Parents recognize that trial and error is part of the job when raising children. That’s especially so with young children at mealtime. Some kids love fruits and vegetables from a young age onward, while others may do all they can to resist such vitamin- and nutrient-rich offerings for years on end. Parents of children who lack enthusiasm for fruits and vegetables may wonder if multivitamins provide a pathway to ensuring kids get the vitamins and nutrients they need to grow up strong and healthy.
No two children are the same, but Rachel Dawkins, M.D., of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital notes that most kids don’t need to supplement their diets with multivitamins. Dawkins notes that’s because even picky eaters tend to get sufficient nutrients from the foods they eat. The Mayo Clinic echoes such sentiments and adds that some foods and beverages, including cow’s milk, are already fortified.
So why the robust market for children’s multivitamins? Each parent has different reasons for giving a child a multivitamin, which are typically administered daily. ButtheMayoClinicaddsthat certain conditions may call forvitaminsupplementation, including:
• A diet with low levels of vitamin D
• A delay in physical or developmental growth
• A chronic disease
• A diagnosis of lead poisoning • A limited or restrictive diet Parentswhowanttoknow more about multivitamin supplementation for children are urged to speak with their child’s pediatrician before making a decision. Recognition of the various benefits of vitamins can provide additional insight into why it’s so important that kids eat enough healthy foods to ensure they do not become vitamin-deficient.
• Vitamin A: Nemours KidsHealth notes that vitamin A facilitates nighttime vision and helps people see color. Vitamin A also strengthens the immune system, whichcanhelpkidsfight off infection. Orange fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe, carrots and sweet potatoes are good sources of vitamin A.
• B vitamins: B vitamins provide a range of benefits, including helping the body extract energy from food and utilize it when necessary. B vitamins also help in the production of red blood cells, whichNemoursKidsHealth notes help to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Whole grains, certain types of fish and seafood, poultry, eggs, leafy green vegetables, and beans and peas are good sources of B vitamins.
• Vitamin C: Nemours KidsHealth indicates that vitamin C keeps body tissues healthy. That’s important for bone strength and healthy gums and blood vessels. Citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli are some examples of foods rich in vitamin C.
•VitaminD:Thesunshine vitamin is important for strong bones and teeth and plays an important role in the body’s absorption of calcium. Milkandotherdairyproducts fortified with vitamin D, fish and egg yolks offer ample amounts of vitamin D. Kids also can get some vitamin D by playing outside in the sunlight.
These vitamins and more can help kids grow up strong and healthy. Parents who suspect their children are not getting enough vitamins through their diets can discuss supplementation with their youngster’s pediatrician.