What Vitamins Do Kids Need?

Both adults and children need vitamins and minerals daily to grow and be healthy. Different vitamins benefit different parts of the body, and it helps parents to be aware of what vitamins their kids need.

Types of Vitamins

The body is a strong, powerful machine powered by both water-soluble and fat-soluble nutrients. Fat-soluble nutrients stay stored in the body for anywhere from a few days to six months, and the body uses them when they are needed. Water-soluble vitamins need to be replaced more often because the body gets rid of them if they aren’t used. Some vitamins children regularly need include the following:

Vitamin A: Extremely important when it comes to eyesight and night vision, vitamin A also helps when it comes to seeing color and boosts the immune system to help the body fight infections. Vitamin A is often found in orange vegetables and fruits, milk and dark green leafy vegetables.
The B Vitamins: There is a long list of B vitamins, including folic acid, niacin, and B1, 2, 6, and 12. This group helps make energy and move oxygen through the body. Foods high in these vitamins include seafood, fish, meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, peas and beans and whole grains.
Vitamin C: This vitamin helps keep the blood vessels, bones, gums and other body tissues in good shape, and it helps the body heal and fight infection. Foods rich in vitamin C include strawberries, citrus fruits, cabbage, broccoli, sweet red peppers and tomatoes.
Vitamin D: This vitamin keeps the bones strong, including the teeth. When kids are exposed to sunlight, the skin makes vitamin D naturally, but they can also get it through fortified cereal, egg yolks, liver, fish or fortified milk.
Vitamin E: This vitamin protects the tissues and cells from damage and keeps the red blood cells healthy. Those who need vitamin E can eat seeds and nuts, egg yolks, vegetable oils, wheat germ, whole grains and leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin K: Vital when it comes to blood clotting, vitamin K is found in broccoli, soybean oil, dairy products and leafy green vegetables.

How Many of These Vitamins Do They Get from Food?

If your child eats a balanced diet, they should be able to get all the nutrients they need from food. This means that mom and dad should be aware of what they are feeding their kids and what they are snacking on. With a little extra effort, your kids can get all the vitamins they need just during mealtime.

Do Children Need to Take Multivitamins?

A large part of healthy nutrition is a well-balanced diet, and if your child is eating right, there isn’t a need for multivitamins. Still, some parents opt for a supplement just in case. Before you give your child any type of supplement or multivitamin, you should check with a doctor or other medical professional to ensure you are using the best products for the best results.