Growing children, especially those who do not eat a varied diet, sometimes don't get enough vitamin A and C. It is also difficult to get enough vitamin D through food alone.
For this reason, the Department of Health recommends that all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day.
Recommendations
Having too much of some vitamins can be harmful. Keep to the dose recommended on the label and be careful not to give your child two supplements at the same time.
For example, don't give them cod liver oil and multi-vitamin drops, as cod liver oil also contains vitamins A and D. One supplement on its own is enough.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is found in few foods, such as oily fish and eggs. It is also added to some foods, such as fat spreads and breakfast cereals.
The best source of vitamin D is summer sunlight on our skin. But it's important to keep your child's skin safe in the sun.
Young children should still have vitamin supplements, even if they do get out in the sun. Children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10µg of vitamin D.
Breast-feeding, formula & vitamins
It is also recommended that babies who are being breastfed are given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth, whether the mother is taking a supplement containing vitamin D or not.
The Department of Health recommends that:
- Babies from birth to 1 year of age who are being breastfed should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms (µg) of vitamin D to make sure they get enough. This is whether the mother is taking a supplement containing vitamin D herself or not
- Babies fed infant formula should not be given vitamin supplements if they are having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, as infant formula is fortified with vitamins A, C, D and other nutrients.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for babies and young children, and some may not be getting enough.
Vitamin A strengthens the immune system, can help their vision in dim light and keeps the skin healthy.
Good sources of vitamin A include:
- Dairy products
- Fortified fat spreads
- Carrots, sweet potatoes, swede and mangoes
- Dark green vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage and broccoli
Vitamin supplements containing vitamins A and C are recommended for babies and children aged 6 months to 5 years old, unless they're getting more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for your child's general health and immune system. It can also help their body to absorb iron.
Good sources of vitamin C include:
- Oranges
- Kiwis
- Strawberries
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
Pop in to your local CarePlus Pharmacy and ask our friendly Pharmacist about Vitabiotics Wellbaby and Wellkid multi-vitamins.
Wellbaby Multi-vitamin Liquid is ideal for babies and infants from 6 months to 4 years to provide:
- A carefully balanced, comprehensive range of 14 essential vitamins and minerals to support a time of rapid growth and development
- Includes vitamins A, C and D which contribute to normal immune function
Wellkid Soft Pastilles are a source of 11 important nutrients including:
- Vital vitamins and natural flaxseed oil
- Includes vitamin D which contributes to the normal growth and development of bones in children
- Available in delicious strawberry or orange flavours
Information from NHS and Vitabiotics
