Children need all vitamins, which are classified as essential nutrients, to stay healthy. Vitamins A and C have no special risk factors for children above any other vitamin. Both vitamin A and vitamin C can cause health problems if a child has a deficiency of the vitamin or if he takes an excessive amount. Always discuss vitamin supplementation with your child's medical practitioner before giving her supplements of any type, including vitamin A or C.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency, while not usually a problem in the United States, is a leading cause of blindness in children in developing countries, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states. This type of blindness, called xeropthalmia, causes the cornea, the dome-shaped covering over the eye and conjunctiva, the lining of the eyeball and lower eyelid, to dry out. Drying increases the risks of corneal erosion, which can lead to blindness. Younger children have more severe effects of vitamin A deficiency; 50 percent of young children with severe vitamin A deficiency die, Merck reports.
Vitamin A Overdose
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it can be stored in the body. Accidental overdose in children by ingesting a large quantity of vitamin A at one time can cause a rise in intracranial pressure, headache, rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and drowsiness. Vitamin A overdose requires immediate medical attention. Chronic overdose can cause itching, loss of appetite, failure to thrive and joint pain in children. Skin may become dry and rough, and skin may turn coarse and thin. Eyebrows may fall out. Severe headache and generalized weakness may also occur.
Vitamin C Deficiency
Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, can't be stored in the body, so your child needs vitamin C every day. Sings of deficiency include dry hair and skin, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, anemia, swollen joints and decreased ability to fight infection. Scurvy, severe vitamin C deficiency, can occur in children. All fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, so eating a balanced diet supplies adequate vitamin C.
Vitamin C Overdose
Because vitamin C isn't stored in your child's body, overdose rarely occurs except in an accidental poisoning. Symptoms include diarrhea and stomach disturbances.
Member Comments