Q.How young can children start consuming vitamins? what should parents consider giving?
Answered by, Sue Hui San, Pharmacist specialising in Paediatric, University Malaya Medical Centre
I personally believe that food is the best source of nutrients. A balanced diet is of utmost importance for children to obtain the vital building blocks for growth. As parents, we should understand each vitamin before supplementing children with vitamins.
We must also be cautious about the recommended daily requirements and allowances (RDA) as children of different age group and physiological states have different RDA for each vitamin1.
I will focus on vitamins essential for children of growing age which are Vitamin A, C and D; and also mention about important minerals such as Iron, Calcium and Omega-3 fatty acids2. The reason that they are of particular importance is as follows:
- Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin and is important for healthy skin, eyes, normal growth and development. It is also essential to aid tissue and bone repair.
- Vitamin C is the body’s tool for healing and fighting off infection.
- Vitamin D is important for bone growth and assists with the absorption of calcium. It is recommended that babies who are being breastfed are given a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU daily from birth to one year of age3. However, this is not applicable to babies who are formula fed as the milk formula is already fortified with vitamin D. Children aged one to four years old should be given a daily supplement containing 600 IU vitamin D4.
- Iron contributes to the production of blood and the building of muscles. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption but children who drink large volumes of milk may have a reduced appetite for other foods and this may lead to iron deficiency.
- Calcium is important for the development and maintenance of healthy bone and teeth.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain development and function.
Studies suggest that parents should consider waiting until a child is at least four years old to start giving a multivitamin supplement. However, one pill does not fit all. Therefore, it is always wise to approach your healthcare professional if you have any questions regarding vitamins.
References: Sethuraman, U. (2006). Vitamins. Pediatrics in Review, 27(2),44–55.
- WebMD on Vitamins for Kids: Do Healthy Kids Need Supplements? From webpage: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/guide/vitamins-for-kids-do-healthy-kids-need-vitamins#1
- NHS: Your Pregnancy and Baby from webpage: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/vitamins-for-children/
- Wagner, C. L., & Greer, F. R. (2008). Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents. PEDIATRICS, 122(5), 1142–1152. doi:10.1542/peds.2008-1862
- Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc: a Report of the Panel on Micronutrients. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2001.
