- Normal growth of the body
- Healthy eyes
- Healthy skin
- Repair of bones
- Immune system support
Let’s grasp some tips on vitamins and minerals that may promote the health of your child.
Top Vitamins Needed by A Child’s Body
- Vitamin A – Enhances normal growth and development of your child. It also promotes bone and tissue repair, healthy eyes, and strong immune system. Good sources of vitamin A include:
- Chees
- Milk
- Eggs
- Carrots
- Yams
- Vitamin Bs – Vitamin B such as B2, B3, and B12 enhance metabolism, healthy circulatory and nervous systems, and suitable energy production. Foods rich in vitamin Bs include:
- Chicken
- Fish
- Eggs
- Soybeans
- Beans
- Milk
- Vitamin C – Promotes healthy connective tissues, skin and muscles. Foods rich in vitamin C include:
- Strawberries
- Citrus fruits such as oranges
- Tomatoes
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- Spinach
- Vitamin D – Enhances tooth and bone formation of a child. It helps their body to absorb calcium. Foods rich in vitamin D include:
- Milk
- Fatty fish
- Eggs
- Liver
top Minerals for Your Child’s Needs
- Calcium – Enhances building of strong bones and teeth as your child grows. Foods rich in calcium include:
- Milk
- Spinach
- Oranges
- Guavas
- Cabbage
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- Bony fish
- Cheese
- Omena
- Iron – Promotes building of muscles and is important for healthy blood cells. Foods rich in iron include:
- Spinach
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- Beans
- Red meat
- Eggs
- Sweet potatoes
- Whole grain breads
- Soy milk
- Dried fruit
Before 6 months, your baby may get most of these nutrients from colostrum then breast milk and its supplements from formula. After this period, you may need to feed him on both solid foods and formula.
What if My Child Is Vegetarian?
Children born in vegetarian homes can equally get proper nutrition by ensuring that your baby’s diet is iron-rich. Also, ensure that fortified minerals in packaged products are plant-based.
Can I Give Supplements to My Baby?
Doctors may recommend mineral and multivitamin supplements for:
- Children who do not regularly eat well-balanced meals from whole foods
- Children who have low appetite
- Children with chronic health conditions such as digestive problems
- Children who eat a lot of snacks and processed foods
- Children who drink a lot of carbonated sodas
Pros and Cons of Supplements
The sweet taste of gummy supplements makes children excited, ultimately increasing their usage. Note that they also come in a variety of brands and flavours, which allows for your child’s preference.
On the other hand, their similarity to sweets may make your child to overuse them. The sugar added in the supplements may be harmful to your child’s teeth.
Disclaimers:
Please note that development differs from one child to another. Content intended for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for medical advice from your doctor.
Be careful when using any products mentioned on this website. We hold no regulations for such products or their providers.
Last reviewed January 2019
Sources: kidspot, secondopinionmagazine, webmd
