Best Vitamins For Kids

Vitamins are compounds necessary for the functioning of our bodies. They play a vital role in the growth and development of children and their deficiency can lead to abnormalities.  In this article, we are going to discuss important vitamins for kids.

Importance of proper nutrition in childhood

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is one of the three most important micronutrients and plays a vital role in immunity, cell growth and development, antioxidant activity and normal cell communication.² All newborn and young children should be given preventive vitamin A supplements. Research tells us that Vitamin A cannot be synthesized; therefore, it is strictly recommended that it be consumed from food.¹  

Requirement - 300-400 mcg.

Supplements rich in vitamin A - are milk, eggs, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, and fish. 

Symptoms - Dry skin, throat and chest infections, problems in eyesight, night blindness, delayed growth, and dry eyes.

Vitamin B

The vitamin B group can be differentiated into B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. All vitamins play different roles, but the most essential for children is B1, and the rest should be consumed by young males and females (teenagers). B1 helps energy and carbohydrate production in young playing kids.  

Deficiency in Vitamin B leads to brain abnormalities, causing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and heart-related problems. vitamin B12 (vit-B12) deficiency can lead to serious health problems in children and adults.³ 

Requirement- 0.9-1.2 mcg.

Supplements for vitamin B are- chicken, fish, eggs, red meat, green leafy vegetables, lentils, green peas and many more.

Symptoms- psychological problems, disturbed sleep, body pain, and sore red tongue.

Vitamin C

Deficiency of Vitamin C majorly affects physical growth and the development of mental health in children. In research, young boys were given 500gm of Vitamin C per day, and it was noticed that their growth was 1.3cm higher than that of other young boys who did not consume Vitamin C.

Requirement- 15mcg

Supplements for vitamin B are- tomatoes, sweet peppers, watermelon, broccoli, and many more.⁴

Symptoms- pain in muscle joints, fatigue, swollen gums, and irritability.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal body functioning, particularly in children whose growing bones rely on it for strength and development. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to bone deformities and softening, particularly in young ones, a condition known as rickets.  Moreover, insufficient levels of vitamin D have been associated with various health issues, including osteoporosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, depression, epilepsy, and compromised immune function.

In pregnant women and young children, the importance of vitamin D is amplified as it supports proper bone mineralization, laying the foundation for strong and healthy bones. Therefore, ensuring adequate intake of vitamin D is vital for the overall health and well-being of both children and expectant mothers.

Requirement- 15mcg.

Supplements for vitamin D are- Egg yolks, tuna, salmon, sardines, mushrooms, cow’s milk, soy milk, orange juice, and fortified foods.

Symptoms- fatigue, poor quality of sleep, and muscle pain.

Critical vitamins and minerals in pregnancy and infancy

During pregnancy, women often become more conscious of their health and are more willing to adopt beneficial lifestyles and dietary habits. For instance, taking folic acid supplements, along with other essential nutrients, has been linked to improved B vitamin levels in pregnant women, which is beneficial for both the mother and the developing baby.⁵

Infants and toddlers heavily rely on fortified foods as a significant source of essential vitamins. These fortified foods encompass a range of items, including cereals, fruit juices, baby food, and bread, providing a convenient and effective way to ensure proper nutrient intake for growing children.⁵

Zinc is crucial for various bodily functions such as reproduction, growth, and a strong immune system. It's particularly recommended for children with diarrhoea worldwide. Moreover, zinc plays a vital role in brain development and the functions of the central nervous system (CNS).⁴

Summary

Vitamins are essential for the human body as they help with nourishment, but most importantly it is essential for the growing kid’s supplement. Even pregnant mothers are recommended to intake essential vitamins for their babies so that they don’t suffer from any deficiency. Vitamins can be taken from several food supplements or via medicines. A few vitamins that are specifically essential for kids and highlighted in this article are vitamins A, B, C, and D. All of the vitamins’ importance, their deficiency, and supplements are discussed in this article. The symptoms discussed above are related to children and pregnant mothers. Severe health problems should be treated as soon as possible. Contact your nearest healthcare facility for help.