Vitamins are organic substances that the body needs to support normal growth and development, boost the immune system, and for cells and organs to function properly. This makes vitamins especially important for the physical and mental development of children. The human body needs 13 types of vitamins for proper growth: vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins. Vitamins fall into one of two categories, fat-soluble and water-soluble.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamin C and the B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins. The body cannot store these vitamins and whatever is not absorbed passes through the body. Vitamin C is needed for forming collagen, a tissue that helps to hold cells together. It also aids in the absorption of iron and calcium, essential minerals for a child's growth. The B vitamins play a role in building red blood cells and are necessary for the development and proper function of nerve cells.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, A,D,E, and K, are dissolved in fat and can be stored in the body. Vitamin A promotes healthy vision, a strong immune system and the growth and development of cells. The body needs vitamin D in order to absorb bone-building calcium and vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Finally, vitamin K is used to help blood clotting. Each vitamin has a specific job and any vitamin deficiency can have serious ramifications on both a child's long-term and short-term health and development.
Vitamin Sources
Vitamin deficiencies can be a sign that a child's diet is lacking the proper nutrients as most vitamins can be found in healthy foods. A healthful diet that is rich in nutrient-dense foods, including unrefined carbohydrates and a variety of fruits and vegetables, will typically provide a child with the recommend dosage of vitamins. Dark leafy greens, orange vegetables and fruits, berries, bananas, broccoli and apples are just some of the many fruits and vegetables that are packed with vitamins.
Vitamin Supplements
While vitamin supplements is not a replacement for a healthful diet, they are sometimes necessary. Children with eating disorders or who do not eat regular or well-balanced meals could need a multivitamin to make up for the lack of vitamins in their diets. Other candidates for vitamin supplements are children who have been diagnosed with a failure to thrive, certain chronic deficiency diseases, food allergies, or absorption problems. Children with restrictive diets such as vegetarians and vegans might also consider taking a vitamin supplement.
Overdosing on Vitamins
Parents should consider consulting a doctor before putting their children on vitamin supplements because over-dosing on certain vitamins can be just as dangerous to a child's health as a vitamin deficiency. This is especially true for fat-soluble vitamins because they have the potential to build up in the body's fat cells. Taking too many of certain vitamins can also interfere with certain medical tests and react negatively to certain prescription drugs. If a child needs a vitamin supplement, the child should only take vitamins formulated for their age group.
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