There are a lot of different vitamin preparations for children in the pharmacy. There are syrups, tablets, sachets or jelly beans. Their manufacturers outdo each other in ideas on how to encourage young patients to choose their product. As it is commonly known, forcing a child to take something that he does not like is not easy… Therefore, it is worth asking yourself which vitamins to use and choose the best vitamins for children.
Vitamins for children. Why is it worth starting with a change in diet?
Before we start giving vitamins to children, we should realize one thing: the main source of vitamins and minerals should be a properly balanced diet. First of all, it cannot be monotonous and limited to a few products that the child likes. Vitamin supplementation should not be a shortcut and an excuse for a child’s poor diet. It should be remembered that naturally occurring vitamins and minerals in food are usually better absorbed than those in supplements.
Children experiencing growth and development should get vitamins and minerals from a variety of foods to ensure a healthy diet. Here are some important sources of vitamins and minerals that can help provide children with essential nutrients:
Vegetables and fruits: It is recommended to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, as they are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Examples of vegetables and fruits that are worth including in your child’s diet are carrots, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, apples, bananas, strawberries, etc.
Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese are sources of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. These components are important for bone growth and development in children.
Meat and fish: Meat, such as poultry, and fish, such as salmon and tuna, are rich sources of protein, iron, and B vitamins.
Eggs: Eggs are rich in protein, iron, vitamin A and vitamin D. Eating eggs is important for the proper growth and development of the baby.
Cereal products: Whole grain cereal products such as whole grain bread, groats, oatmeal are a great source of fiber, B vitamins, and iron.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds, are rich in omegas, fiber, and vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.
When is it worth implementing vitamin sets for children?
A deficiency of vitamins and minerals in a child is not always associated with too little of them in food. They may result, for example, from impaired absorption of given ingredients in the gastrointestinal tract or food intolerance, or increased demand for a given ingredient in the course of certain diseases. If, despite a proper diet, disturbing symptoms are observed in the child, it may indicate hypovitaminosis. It is then worth going to a pediatrician who will order appropriate tests. On their basis, he will be able to determine the cause and rule out whether the problem is not related to more serious diseases.
Which vitamin preparations to choose? Children’s multivitamin is available in a whole range of forms. There are syrups, drops, effervescent tablets, lozenges, lollipops and jelly beans. It is easy to get lost in it. If a deficiency of a specific ingredient has been found, the doctor can help you choose a preparation. It should be remembered that supplementation of some vitamins will not always help, and sometimes even harm. Therefore, it is not worth taking them in advance or just in case, especially when it comes to a vitamin complex for children. When choosing a preparation, you should be guided primarily by its quality, not its form. The argument that a child is more likely to eat a lollipop or jelly beans should not be conclusive. In addition, you should pay attention to the age of the child. Thanks to this, we will find out, for example, which vitamins for school-age children are the best.
Which vitamins for preschool children?
Vitamin requirements in preschool and school-age children vary, and vitamin requirements change as children grow. Here are some vitamins that are important for children in different age groups.
For preschool children (aged 3-5), it is recommended to provide them with a balanced diet, which contains primarily the following vitamins:
- Vitamin A: essential for vision health and immune function.
- Vitamin C: important for strengthening the immune system and absorbing iron from plant food sources.
- Vitamin D: essential for normal bone development and calcium absorption.
- Vitamin E: helps protect cells from damage and supports immune function.
How to safely give vitamin sets to children?
When it comes to safely giving vitamin supplements to children, there are a few practical tips to follow:
Consult a professional: Before giving any vitamin supplements to your child, it is important to consult with a medical professional, such as a pediatrician or pharmacist.
Follow recommended doses: It is crucial to follow the recommended doses of vitamin supplements, taking into account your child’s age, weight and nutritional needs. Exceeding recommended dosages can lead to potential side effects or toxicity.
Consider natural sources: Before opting for vitamin supplements, try to provide a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense foods. Natural food sources are often better absorbed by the body compared to synthetic supplements.
Read labels carefully: When purchasing vitamin supplements, read labels carefully to make sure the product is suitable for children and to understand the recommended dosage and any warnings or precautions.
Store vitamins in a safe place: Keep vitamin supplements out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Store them in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain their effectiveness.
When choosing a set of vitamins for your child, it is important to remember that artificial vitamins will not replace a well-balanced diet. Often, the best results of improving the child’s immunity and health are achieved by changing the child’s diet and increased physical activity. It is best to check whether the child actually has a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Excess vitamins will not make the child healthier, quite the opposite. Therefore, as with many things, the use of vitamin preparations in children should be approached with common sense