Vitamin that kids really need on daily basis

 

An estimated 81% of children ages 2-8 don’t get enough vitamin D in their diet (needed for a strong and healthy immune system), 65% aren’t receiving enough vitamin E (to scavenge free radicals), and 23% are low in calcium ( for healthy bones). A good multivitamin can bridge this nutritional gap. Here are 7 essential vitamins for kids. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies across the world. In infants alone, prevalence rates of vitamin D deficiency range from 2.7 to 45 percent. Optimal levels of Vitamin D are crucial for immune health and strong bones. The amount depends on your child’s age. I recommend that children between the ages of 1 and 3 get 250 IUs daily. Children older than four should take 500 IUs of vitamin D. 

A high-quality multivitamin will pair this nutrient with vitamin K2 to ensure calcium gets safely into your child’s bones rather than in their arteries. 

Only a few foods contain high levels of vitamin D. Foods with vitamin D include salmon, egg yolks, fresh tuna, and mushrooms. Cereals, milk, and juices have a lot of vitamin D. However, processed foods contain toxic ingredients and artificial flavors. 

If your child is picky about what they eat, as most are, salmon, tuna and mushrooms are probably not pleasant to their taste buds. This is where giving your child a high-quality gummy multivitamin ensures your child gets optimal amounts of vitamin D. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another common deficiency in children. This essential multivitamin for kids  is a highly effective free radical scavenger. Optimal amounts of vitamin E in your child’s diet support your body’s natural detoxification processes. Vitamin E reduces oxidative stress caused by free radicals from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the environment in which we live. The optimal amounts of vitamin E I recommend are 16.8 mg for children 1 to 3 and 33.5 mg for children four and older.  

Plenty of nutritious foods contain high amounts of vitamin E, including beets, leafy greens, pumpkin, nuts, mango, kiwi, and avocado. Getting kids to eat those foods might be difficult, as beets and kiwi aren’t very pleasing to a child’s taste buds. Many nutrition vitamin E foods are not very pleasant tasting to a child, yet this is another reason why kids should take vitamins. 

Calcium

You likely know calcium gives you and your child strong bones and teeth. While 80% of children between the ages of 1 and 2 receive adequate amounts of calcium, the number falls to 60% by ages three. As your child gets older, the less likely they are getting optimal amounts of calcium. 

Children between the ages of 1 and 3 should get 25 mg of calcium daily, while the optimal level of calcium for children over four is 50 mg. A high-quality kid’s vitamin should provide these amounts of calcium. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is so essential for children to develop healthy skin and eyes. This nutrient also supports the development of a child’s immune system and bones. Vitamin A deficiency is very prevalent in children. This can happen due to low amounts of vitamin A in breast milk during breastfeeding and low amounts of vitamin A in a child’s diet.

Children between the ages of 1 and 3 should get 300 mcg of vitamin A daily, while the optimal level for children over four is 600 mcg. Fifty percent of vitamin A should be sourced from beta-carotene to support eye health. The other 50% should be in the form of retinyl palmitate to promote healthy skin.  

There are many delicious foods containing vitamin A that your children will enjoy, such as cantaloupe, oranges, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are also great foods for vitamin A. You’ll probably have better luck getting them to eat cantaloupe. 

B Vitamins 

B vitamins support energy levels, brain development, a strong immune system, and your child’s emotional well-being. There are eight B vitamins: Thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9) and cobalamin (B12). Optimal levels vary between each B vitamin and the age of your child. 

A high-quality vitamin should offer B vitamins in optimal levels, yet also in a methylated form. B Vitamins in a methylated form make them easier to absorb and safe if your child has MTHFR mutations.

Plenty of foods have an abundance of B vitamins in them, yet not at optimal levels. Foods containing high amounts of B vitamins include salmon, leafy greens, eggs, grass-fed beef, and free-range chicken. 

Vitamin C 

In the intricate tapestry of your child's development, few nutrients play a role as pivotal as vitamin C—a veritable powerhouse that not only champions the fortification of their immune system but also orchestrates the symphony of muscle growth and the flourishing embrace of connective tissues for robust, radiant skin. Picture vitamin C as the guardian of vitality, an immune system booster that stands sentinel during those crucial early years, shielding your child from the relentless barrage of frequent illnesses with unwavering strength.

Optimal amounts of vitamin C are 250 mg for children older than four years of age and 125 mg for children between the ages of 1 and 3. 

Other foods with high levels of vitamin C include berries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. 

Iron

Anemia is a common health problem in children. The most common cause of anemia in children is not getting enough iron from their diet. This is primarily due to a lack of varied, nutrient-dense diets; diets containing large amounts of milk (a poor source of iron); and an increasing number of autoimmune illnesses affecting nutrient absorption (such as Crohn’s disease).

Iron is so crucial for your child’s development. It promotes the growth of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that lets red blood cells carry oxygen to other cells in the body. Iron is also essential for healthy red blood cells, muscle growth, energy levels, and mood stability. Despite iron-fortified cereals and wheat products, iron is still a common deficiency among children in the United States.