The Best Vitamin for Children

Vitamins are essential substances that are needed for the body to function properly. Be it adults or children, a vitamin deficiency may lead to chronic diseases. Moreover vitamins are responsible for healthy vision. They aid the development of bones and brain tissue, fight infections and help heal wounds, among along with many other functions.

Types

• According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, a child should get all the vitamins he needs if he eats the foods outlined on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Guide Pyramid provides. However, junk foods and dietary habits form a potential challenge. The most important vitamins for children are Vitamin A, Vitamin C and vitamin D.

Functions

• Vitamin A has an important role in vision, protects skin, hair, digestive and urinary tracts from infection. It strengthens the immune system and prevents viral infections. Vitamin C is important for normal growth and development in children. It is water soluble and is not stored in the body, so it has to be regularly consumed . Calcium and Vitamin D are also essential element for the growth of bones in the body. A deficiency in any one may be fatal for children.

Sources

• Some vitamin rich foods include citrus foods, strawberries, tomatoes, turnip greens, broccoli, red peppers and papaya, dairy products, yogurt and collard greens. Sunshine causes the body to produce vitamin D, a vital key to the growth of strong bones and brain tissue.

Dosage

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 400 IU of vitamin D for infants, children and adolescents. Vitamin A dosage should range from 1,000 IU to 1,320 IU for children aged 1 to 8 years. For Vitamin C, the US Dietary Reference Intakes for children, recommend the following daily amounts:0-6 months: 40 mg, 7-12 months: 50mg, 1-3 years: 15 mg and 4-8 years: 25 mg.

Warning

• Excess vitamin A intake may be toxic, so it is better to take amounts recommended by a doctor if supplements are needed. Often people are allergic to vitamin C, a condition that may lead to acidity or abdominal pain. Some children are lactose intolerant,which means they will react badly to milk.