Vitamins: Should my Child be taking them?
It’s a common question. What vitamins, if any, should my child take?
Experts agree that kids should obtain most of their vitamins from a balanced diet including:
- Milk and dairy products including cheese and yogurt (low-fat ideally for kids over age 3).
- Fresh fruit and green vegetables.
- Protein from meat, chicken, fish and eggs.
- Wholegrains from oats and brown rice.
However, given the reality for time and financially pressured parents, this isn’t always possible. Doctors therefore recommend a daily multivitamin for:
- Kids who aren’t eating daily fresh and balanced whole food meals.
- Fussy kids who aren’t eating enough.
- Children with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or digestive problems.
- Kids eating a lot of processed and fast foods.
- Kids eating a vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free or other restricted diet (prioritising an iron supplement).
- Kids who drink a lot of carbonated drinks which can drain vitamins from their bodies.
Among the many vitamins and minerals, 6 stand out:
- Vitamin A – promoting growth and development, tissue and bone repair, healthy skin, eyes and immune system.
- Vitamin Bs – vitamins B2, B3, B6 and B12 aid metabolism, energy production, circulatory and nervous systems.
- Vitamin C – for healthy muscles, connective tissue and skin.
- Vitamin D – building teeth and bones by helping calcium absorption.
- Calcium – forming strong bones for growing kids.
- Iron – developing healthy red blood cells.
It should be noted that large doses of vitamins aren’t a good idea for children. Fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) can be toxic in excess as can iron. ActiKid® contains these 6 vitamins and minerals and 13 more. It is available online and in high-street pharmacies.
We hope you found this article useful and will adapt your child’s diet and supplement regime accordingly. What do you do to ensure your child gets their necessary vitamin and mineral intake? Did we miss anything out? Please let us know in the comments below.
