Needs of vitamins for toddlers aged 2

Taking vitamins is often a solution to boost immunity, both children under five and adults. Not only in supplement form, the main source of vitamins is actually in healthy food and drinks. So, how much vitamin is needed for toddlers?

Why are vitamins so important for toddlers?

In the same way, the human body is like a powerful machine capable of doing everything on its own and independently. However, vitamins are needed as assistance when the body lacks something to survive bacteria and disease.

Quoting from the Kids Health page, toddlers' bodies can get the vitamins they need through food. The more variety of food that is consumed, the more diverse the vitamin content is obtained.

In fact, if your little one gets enough vitamins from their daily diet, they don't need additional vitamins in the form of supplements.

However, there are several conditions that make toddlers need to take supplements, namely:

• Toddlers do not get a balanced nutrition from the food they eat.
• Your little one tends to have difficulty eating.
• Children with certain chronic conditions, such as asthma and digestive problems
• Toddlers who are accustomed to eating fast food and processed.
• Vegetarian children who need iron supplements.
• Toddlers drink too much soda which makes the body release vitamins and minerals from the body.

If you want to provide additional vitamin supplements for toddlers, be sure to consult your doctor first. This is important so as not to affect the health condition of your little one.

How many vitamins are needed for toddlers?

There are many types of vitamins that the body needs. Even though the benefits are many, it does not mean that you have to consume large amounts.

There is a serving of vitamins for toddlers so that their health is not disturbed. The following is the recommended dosage of vitamins based on the 2013 Adequacy Rate (RDA):

Toddlers aged 1-3 years

• Vitamin A: 400 mcg
• Vitamin B1: 0.6 mg
• Vitamin B2: 0.7 mg
• Vitamin B3: 6 mg
• Vitamin B4 (choline): 200 mg
• Vitamin B5: 2 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.5 mg
• Vitamin B7 (biotin): 8 mcg
• Vitamin B9: 160 mcg
• Vitamin B12: 0.9 mcg
• Vitamin C: 40 mg
• Vitamin D: 15 mcg
• Vitamin E: 6 mg
• Vitamin K: 15 mcg

Toddlers aged 4-6 years

• Vitamin A: 450 mcg
• Vitamin B1: 0.8 mg
• Vitamin B2: 1 mg
• Vitamin B3: 9 mg
• Vitamin B4 (choline): 250 mg
• Vitamin B5: 2 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.6 mg
• Vitamin B7 (biotin): 12 mcg
• Vitamin B9: 200 mcg
• Vitamin B12: 1.2 mcg
• Vitamin C: 40 mg
• Vitamin D: 15 mcg
• Vitamin E: 7 mg
• Vitamin K: 20 mcg

When you are recommended by a doctor to give vitamins to toddlers, be sure to look at the nutritional adequacy number on the label on the supplement product.

Then match the list above so that your little one's vitamin intake is right for his age.

Types of vitamins needed for toddlers aged 2-5 years

The vitamins previously described are classified into two different groups of vitamins, namely water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins. What is that?

Water soluble vitamins

Vitamins that fall into this group are vitamin B and vitamin C. Why do vitamins need to be dissolved in the body?

The reason is, if the vitamins are not dissolved, they will be wasted because they cannot be used by the body. The benefit you feel will not be the same for different solvents.

The water-soluble vitamin group is a type of vitamin that is processed more easily in the body. This is because the body will immediately absorb vitamins B and C into the bloodstream. After that, this vitamin will immediately circulate freely in the blood.

In addition to easier dissolution, water soluble vitamin groups are also easily excreted by the body through filtering in the kidneys. Furthermore, the kidneys will channel the excess vitamin residue into the urine.

There are several types of foods that contain vitamin B and vitamin C, namely:

Food contains B vitamins

Kids Health said that B vitamins are important for the metabolism of children under five so that they provide the energy needed by the body.

The B group vitamins can increase red blood cells that carry oxygen in the blood. This is what makes B vitamins have such an important task.

The following types of foods are rich in B vitamins:

• Fish and seafood
• Meat
• Egg
• Milk and processed products
• Green leafy vegetables
• Nuts

Provide an appropriate portion of food and mix it into one menu that can attract children's appetites and meet vitamin needs for toddlers.

Food contains vitamin C.

Vitamin C acts as a barrier to infection in the body. In addition, vitamin C also keeps body tissues such as gums, bones and blood vessels in good condition. In fact, vitamin C also helps the wound healing process in toddlers.

Here are some lists of foods that contain vitamin C:

• Citrus fruit groups such as oranges and lemons
• Strawberry
• Tomato
• Broccoli
• Kiwi
• Sawi

For fruit, you can give it as a snack or snack for toddlers to stay healthy.

Fat soluble vitamins

This group of vitamins consists of vitamins A, D, E, and K. The system works, after entering into digestion, these vitamins will enter the lymphatic system, then will flow through the blood.

Why are they called fat soluble vitamins? The reason is, if the fat in the toddler's body is lacking, the absorption of these vitamins will be disturbed.

After the vitamins are absorbed in the body, the next stage is the storage of vitamins in fat cells and liver. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are stored for a long time because they act as supplies for use when the body needs them.

Since fat soluble vitamins are stored for a long time in the body, when toddlers consume many types of this vitamin group, they can accumulate and harm the body.

If someone has excess vitamin A, for example, it can cause headaches, nausea, stomach pain, and vision problems.

Several types of foods that contain vitamins A, D, E, and K are:

Food contains vitamin A.

As it is known that vitamin A plays an important role in vision. In fact, it helps you and your little one see colors, from the brightest yellow to the very dark purple. Vitamin A is also able to fight infection and boost the immune system of toddlers.

Foods that contain vitamin A are:

• Orange fruits and vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe)
• Milk
• Dark green leafy vegetables (kale, celery, spinach, mustard greens)

Adjust all the menus above to the liking of your little one. Serve small portions if you want to introduce a new type of food.

Food contains vitamin D.

Vitamin D plays an important role in the strength of bones and teeth, including for toddlers. Usually vitamin D duet with the mineral type calcium to increase bone strength in children and adults. In addition, vitamin D also makes skin brighter and healthier.

Foods that contain vitamin D are:

• Milk
• Fish
• Egg yolk
• Chicken and beef liver
• Cereals

Food contains vitamin E.

Everyone needs vitamin E, not only adults but also children under five. Vitamin E plays a role in preventing cell damage from occurring. The following foods are rich in vitamin E.

• Wheat
• Green leafy vegetables
• Vegetable oils (canola, olive, and sunflower)
• Egg yolk
• Seeds and nuts

Foods containing vitamin K

Vitamin K plays an important role in the blood clotting process. When the intake is sufficient, recovery when the skin is injured goes faster. Vitamin K also helps in stopping bleeding. The following are foods rich in vitamin K:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Broccoli
• Soybean oil
• Dairy products (cheese and yogurt)

So that your little one wants to consume a variety of food and drink sources of vitamins, create a food menu every day. That way, the needs of vitamins for toddlers can be met.

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