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Vitamins for the Toddler Stage

Parents and caretakers of toddlers can easily tell you how difficult it can be to coax picky little ones into eating nutrient-packed meals. Toddlers, children ages 1 to 3, are always on the move and begin to develop strong opinions about what they like to do and eat. They need lots of energy--and the correct amount of vitamins and minerals--to grow strong and healthy, but their stomachs can't hold high volumes. Therefore, focusing on the most critical nutrients can be a good strategy. Some of the most important vitamins for toddlers are vitamins A, C, D and the B complex, according to HealthyVitaminChoice.com.

Vitamins are not minerals, and both are essential for good health. Be sure to research appropriate mineral levels for your toddler, as well. Supplements may be necessary, especially for finicky eaters. Talk to your pediatrician and research choices well.

  1. Vitamin A

    • Vitamin A can be found in yellow and orange fruit, and vegetables, (such as peppers, tomatoes, mango, and apricots), dairy products, dark green vegetables, and liver. This vitamin is important for healthy skin, eyesight, cell development and for boosting immunity, according to HealthyVitaminChoice.com.

      According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin A for children ages 1 to 1 is 300?g per day, with an upper limit of 600?g. The standard measurement for vitamin A is \"?g,\" and it will be listed as such on vitamin supplements and nutrition labels.

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin that cannot be stored in the body, and so needs to be replenished from outside sources on a regular basis, according to the USDA. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, berries, fruit juice, potatoes and vegetables, provided the vegetables are not cooked until very soft.

      HealthyVitaminChoice.com states that this vitamin is important for healthy bones, tissue growth, immune system function and helping to wounds heal. According to the USDA, the RDA of vitamin C for children ages 1 to 3 is 15mg per day, with an upper limit of 400mg.

    Vitamin D

    • One amazing trait of the human body is that it can synthesize its own vitamin D. Sunlight on the skin will give the body what it needs to produce this essential vitamin. However, this can be difficult if your child's skin must be covered to prevent sunburn, or in the winter when children are not outside as often and when they are, they're bundled up. Look for vitamin D-fortified products (such as milk, cheese and yogurt), and oily fish (such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines).

      Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth and is necessary for kidney function. It is also paramount in the absorption and metabolism of calcium and magnesium, for the absorption of zinc, iron, phosphorous and other minerals, and for the assimilation of vitamin A, reports HealthyVitaminChoice.com.

      The USDA RDA for vitamin D for toddlers is 5?g per day, with an upper limit of 50?g.

    B complex

    • Once thought to be a single vitamin, the B complex is a group of water-soluble vitamins known as B1(thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine group), B7 (biotin), B9(folic acid) and B12 (cobalamins). B vitamins--especially the essential B6--can be found in avocados, bananas, fish, liver, wheat bran, cantaloupe, cabbage, milk, eggs and fortified grains, according to HealthyVitaminChoice.com.

      B6 is particularly important for the toddler stage because it is necessary for the production of red blood cells and antibodies (essential for the immune system), the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats, the synthesis of nucleic acid, and to absorb zinc and B12.

      The USDA RDA for the B vitamins are as follows: B1 (thiamine) has an RDA of 0.5mg and an upper limit that is not established. B2 (riboflavin) has an RDA of 0.5mg and an upper limit that has not been established. B3 (niacin) has an RDA of 6mg and an upper limit of 10mg. B5 (pantothenic acid) has an RDA of 2mg and an upper limit that has not been established. B6 (pyridoxine group)has an RDA of 0.5mg and an upper limit of 30 mg. B7 (biotin) has an RDA of 8?g and no established upper limit. B9 (folic acid) has an RDA of 150?g and an upper limit of 300?g. B12 (cobalamins) has an RDA of 0.9?g and no established upper limit.

      When a vitamin's upper limits have not been established, it is best to limit intake to food sources.

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