When children consume a healthy diet, they are able to get the recommended daily allowance of all the vitamins and minerals required. But there are some children who do not choose to eat a normal or well-balanced diet or rather make a fuss about it. If you feel that your child may require a vitamin supplement, make sure that your doctor knows and especially your child should be aware. Ideal vitamin supplements are needed when your child doesn’t eat wholesome foods on a daily basis, skips meals, eats a lot of fast food, or consumes a lot of carbonated drinks.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE IDEAL VITAMIN FOR CHILDREN?
While choosing the ideal vitamin for your child, make sure it includes all the required vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, K, B, iron, and calcium. Not all multivitamins which you shall choose will comprise the optimal amounts of all vitamins and minerals. Ask your doctor or a recommended dietician to choose one for you because a certain multivitamin might comprise 23 different vitamins and minerals while others like gummy vitamins, will contain only 9.
WHAT COULD BE THE IDEAL VITAMIN SUPPLEMENT FOR YOUR CHILDREN?
Fish Oil: As per the food pyramid, kids should consume fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as Salmon, Trout, and Herring. This is because fish oil is said to help prevent coronary artery disease. A lot of children don’t prefer eating fish but fish oil is said to promote brain development and prevent disease. Hence, a lot of parents are said to offer their children an Omega-3 fish oil supplement with DHA & EPA.
Vitamin D: Another vitamin that children should definitely consume is Vitamin D for the development of strong bones and to protect themselves from osteoporosis. It is essential for kids to take a vitamin D supplement with 400 IU of vitamin D if they are not consuming enough of the same in their diet. Not many children require high doses of vitamin D supplements but those who do need it, should get their levels checked and take the supplements accordingly.
Gummy Vitamins: This is the only kind of supplement which children actually approve of because these gummy vitamins taste like candy. For eg: one of the flavors is called Jolly Rancher. An overdose of gummy vitamins is also not good for the kids and hence they should consume only the recommended amount.
Vitamin A: Your children definitely require this supplement for good eyesight, healthy skin, growth, development, and good immunity. You can derive the same from liver, meat, eggs, milk, and vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine): If you convince your child to take Vitamin B1 or thiamine, it helps release energy from the foods and helps the nervous system and muscles to work properly. You can derive the vitamin from fish, meat, and yeast extract.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): This is yet another kind of vitamin that helps in releasing energy from food. You can help your children obtain these vitamins from milk, yogurt, meat, cheese, and breakfast cereals.
Vitamin B3 (niacin): This is another instrumental vitamin required in the diet of children and can be obtained from meat, fish, chicken, nuts, and yeast extracts.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): This vitamin is essential for red blood cell production and good functioning of the brain. So, children should make sure to get it in their diets via meat, fish, wholegrain foods, vegetables, and nuts.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Children should not miss out on ascorbic acid or Vitamin C as it will help them fight infections while building collagen. It helps absorb iron from food and also keeps teeth, bones, and gums quite healthy. Hence, consume lots of fruits, vegetables like citrus fruit, kiwi fruit, capsicums, and potatoes.
Vitamin K: The healthy bacteria present in your gut is used for making vitamin K. Children should consider it as it helps in clotting their blood. It can be consumed via green leafy vegetables, eggs, and beans as well as broccoli and spinach, you get your required quantity of Vitamin K supplement.
Calcium: If we are talking about vitamin supplements, calcium is extremely essential for building strong bones for a growing child. Good sources for it include milk, cheese, yogurt, tofu as well as calcium-fortified orange juice.
