Vitamins are essential nutrients that are required in small amounts to enable various functions in the body. Children need vitamins for growth, development, and normal functioning of their body. Some of the uses of vitamins are listed below
VITAMIN A – Normal vision and immunity
B COMPLEX – Helps in various chemical reactions that help to convert food to energy
VITAMIN B12 – Helps in normal functioning of the brain and nerves
VITAMIN C – Helps in body repair, wound healing, immunity and maintenance of bone and teeth
VITAMIN D – Helps in absorption of calcium and building bones
VITAMIN E – It is an antioxidant and helps in cell repair
VITAMIN K – Helps in blood clotting
Vitamins are essential nutrients that cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through the diet. It is crucial for children of all ages to have a sufficient intake of vitamins, with newborns and infants requiring them in particular due to their rapid growth. Even older children may need additional vitamin intake during times of illness or deficiency. Adolescents also require adequate vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B12, which they may lack due to poor dietary habits and consumption of junk foods. This is especially important during the period of increased growth in adolescence.
What is the importance of minerals for my child’s health?
Minerals are essential chemical elements that play a vital role in maintaining good health and various bodily functions. Calcium, for instance, is necessary for the formation of bone and teeth, as well as the contraction of all muscles including the heart. It also facilitates blood clotting and the transmission of electrical and chemical messages to cells throughout the body. Phosphorus and magnesium are also crucial for maintaining strong bones and are essential for the proper functioning of cells.
Sodium, potassium, and chloride are referred to as electrolytes because they transmit small electrical currents generated by nerves and muscles. Additionally, sodium helps regulate blood pressure and water balance in the body. Iron is vital for the formation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all parts of the body. It also plays a role in immunity and is a component of many enzymes that facilitate various chemical reactions in the body.
Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which are essential for the developing brain of infants and young children. These hormones influence many parts of the body and are vital throughout life. Zinc is important for growth and immunity, while fluorine plays a critical role in maintaining healthy teeth and bones.
Do I need vitamin and mineral supplements for my child?
While consuming a balanced diet should provide a child with all the necessary vitamins and minerals, this is not always the case. In the general population, many children do not consume enough vitamin A and suffer from its deficiency. Children, who are severely undernourished, have measles, have long-standing diarrhea or problems absorbing food, long-standing liver disease, or eye complaints that suggest vitamin A deficiency should receive vitamin A supplements.
Since young babies are growing rapidly and cannot rely solely on sunlight and dietary sources to meet their requirements, vitamin D supplements are recommended for infants. In older children, the need for supplements may vary and must be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Children who have a diet lacking in iron may require iron supplements. Adolescent girls may also need them. Additionally, undernourished children or those who have suffered from a diarrheal illness may require zinc supplements.
It is important to consult a Pediatrician, Dr. Sushma, on an individual basis to determine whether a child needs supplements. While supplements are not necessary for an otherwise healthy child, they are not appetite stimulants and should not be used as such.
What are the myths associated with vitamins and minerals ?
Certain complaints in children can be attributed to deficiencies in specific vitamins or minerals. However, it is essential to note that in the absence of a deficiency, supplementing that vitamin or mineral may not help with the complaint. For instance, iron deficiency may contribute to learning difficulties or a poor appetite, but in the absence of deficiency, iron or any other vitamin or mineral does not improve memory, intelligence, or appetite.
It is also important to note that above normal levels of vitamins and minerals do not provide any additional advantages or boost immunity. Many of the claimed benefits of vitamin D, such as improvements in asthma, are still unproven. Aches and pains in children can be due to various reasons, and vitamin D is not a solution for all of them.
Certain complaints in children can be attributed to deficiencies in specific vitamins or minerals. However, it is essential to note that in the absence of a deficiency, supplementing that vitamin or mineral may not help with the complaint. For instance, iron deficiency may contribute to learning difficulties or a poor appetite, but in the absence of deficiency, iron or any other vitamin or mineral does not improve memory, intelligence, or appetite.
It is also important to note that above normal levels of vitamins and minerals do not provide any additional advantages or boost immunity. Many of the claimed benefits of vitamin D, such as improvements in asthma, are still unproven. Aches and pains in children can be due to various reasons, and vitamin D is not a solution for all of them.