Your kids need nutrients in their diet just like adults. Vitamin B-12 is one of the essential vitamins that they need. If they do not consume enough, they can develop health problems such as anemia and problems with their nervous system. The daily B-12 intake for kids is less than it is for adults and the best way to get it is to eat a balanced diet.
B-12 Intake
The current recommended dietary allowance or RDA is 1.8 mcg per day for kids aged nine to 13. The younger the child, the lower the intake. Infants need 0.4 to 0.5 mcg per day, kids aged one to three need 1.9 mcg and kids aged four to eight need 1.2 mcg per day according to Oregon State University. Adolescents require 2.4 mcg per day, which is the same RDA for adults.
Sources
To achieve the daily RDA intake, kids should eat foods that are high in the B vitamins, such as fish, poultry, meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables, beans, peas and dairy products. In addition, some cereals and breads contain fortified B vitamins. Specific foods that are high in B-12 include salmon, roasted turkey, roasted chicken, eggs, clams, cooked beef and milk. These foods should be included in your child's balanced diet.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet provides the body with the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients to grow and repair your child's cells, tissues and organs. A balanced diet is important for kids, because it helps support the growth and development of the body. Foods that are included in a balanced diet include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, water, dairy products and lean meats. Foods that are not considered part of a balanced diet include processed foods, fast foods and foods that are high in saturated or trans fat.
Considerations
B-12 is important in red blood cell formation, in DNA production and in the function of the nervous system. If you want your kids to be healthy, give them the essential vitamins and minerals that they require each day. A balanced diet is the best way to ensure that they get the proper daily intake of vitamin B-12. If you think that your child is not getting enough B-12, consider a daily multivitamin designed for kids.
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