Surviving on Planet Earth is not as tricky! All you have to do is breathe fresh air, drink plenty of water, exercise, and eat a balanced diet.
Both adults and children need vitamins as well as other nutrients such as minerals, protein, carbohydrates, etc. These are necessary for proper bodily function, growth, and development. Since children are in a rapid growth phase, deficiency of nutrients like vitamins can cause a range of disorders.
Speaking of kids’ vitamins, here’s an article that discusses why your children might need vitamins.
Children and adults need the same types of vitamins. However, the quantity required differs. Children need a lower amount. The range of necessary vitamins varies with age and sex.
Commonly required vitamins are Vitamin A, D, B, E, K, etc. A properly balanced diet will ensure an adequate quantity of all nutrients, including vitamins.
Do children need supplements?
Almost all common vitamins are available from fruits, vegetables, dairy products, etc. If a child gets proper nutritious food, then they will get the vitamins required for their wellbeing. However, some kids are very picky when it comes to food, and it is very hard to convince them to taste different types of food. These kids may need vitamins to prevent vitamin deficiency and related disorders.
Some children have food allergies, medical conditions that restrict intake of particular food; some follow a vegan diet or are vegetarians. These kids also need to take vitamin supplements. Malnutrition can cause abnormal growth patterns, poor brain development, inability to achieve growth milestones, etc.
How to provide vitamins?
You can give the kids a well-balanced nutritional diet rich in all necessary nutrients. In case you are confused with the diet plan, you can take the help of a health practitioner to give an idea about providing a balanced diet for children.
For exceptional cases where the kids need supplements, a health practitioner can prescribe the type and amount of vitamins required by the child. Always choose vitamins made specifically for children as dosage differs for adults and kids. It is better not to choose the vitamins without the help of a practitioner; picking vitamins for your kids should not end up like grocery shopping, where you end up buying what looks good on-the-go.
A word of caution
When it comes to supplements, there is always the chance of excessive nutrition. Taking vitamins in excess is not suitable for the body. It is especially true for fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K. They are toxic if taken in excess.
Supplements available in the sugary form tastes like candy, and kids tend to overeat them. So, better store them out of children’s reach or make your older children aware of its consequences.
These days kids are aware of the consequences too. All you need to do is educate them about sugary foods and what they can do to them.
To conclude, there is no speck of doubt when it comes to the need for vitamins. All of us have to take vitamins. The quantity and source are messy with children due to different reasons. You have to ensure your child gets vitamins one way or the other.
Vitamin deficiency is a severe problem and is seen in children due to a lack of getting a properly balanced diet. Kids require a balanced diet that consists of good fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, calcium, and iron.
Processed food does not do any benefit to the body. It is another major reason why children may not get enough nutrients.
There are plenty of healthy recipes online. You can try healthy burger and pizza recipes. Instead of using all-purpose flour, use wheat.
Try to serve your kids fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and other dairy products, so that they meet their daily nutritional requirements. Also, remind yourself to eat a balanced diet as strong parents make stronger children.