by Penny S Dowell

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: May 14, 2008

A Parent's Guide To Vitamins For Babies and Children

Many of us as adults take our vitamins. Some of us take different vitamins for different reasons. But in the end we all take our vitamins because we know that we are lacking in getting them through the consumption of our food. We also know that if our children aren't getting a well balanced diet, they too will be lacking vitamins that are essential to their growth and maintenance of a healthy body. Vitamins may be even more important to children than adults in regards to their developing bodies. Unfortunately we also know that it can be difficult to get these essential vitamins and minerals into our children through their diet. Many toddlers and children tend to be finicky eaters and many seem to be not too fond of eating their vegetables. Most of our needed vitamins are contained in these vegetables. This can be a problem for these children.

Vitamin deficiencies can be the cause of all sorts of health related issues in children. Vitamins are responsible for the maintenance of bones and connective tissue along with various bodily functions. Calcium and magnesium for example are needed for healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and nerves. Zinc is required for our immune system. And chromium aids in carbohydrate metabolism. These are just a few examples as to why vitamins are important to a child's development. Ideally everyone would eat a well rounded diet, adults and children alike. We would all get the proper amount through eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, dairy, legumes, lean meat, and fish.

So what is our solution if we think that our children aren't getting this variety that they need? And is it safe to give our children vitamins? Well it is safe for children to have vitamin supplements in moderation. Too much can be damaging. This all of the medical professionals are in agreement with. As for guidelines on age appropriateness and recommended dosages, none have been recommended by the (FDA) Food and Drug Administration and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). Currently the FDA does not regulate the vitamin industry. The FDA has however set forth regulations for the food industry to fortify certain childrens foods with vitamins and minerals to ensure that children are receiving proper nutrition. The AAP suggests that currently vitamin and mineral supplements are widely abused by the general public to the point of toxicity.

Before making any decisions on a vitamin regiment for children it would seem that the best solution would be to consult you pediatrician before administering anything. While moderation is said to be completely safe, it may be better to hear the advice of a professional that is aware of your child's individual needs. Other local sources regarding nutrition could be addressed at your local Miami-Dade County Health Dept. (305) 324-2400, Broward County Dietetic Association at PO Box 5925, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310, or Broward County Health Department at www.browardchd.org.

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