Vitamins for children: contraindications and side effects
I. General information about vitamins and their roles in the children’s body
Vitamins are organic compounds necessary for the normal growth, development and functioning of the child’s body. They are not produced by the body in sufficient quantities (with the exception of vitamin D, which is synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight, and vitamin K produced by intestinal microflora), therefore, they should come with food or in the form of vitamin preparations.
The role of vitamins in the children’s body is multifaceted:
- Growth and development: Vitamins are involved in the formation of bones, teeth, muscles, nervous system and other tissues and organs.
- Immunity: Many vitamins (for example, vitamins A, C, D, E) play an important role in maintaining the immune system, protecting the body from infections.
- Metabolism: Vitamins are cofactors of enzymes involved in metabolic processes, such as carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.
- Energy: Vitamins help transform food into the energy necessary for the activity and growth of the child.
- Vision: Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining normal vision, especially at twilight.
- Nervous system: B vitamins are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, including the transmission of nerve impulses and the formation of the myelin membrane of the nerve fibers.
- Steaming: Vitamins B12 and folic acid are necessary for the formation of red blood cells and the prevention of anemia.
II. Classification of vitamins
Vitamins are divided into two main groups: fat -soluble and water -soluble.
- Fatable vitamins (A, D, E, K): These vitamins dissolve in fats and accumulate in the body, mainly in the liver and adipose tissue. An excess of fat -soluble vitamins can lead to hypervitaminosis. They are better absorbed when consuming with food containing fats.
- Water -soluble vitamins (B vitamins B, vitamin C): These vitamins dissolve in water and do not accumulate in the body in significant quantities. Excess water -soluble vitamins are excreted in the urine. The deficiency of water -soluble vitamins can develop faster than the deficiency of fat -soluble.
III. Indications for the use of vitamins in children
Vitamin preparations can be recommended to children in the following cases:
- Unstable nutrition: If the child does not receive a sufficient amount of vitamins with food due to a limited diet, food allergies, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or other factors.
- Nedness: Premature children often have an increased need for vitamins and minerals.
- Chronic diseases: Some chronic diseases may disrupt the absorption of or absorption of vitamins.
- Taking some drugs: Some drugs can affect the level of vitamins in the body.
- Expense growth periods: In periods of rapid growth, for example, in infancy and adolescence, the need for vitamins increases.
- Seasonal factors: In winter, when the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables decreases, vitamin D. may be recommended.
- Vegetarianism or veganism: Children who adhere to a vegetarian or vegan diet may need an additional technique of vitamin B12, iron, zinc and calcium.
- Increased physical or mental stress: During periods of intensive sports or studying, the need for some vitamins may increase.
- Scarce conditions confirmed by laboratory analyzes: If certain vitamins are detected on the basis of the results of blood tests, appropriate vitamin therapy may be prescribed.
- Prevention of rickets (vitamin D): Vitamin D is necessary for the normal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is important for the formation of bones and teeth. Preventive intake of vitamin D is recommended to all children, especially in the first year of life.
IV. Contraindications to the use of vitamins in children
Despite the benefits of vitamins, in some cases their use is contraindicated:
- Individual intolerance (allergies): Hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to any of the components of the vitamin preparation is an absolute contraindication to its use. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, urticaria, Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic shock.
- Hypervitaminosis: An excess of certain vitamins in the body (for example, vitamins A, D, E) can lead to toxic effects. Signs of hypervitaminosis depend on a specific vitamin.
- Some kidney diseases: In case of serious impaired renal function, such as renal failure, taking some vitamins (especially vitamin D) can be contraindicated or demanded, as the kidneys play an important role in metabolism and the removal of vitamins.
- Hypercalcemia: An increased level of calcium in the blood is a contraindication to vitamin D, since vitamin D helps to absorb calcium.
- Thyrotoxicosis: With increased thyroid function (thyrotoxicosis), drugs containing iodine should be used with caution, since iodine can stimulate the production of thyroid hormones.
- Sarcoidosis: With sarcoidosis, a disease characterized by granulomas in various organs, sensitivity to vitamin D may increase, therefore its use requires caution.
- Age restrictions: Some vitamin preparations are not intended for children of a certain age. It is important to carefully read the instructions for use and follow the doctor’s recommendations.
- Joint use with some drugs: Some vitamins can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. It is necessary to consult a doctor about the compatibility of vitamin preparations with other drugs that the child takes.
- Violation of the metabolism of copper or iron: In some genetic diseases associated with impaired copper metabolism (for example, Wilson-Konovalov’s disease) or iron (for example, hemochromatosis), taking vitamin preparations containing these trace elements may be contraindicated.
- Acute inflammatory diseases: During acute inflammatory diseases accompanied by high temperature, vitamin preparations should be used with caution, as they can enhance the inflammatory process.
V. Side effects of vitamins in children
When using vitamin preparations in children, side effects may occur, although they are relatively rare. Side effects can be associated with an overdose, individual intolerance or interaction with other drugs.
- Allergic reactions: The most common side effects of vitamins are allergic reactions that can manifest in the form of a skin rash, itching, urticaria, Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic shock. If signs of allergies appear, it is necessary to immediately stop taking the vitamin drug and consult a doctor.
- Digestive disorders: Some vitamins can cause digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or abdominal pain. These side effects often occur when taking high doses of vitamins.
- Headache: In rare cases, taking vitamin preparations can cause headache.
- Sleep disorders: Some vitamins (especially B vitamins) can have a stimulating effect on the nervous system and cause sleep disturbances.
- Change of urine color: When taking some vitamins (for example, vitamin B2), a change in urine color may be observed. This is not a dangerous side effect and usually takes place after the cessation of taking a vitamin drug.
- Hypervitaminosis: An overdose of fat -soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) can lead to hypervitaminosis, which is manifested by various symptoms depending on a particular vitamin.
- Hypervitaminosis A: It can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bone pain and joints, skin rash, hair loss, increased liver and spleen.
- Hypervitaminosis D: It can lead to hypercalcemia, which is manifested by nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, headache, thirst, frequent urination, pain in bones and muscles, calcium deposit in soft tissues and kidneys.
- Hypervitaminosis is: It is rare, but can cause nausea, diarrhea, weakness, headache and blood coagulation.
- Hypervitaminosis K: It is extremely rare, but can cause hemolytic anemia and jaundice in newborns.
- Specific side effects:
- Vitamin C: When taking high doses can cause diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and kidney stones.
- B vitamins B: They can cause allergic reactions, headache, nausea and sleep disturbance. Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) in high doses can cause redness of the skin, itching and a feeling of heat.
- Iron: It can cause constipation, nausea, abdominal pain and a change in the color of the stool.
VI. Special instructions and precautions
When using vitamin preparations in children, the following precautions must be observed:
- Consultation with a doctor: Before taking any vitamin preparations, it is necessary to consult a doctor, especially if the child has any chronic diseases, allergies or he takes other drugs. The doctor will determine the need to accept vitamins, select the optimal dosage and form of release, taking into account the individual characteristics of the child.
- Strictly compliance with the dosage: It is important to strictly observe the recommended dosage of the vitamin drug specified in the instructions for use or prescribed by a doctor. Exceeding the dosage can lead to hypervitaminosis and side effects.
- The choice of quality drugs: You should choose vitamin preparations from well -known and reliable manufacturers who have a good reputation and have passed the necessary quality control.
- Proper storage: Vitamin preparations must be stored in an inaccessible place for children, in accordance with the instructions for use. It is important to monitor the expiration date of the drug.
- Observation of the condition of the child: During taking vitamin preparations, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the child and pay attention to any changes in his behavior, appetite, dream or appearance. When any side effects appear, it is necessary to immediately stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.
- Taking into account the child: Vitamin preparations should not replace full and balanced nutrition. It is important to strive to ensure that the child receives the necessary vitamins and minerals with food.
- Prevention of interaction with drugs: It is necessary to inform the doctor about all the drugs that the child takes to avoid undesirable interactions with vitamin preparations.
- Caution with allergies: If the child has an allergy to any products or substances, it is necessary to carefully study the composition of the vitamin preparation and make sure that there are no allergens in it.
- Do not give vitamins “just in case”: Vitamin preparations should not be given to the child “just in case”, without consulting a doctor and without obvious evidence. The uncontrolled technique of vitamins can be harmful to health.
- Features of the use of vitamin D: Vitamin D is a fat -soluble vitamin that accumulates in the body. Therefore, it is important not to exceed the recommended dosage, especially with prolonged use. In breastfeeding children, an additional intake of vitamin D may be required, since in breast milk its content may be insufficient.
- Features of the use of vitamin K: Vitamin K is necessary for normal blood coagulation. Vitamin K is usually administered to newborns immediately after birth to prevent hemorrhagic disease.
VII. Vitamins and minerals requiring special attention
Some vitamins and minerals are especially important for children’s health, and their deficiency can lead to serious consequences.
- Vitamin D: It is necessary for normal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is important for the formation of bones and teeth. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children.
- Vitamin A: It is important for vision, immunity, growth and development. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to vision of vision, increased susceptibility to infections and growth retardation.
- Vitamin C: He plays an important role in the immunity, the formation of collagen and the assimilation of iron. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy.
- B vitamins B: It is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, metabolism and hematopoiesis. B vitamins deficiency can lead to various neurological and hematological disorders.
- Iron: It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, which transfers oxygen in the blood. Iron deficiency can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
- Calcium: It is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth, as well as for the normal functioning of the muscles and the nervous system. Calcium deficiency can lead to rickets and osteoporosis.
- Zinc: It is important for immunity, growth and development. Zinc deficiency can lead to growth retardation, increased susceptibility to infections and skin problems.
- Iodine: It is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency can lead to a delay in mental and physical development.
VIII. Conclusion.
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