Vitamins for children: why are they needed

The children’s body is in a state of intensive growth and development. Each cell, each tissue, each system of organs requires building materials and regulators for normal functioning. Vitamins, along with minerals and other nutrients, play a key role in this process. They participate in metabolism, support immunity, contribute to the growth of bones and tissues, are necessary for the development of the nervous system and vision. The lack of vitamins, even insignificant, can lead to various disorders, developmental delay and increased susceptibility to diseases.

The role of vitamins in the children’s body: from A to K

Vitamins are divided into two main groups: fat -soluble (A, D, E, K) and water -soluble (group B and C). Each vitamin performs its specific functions, and their deficiency is manifested in different ways.

Vitamin A (retinol): vision, immunity, growth and development

Functions: Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining the health of the eyes, especially in low light conditions. It is necessary for the formation of a rhodopsin, a pigment responsible for night vision. In addition, vitamin A supports the integrity of epithelial tissues lining the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and skin, thereby strengthening the barrier function of the body and increasing resistance to infections. Vitamin and also participates in the growth and development of bones, teeth and immune system. It affects the differentiation of immune cells, such as T-lymphocytes, and enhances their activity in the fight against pathogens.
Sources: Vitamin A is found in animal products, such as liver, egg yolk, dairy products (especially oil and cream). Provitamin A, beta-carotene, is found in vegetables and fruits of orange and yellow, such as carrots, pumpkin, apricots and mangoes. The body can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, but the effectiveness of this process depends on many factors, including health status and the presence of other nutrients.
Deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a worsening vision at dusk (hemellopia or “chicken blindness”), dryness and peeling of the skin, increased susceptibility to infections, deceleration of growth and development. In severe cases, vitamin A deficiency can lead to xerophthalmia (dryness of the cornea) and blindness.
Excess: An overdose of vitamin A can be toxic, especially in children. Symptoms of an excess of vitamin A include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, dry skin and lips, hair loss, bones and joint pain. In severe cases, an excess of vitamin A can lead to damage to the liver and an increase in intracranial pressure. Therefore, it is important to observe the recommended doses of vitamin A and not exceed them without consulting a doctor.

Vitamin D (calciferol): bones, immunity, general health

Functions: Vitamin D plays a key role in the regulation of the exchange of calcium and phosphorus necessary for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth health. It promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestines and prevents its excretion by the kidneys. Vitamin D also plays an important role in the operation of the immune system, modulating the activity of immune cells and increasing their ability to fight infections. In addition, vitamin D is involved in the regulation of cellular growth and differentiation, as well as in maintaining the health of the nervous system and muscles.
Sources: The main source of vitamin D is sunlight. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays in the skin, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized. However, in the winter season, as well as in regions with low solar activity, this source may not be enough. Vitamin D is also contained in some foods such as fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring), egg yolk, liver and enriched products (milk, yogurt, breakfast flakes).
Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency in children can lead to rickets – a disease characterized by a violation of bone formation and skeleton deformation. Symptoms of rickets include softening of the bones of the skull, curvature of the legs, delayed teething, muscle weakness and increased susceptibility to infections. Vitamin D deficiency can also be associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.
Excess: An overdose of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia (an increased level of calcium in the blood), which can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, constipation, abdominal pain, rapid urination and dehydration. In severe cases, hypercalcemia can lead to damage to the kidneys, calcification of soft tissues and cardiac arrhythmias. It is important to observe the recommended doses of vitamin D and not exceed them without consulting a doctor. This is especially important for children, since their body is more sensitive to an excess of vitamin D.

Vitamin E (tocopherol): Antioxidant protection, immunity

Functions: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body cells from damage by free radicals. Free radicals are formed as a result of normal metabolic processes, as well as under the influence of environmental factors, such as air pollution and ultraviolet radiation. Vitamin E also plays an important role in the operation of the immune system, supporting the function of immune cells and increasing their ability to fight infections. In addition, vitamin E is involved in the regulation of blood coagulation and maintaining the health of the skin and hair.
Sources: Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils (sunflower, olive, corn), nuts, seeds, avocados and green leafy vegetables.
Deficiency: Vitamin E deficiency is rare in children who eat various foods. However, it can occur in children with impaired fat absorption, such as cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include muscle weakness, impaired coordination, reduction of vision and neurological problems.
Excess: An overdose of vitamin E is rare, but can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and bleeding.

Vitamin K (Phillokhinon): blood coagulation, bone health

Functions: Vitamin K plays a key role in blood coagulation necessary to stop bleeding. It is involved in the synthesis of blood coagulation factors in the liver. Vitamin K also plays an important role in maintaining bone health, contributing to the formation of bone tissue and preventing osteoporosis.
Sources: Vitamin K is contained in green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, salad), cauliflower, Brussels cabbage, as well as in some vegetable oils. Vitamin K is also synthesized by bacteria in the intestines.
Deficiency: Vitamin K deficiency in newborns can lead to hemorrhagic disease, characterized by increased bleeding. Therefore, newborns usually introduce vitamin K immediately after birth. Vitamin K deficiency in older children is rare, but can occur in case of violation of fatty fat or with prolonged use of antibiotics that suppress the intestinal microflora.
Excess: An overdose of vitamin K is rare and usually does not cause serious side effects.

B vitamins B: energy, nervous system, growth and development

B vitamins are a group of water -soluble vitamins that play an important role in metabolism, nervous system, growth and development.

Vitamin B1 (TIAMIN): It is necessary to turn carbohydrates into energy, important for the work of the nervous system and the heart.
- Sources: Whole grain products, meat, legumes, nuts.
- Deficiency: It can lead to Beri Berie, characterized by neurological disorders, weakness and heart failure.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): It is necessary for the growth, development and functioning of cells, is involved in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
- Sources: Dairy products, meat, eggs, green leafy vegetables.
- Deficiency: It can lead to inflammation of the mucous membranes, jams in the corners of the mouth and skin rashes.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Participates in energy metabolism, necessary for the health of the skin, nervous system and the digestive system.
- Sources: Meat, poultry, fish, mushrooms, legumes.
- Deficiency: It can lead to Pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia.
Vitamin B5 (pantotenic acid): Participates in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, necessary for the synthesis of hormones and cholesterol.
- Sources: Widely distributed in food, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, vegetables and fruits.
- Deficiency: It is rare, but can cause fatigue, headache and irritability.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxin): Participates in protein metabolism, necessary for the formation of hemoglobin and neurotransmitters.
- Sources: Meat, poultry, fish, bananas, avocados, potatoes.
- Deficiency: It can lead to anemia, skin rashes and neurological disorders.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Participates in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, necessary for the health of the skin, hair and nails.
- Sources: Eggs, liver, nuts, seeds, avocados.
- Deficiency: It is rare, but can cause hair loss, skin rashes and neurological disorders.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid): It is necessary for the growth and division of cells, especially important during pregnancy to prevent defects in the nervous tube in the fetus.
- Sources: Green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits.
- Deficiency: It can lead to anemia and defects of the nervous tube in the fetus.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): It is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and maintaining the health of the nervous system.
- Sources: Only animal products, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products. Vegetarians and vegans need to take vitamin B12 additives.
- Deficiency: It can lead to anemia and neurological disorders.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): immunity, antioxidant protection, collagen synthesis

Functions: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body cells from damage by free radicals. It also plays an important role in the operation of the immune system, stimulating the activity of immune cells and enhancing their ability to fight infections. Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, protein, which provides the strength and elasticity of the skin, bones, cartilage and blood vessels. In addition, vitamin C is involved in the assimilation of iron from plant foods.
Sources: Vitamin C is contained in a large number of fruits and vegetables, especially in citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit), berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), kiwi, pepper, broccoli and spinach.
Deficiency: Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy characterized by weakness, fatigue, bleeding gums, teeth loss and slow healing of wounds.
Excess: An overdose of vitamin C usually does not cause serious side effects, but can lead to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Causes of vitamin deficiency in children

The deficiency of vitamins in children can be caused by various factors, including:

Unstable nutrition: Limited consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, meat and dairy products can lead to a deficiency of vitamins. Children who are selective in food or adhere to strict diets are especially at risk.
Distribution of absorption: Some diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, can violate the absorption of vitamins in the intestines.
Taking drugs: Some drugs, such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants, can affect the assimilation and metabolism of vitamins.
Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases, such as liver, kidneys and heart diseases, can increase the need for vitamins or violate their absorption.
Lack of sunlight: Insufficient stay in the sun can lead to a deficiency of vitamin D, especially in the winter season or in regions with low solar activity.
Increased need: During periods of intensive growth and development, as well as during illness, the need for vitamins may increase.

Symptoms of vitamin deficiency in children

Symptoms of vitamin deficiency in children can be diverse and depend on which vitamin is not enough. General symptoms of vitamin deficiency include:

Fatigue and weakness: The child may be sluggish, quickly get tired and not show interest in games and classes.
Reduced appetite: A child can refuse to eat or eat very little.
Delay of growth and development: A child can grow more slowly than peers, and lag behind in physical and mental development.
Increased susceptibility to infections: A child can often suffer from colds and other infections.
Problems with skin, hair and nails: The skin can be dry and peeling, the hair – dim and brittle, nails – weak and layered.
Vision problems: A child can complain of vision of vision at dusk or doubles in the eyes.
Bone pain and muscles: A child can complain about bones, muscles and joints.
Neurological disorders: The child can be irritable, restless, bad to sleep and have problems with concentration.

How to ensure sufficient consumption of vitamins in children

The best way to provide sufficient consumption of vitamins in children is a balanced and diverse diet. The child’s diet should include:

Fruits and vegetables: At least five servings per day.
Whole grain products: Bread, pasta, cereals.
Protein products: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes.
Dairy products: Moloko, yogurt, cheese.

It is important to offer the child a wide selection of products from each group so that he receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

In some cases, vitamin additives may be required. However, before taking vitamin additives, it is necessary to consult a doctor to determine if the child really does not have enough vitamins and what dose he needs to take.

Recommendations for taking vitamin additives:

Vitamin additives should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
Do not exceed the recommended doses of vitamins.
Vitamin additives should not replace a balanced diet.
Vitamin additives should be stored in an inaccessible place for children.

Products enriched with vitamins:

Many foods, such as milk, yogurt, breakfast and juices, are enriched with vitamins and minerals. Enriched products can be a useful addition to the child’s diet, but should not be the only source of vitamins.

The importance of consulting a doctor:

Before taking vitamin additives, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor can determine whether the child really does not have enough vitamins and what dose he needs to take. The independent purpose of vitamin additives can be dangerous to the health of the child.

Vitamins for special groups of children

Some groups of children need additional vitamins. These include:

Premature children: Premature children have an increased need for vitamins and minerals, as they did not manage to get enough nutrients during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding children: Breast milk is perfect food for newborns, but it may not contain a sufficient amount of vitamin D. Therefore, it is recommended that children with vitamin D.
Children who do not consume enough fruits and vegetables: Children who are selective in food or adhere to strict diets may not receive enough vitamins from food. They may take vitamin additives.
Children with chronic diseases: Children with chronic diseases may have an increased need for vitamins or impaired vitamin absorption. They may take vitamin additives.
Children taking drugs: Some drugs can affect the absorption and metabolism of vitamins. Children taking such drugs may require intake of vitamin additives.

Conclusion

Vitamins play an important role in the growth, development and health of children. Providing sufficient consumption of vitamins using a balanced diet and, if necessary, taking vitamin additives, helps children grow healthy and strong. It is important to remember that before taking vitamin additives, you need to consult a doctor.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of vitamins for children, their functions, sources, deficiency symptoms, and recommendations for ensuring adequate intake. It is well-structured, detailed, and provides valuable information for parents and caregivers. The content is SEO-optimized with relevant keywords and phrases related to vitamins for children.