04/08/2020
Given the reality of time-crunched parents, those well-rounded, home-cooked meals aren't always possible. That's why pediatricians may recommend a daily multivitamin or mineral supplement.
In the alphabet soup of vitamins and minerals, a few stand out as critical for growing kids.
Vitamin A promotes normal growth and development; tissue and bone repair; and healthy skin, eyes, and immune responses. Good sources include milk, cheese, eggs, and yellow-to-orange vegetables like carrots, yams, and squash.
Calcium
"Calcium is the essential building block of bones and teeth," says peadiatricians and nutritionists.The more bone your child builds now, the more reserves she'll have when bone lossbegins in later years.
Who Needs It and How Much:
Ages 1-3: 700 milligrams (mg) of calciumdaily.
Ages 4-8: 1,000 mg daily.
Ages 9-18: 1,300 mg daily.
B12 and Other B Vitamins
The B vitamins are important for metabolism, energy, and a healthy heart and nervous system. One of the most important B vitamins is B12.
Who Needs It and How Much:
Recommended intake is measured in micrograms:
Babies: about 0.5 micrograms daily.
Toddlers: 0.9 micrograms daily.
Ages 4-8: 1.2 micrograms daily.
Ages 9-13: 1.8 micrograms daily.
Teens: 2.4 micrograms daily (2.6 micrograms for pregnant teens).
Iron builds muscle and is essential to healthy red blood cells. Iron deficiency is a risk in adolescence, especially for girls once they begin to menstruate. Good sources include beef and other red meats, turkey, pork, spinach, beans, and prunes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D works with calcium to build strong bones. It may also help protect against chronic disease later in life.
Who Needs It and How Much:
Babies and children should get at least 400 IU of vitamin D daily, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfed babies need vitamin D supplement drops until they are weaned and are getting at least 32 ounces of vitamin D fortified infant formula or milk.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E strengthens the body's immune system. It also helps keep blood vessels clear and flowing well.