It is highly important for all children to get adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals for growth and development. However, most children can get what they need from a proper and nutritious diet. Children need many of the same vitamins and minerals as adults, just in smaller quantities. Since many children are picky eaters, they will need vitamin and mineral supplementation to make up for poor diets. There are three vitamins and minerals that are especially important: Iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
Iron
Iron deficiency is a worldwide problem. Iron is needed to produce red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Children and male adolescents need between 7 and 11 mg of iron a day, while adolescent girls need about 15 mg of iron a day, according to Kids Health. Children who don't get enough iron can become anemic. Also, milk can deplete iron absorption, so children may be at risk if they drink excess cow's milk. Meat is a good source of easily digestible iron. Leafy green vegetables are rich in iron, as are iron-fortified cereals. If further supplementation is needed, most vitamin pills contain iron.
Calcium
Calcium is an important mineral for children because it promotes bone growth. Calcium is also important in the blood and in hormone regulation. For this reason it is essential that children get enough calcium. Calcium needs grow drastically as children age, starting around 500 mg a day in younger children and 1,300 mg a day for teens. Calcium is found in milk and many other drinks that are calcium-fortified, such as orange juice. Infants under the age of 1 shouldn't have milk products, as they may be lactose intolerant and should drink full fat milk from the age of 1 to 2. Calcium supplementation can be accomplished with multi-vitamins.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for many developmental processes. Vitamin D is needed to properly process calcium in the body. Vitamin D deficiency can cause ricketts and approximately 200 to 400 IU of vitamin D is needed daily. Milk can be fortified with vitamin D, and vitamin D is absorbed through the skin, making sunlight a great source. Children with darker skin are at a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency. Supplementation is necessary only if children don't drink vitamin D fortified milk or formula or aren't exposed to sunlight.
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