Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that does not get stored in your child's body. Instead, he needs to get a consistent supply through his diet. It is important to understand how much your child needs for his age and which foods can provide vitamin B-12.
Importance
Vitamin B-12 helps to provide your child with energy. It also contributes to the making of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout her body. If your child is deficient in vitamin B-12, it can result in fatigue, constipation, weakness and weight loss.
Recommended Amount
The amount of vitamin B12 that your child needs depends on his age. From birth to 6 months old, he needs 0.4 mcg a day, an amount that he can receive from breast milk or infant formula. From 7 to 12 months old, he needs 0.5 mcg a day. His need increases to 0.9 mcg from 1 to 3 years old, 1.2 mg from 4 to 8 years old, and 1.8 mcg from 9 to 13 years old. During 14 to 18 years old, his need increases to 2.4 mcg a day.
Sources
Vitamin B-12 is found naturally in fish, poultry, meat, eggs, beans and peas. It is also in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, as well as leafy greens like spinach and kale. Vitamin B-12 may be added to fortified products such as juice, cereal and bread.
Considerations
If your child does not eat a balanced diet, talk to her doctor about a vitamin B-12 supplement. According to Babycenter, she may need extra vitamin B-12 if she follows a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, since many sources of vitamin B-12 are animal foods. Be sure to follow her doctor's instructions regarding supplements and avoid giving her more than the recommended daily amount for her age.
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