Many pediatricians recommend giving children a daily multivitamin, especially children who don't eat very much and are picky eaters. Several specific vitamins are important to growth and overall health and most children's vitamins contain 100 percent of the daily recommendations for them. Talk with your child's doctor before giving him any vitamins because some could interfere with medications and some vitamins are toxic in high doses.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays several roles in a child's health. It supports vision, enhances immunity, helps cells grow and develop and keeps skin healthy. Getting adequate doses prevents eye problems, fights illnesses and keeps skin soft and hydrated. In addition to a multivitamin, offer your child foods that contain high amounts of vitamin A. Good choices include, milk, eggs, fortified cereal, carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, cantaloupe, apricots, peaches and mangoes.
Vitamin C
A deficiency in vitamin C could lead to scurvy, especially in babies under age one who only drink cow's milk. However, most children get adequate amounts each day and some get more than the daily recommendations. Vitamin C plays a role in fighting illness, especially the common cold, and many parents load their child up if they act like they may be getting sick, but not much research supports using vitamin C to prevent or reduce symptoms, according to Keep Kids Healthy. It also supports healthy bones and teeth and aids in wound healing. Good food sources to include in your child's diet are berries, kiwi, bell peppers, oranges, spinach and grapefruit.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is manufactured in the body through exposure to sunlight. Children who always wear sunscreen when outdoors are at an increased risk of deficiency. Babies who are exclusively breastfed will likely need a vitamin D supplement. Most children who take a multivitamin get their daily recommended amount from it, but including foods that contain vitamin D help ensure that she is getting optimal amounts. Fortified milk and cereal are good choices, but egg yolks and fish oil are good sources as well.
B Vitamins
Several B vitamins are present in a child's multivitamin, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate. Getting enough of these vitamins helps your child's body use the energy it gets from the food he eats. B vitamins also play a role in a healthy nervous system. Folate is needed to create red blood cells and DNA. Adding fortified bread and cereal, eggs, red meat, chicken, fish, beans, leafy green vegetables and orange juice increases intake. If your child is a vegetarian, talk with his doctor because he is more likely to have a B vitamin deficiency.
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