iron deficiency prevention
• Growth support
• Wound healing

Cautions:

• Limited availability
• May cause mild constipation
• Introduce gradually due to fiber content

Asian Specialties

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum)

Origin: Southeast Asia

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 40.2mg
• Iron: 0.35mg
• Calcium: 22mg
• Fiber: 2.8g
• Phosphorus: 9mg
• Protein: 0.9g

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Recovery from illness
• Energy provision during growth spurts
• Digestive health
• Immune system support

Cautions:

• Seeds are toxic if consumed
• Possible latex allergy cross-reaction
• High sugar content

Longan (Dimocarpus longan)

Origin: Southern China

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 84mg
• Potassium: 266mg
• Copper: 0.17mg
• Iron: 0.13mg
• Fiber: 1.1g
• Polyphenols

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Anxiety and stress in children
• Sleep disorders
• Anemia prevention
• Memory enhancement

Cautions:

• Not recommended for children with fever
• May cause nose bleeds in sensitive individuals
• Seeds pose choking hazard

Melons and Gourds

Bitter Gourd (Karela - Momordica charantia)

Origin: Indian Subcontinent

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 84mg
• Vitamin A: 471 IU
• Folate: 72μg
• Iron: 0.43mg
• Potassium: 296mg
• Charantin

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Juvenile diabetes management
• Skin conditions
• Liver function support
• Blood purification

Cautions:

• Very bitter taste - needs proper introduction
• Can lower blood sugar significantly
• Not recommended for very young children

Wild Berries

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Origin: Eurasia, Himalayan regions

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 400-800mg
• Vitamin E: 5-18mg
• Omega-7 fatty acids: 30-40%
• Beta-carotene: 7-11mg
• Quercetin: 203mg
• Iron: 0.68mg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Dry eye syndrome in children
• Atopic dermatitis
• Growth and development
• Recovery from illness
• Mucosal membrane health

Cautions:

• Very acidic - may need dilution
• Can interact with blood pressure medications
• May increase bleeding risk

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Origin: Europe and North America

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 36mg
• Vitamin A: 600 IU
• Potassium: 280mg
• Anthocyanins: 1375mg
• Fiber: 7g
• Quercetin: 42mg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Flu prevention and treatment
• Immune system modulation
• Allergic rhinitis

Cautions:

• Raw berries are toxic - must be cooked
• Can interact with immunosuppressants
• May cause allergic reactions

Pacific Island Fruits

Noni (Morinda citrifolia)

Origin: Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 155mg
• Potassium: 150mg
• Vitamin A: 38 IU
• Xeronine
• Scopoletin
• Anthraquinones

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Chronic constipation
• Immune system support
• Inflammatory conditions
• Growth and development

Cautions:

• Strong unpleasant odor and taste
• May cause liver problems in high doses
• Can interact with blood thinners

Desert Fruits

Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)

Origin: Mexico

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 14mg
• Calcium: 56mg
• Magnesium: 85mg
• Betalains
• Fiber: 3.6g
• Flavonoids

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Blood sugar regulation
• Digestive health
• Electrolyte balance
• Obesity prevention

Cautions:

• Small seeds may pose choking hazard
• Can cause constipation if overconsumed
• May interact with diabetes medications

Temperate Fruits

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki)

Origin: China

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin A: 2490 IU
• Vitamin C: 7.5mg
• Fiber: 3.6g
• Potassium: 310mg
• Manganese: 0.355mg
• Beta-carotene: 253μg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Vision development
• Digestive health
• Immune system support
• Growth and development

Cautions:

• Unripe astringent varieties can cause bezoars
• High in natural sugars
• Can interact with blood pressure medications

Amazonian Fruits

Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia)

Origin: Amazon Rainforest

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 2400-3000mg
• Potassium: 82.2mg
• Calcium: 15.7mg
• Valine: 62mg
• Leucine: 71mg
• Serine: 68mg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Severe vitamin C deficiency
• Immune system enhancement
• ADHD support
• Depression in adolescents

Cautions:

• Very high vitamin C - introduce gradually
• May cause stomach upset in sensitive individuals
• Highly acidic - protect tooth enamel

Southeast Asian Specialties

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)

Origin: Indonesia

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 2.9mg
• Folate: 31μg
• Xanthones
• Fiber: 5.1g
• Potassium: 48mg
• Iron: 0.3mg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Inflammatory bowel conditions
• Eczema and skin conditions
• Immune system modulation
• Recovery from illness

Cautions:

• Can stain clothing permanently
• Rind is inedible and bitter
• May interact with chemotherapy drugs

Alpine Fruits

Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

Origin: European Alps

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 85mg
• Folate: 24μg
• Anthocyanins: 205mg
• Ellagic acid: 1.5mg
• Quercetin: 3.5mg
• Pelargonidin: 25mg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Dental health promotion
• Natural antihistamine effect
• Cognitive development
• Iron absorption enhancement

Cautions:

• Common allergen in sensitive children
• High pesticide residue - prefer organic
• May trigger oral allergy syndrome

Mediterranean Specialties

Medlar (Mespilus germanica)

Origin: Southeastern Europe and Asia Minor

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 13mg
• Tannins: High content
• Pectin: 3.9g
• Potassium: 206mg
• Calcium: 32mg
• Iron: 1.2mg

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Digestive system regulation
• Mild constipation
• Iron deficiency support
• Natural prebiotic source

Cautions:

• Must be bletted (over-ripened) before consumption
• High tannin content may affect iron absorption
• Seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic compounds

Rare Tropical Varieties

Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora)

Origin: Brazil

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 23mg
• Anthocyanins: 314mg
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Iron: 0.2mg
• Resveratrol: Significant amounts

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Asthma management
• Inflammatory conditions
• Immune system support
• Sports recovery in adolescents

Cautions:

• Short shelf life
• Skin can be tough for young children
• May cause temporary tongue discoloration

Indigenous North American Fruits

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Origin: Eastern United States

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 18.3mg
• Potassium: 345mg
• Magnesium: 94mg
• Iron: 0.6mg
• Essential amino acids
• Acetogenins

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Protein supplementation in vegetarian diets
• Energy metabolism
• Muscle development
• Recovery from illness

Cautions:

• Seeds contain toxic compounds
• Very short shelf life
• May cause digestive upset if unripe

Andean Fruits

Pepino Dulce (Solanum muricatum)

Origin: Andes Mountains

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 25mg
• Beta-carotene: 26μg
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Potassium: 321mg
• Iodine: 1.2μg
• Low glycemic index

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Diabetes management
• Hydration support
• Digestive health
• Weight management in adolescents

Cautions:

• Nightshade family - avoid in sensitive individuals
• May cause allergic reactions in tomato-sensitive children
• Unripe fruit may cause stomach upset

Oceanic Fruits

Soursop (Annona muricata)

Origin: Caribbean and Pacific Islands

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 20.6mg
• Vitamin B1: 0.07mg
• Vitamin B2: 0.05mg
• Potassium: 278mg
• Fiber: 3.3g
• Annonaceous acetogenins

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Fever management
• Sleep disorders
• Anxiety in children
• Digestive health support

Cautions:

• Seeds are toxic
• May lower blood pressure
• Can interact with certain medications

African Wild Fruits

African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum)

Origin: West Africa

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Vitamin C: 446mg
• Iron: 3.4mg
• Calcium: 25mg
• Phosphorus: 68mg
• Ascorbic acid: High levels
• Saponins

Pediatric Clinical Applications:

• Severe malnutrition
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Immune system boost
• Growth promotion

Cautions:

• Latex content may cause allergies
• Seeds are inedible
• High tannin content may affect mineral absorption

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.

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