Vitamins are important to the body for proper maintenance and function. Sometimes we forget that children also need vitamins to keep their bodies in optimal working condition. Vitamins are not created by the body so they must be obtained by other means. The best way for children to get their vitamins is from food. Chewable vitamin supplements should be used only when necessary.
Healthy eating habits are formed in childhood. Vitamins are found in a number of foods. Vitamin D is found in milk and dairy products like cheese. Vitamin K is found in green vegetables. Vitamin A is found in fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and nectarines. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and certain green vegetables like broccoli. Vitamin B is found in chicken, turkey, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and other meats. Vitamin E is found in nuts, green vegetables and whole grains. Each vitamin your child needs from A through K can be found in foods.
A child that is getting the right amount of the proper foods every day does not need a vitamin supplement. You can consult your pediatrician if you are unsure. Whole grains have fiber which rids the body of fats that we eat with the fiber. Citrus fruits provide enough Vitamin C on their own to boost the immune system to help prevent colds and other pesky illnesses that kids get from other kids.
A vitamin supplement can be taken when certain nutrients are lacking. For instance, if a child is lactose intolerant, then their daily dose of Vitamin D cannot come from dairy products. If a child is allergic to shellfish or has a nut allergy, then these foods cannot be counted on for the vitamins your child needs.
A good multivitamin is one that is appropriate for the needs of your child. Read the labels carefully. Check for age appropriateness. If your child is too young for a certain vitamin supplement, ask your pediatrician which one to recommend. Make sure that the dosage you give is the right one. For children under the age of four, only half a tablet should be given for some multivitamins. Avoid added nutrients like extra calcium or extra vitamin C. Too much of anything is a bad thing. Too much of a particular vitamin can cause as many conditions as not enough. The multivitamin should contain the recommended daily allowances (RDA) of the vitamins you need.
Remember: food is the best way for children to obtain their vitamins. It is a natural source that is better for the digestive system. But, if there is a need, children’s multivitamins are available to compensate for what is missing in the diet.
To learn more, check out the Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids – Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.
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