Most experts agree that children should get their minerals and vitamins from a well-balanced diet. These are diets that include the following foods:
- Plenty of leafy vegetables and fresh fruits
- Milk and dairy product like yogurt and cheese
- Protein from meat, fish, chicken, and eggs
- Whole grains like brown rice and steel-cut-oats
However, you might ask yourself if children require nutrient supplements. Its highly unlikely but there are several scenarios where a child would require to use supplements. One of them is when their parents are crunched for time and cannot afford the time to cook their children whole cooked balanced foods.
Another scenario is if the family is vegan and practice extreme veganism. Extreme veganism (strict vegetarians) involves not using animal meat products as well as eggs and dairy products. Therefore, the children cannot get the nutrient got from such foods. Using vegan supplements will then nourish them
A different situation is when the child is allergic to certain foods. By not eating that particular food or food group, they may be at risk of developing a nutrient deficiency thus the need for using supplements.
Here are essential vitamins need for growth:
Calcium
Calcium is an important mineral for bone and teeth development in children. Without it, children will develop weak bone and teeth prone to fractures for bones and chipping of the teeth especially when they bite into hard things.
Furthermore, children are very active in physical activities like running around while playing with friends or in sports in schools. They need strong bones to sustain their playful activities. Calcium is sourced from green leafy vegetables, milk, and salmon fish. Otherwise, if the child can’t have any of them then they can find calcium in vegan supplements.
Vitamin B12 and the Rest of the Vitamin Bs
Vitamin B12, as well as the other vitamin Bs, are essential for the development of the nervous system and healthy circulation of blood in the vessels. Another benefit of vitamin bs is promoting metabolism hence give children the energy they need to function and grow. All the mentioned benefits are important for the growth of a child.
They also help the body absorb calcium which is also essential for development and growth in children.
Children can get nourished with the vitamin by taking vitamin supplements. That is if they cannot get nourished from meat, chicken, fish, nuts, milk, eggs, cheese or soybeans.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A promotes normal development and growth in children. This is in the area of tissue and bone repair meaning that it facilitates bone growth in case of damage. The vitamin is also essential for great skin, eye, and immune responses in children.
If the child cannot get the vitamin from natural food sources then it is paramount that you pop into the nearest best multivitamin store and get them a vitamin supplement.
As a parent or a guardian, it is vital that you don’t give your children megavitamins. Always consult with the child’s doctor to find out whether your child requires supplements