Do kids really need vitamins?

Read on to know if children should be fed vitamins to improve their growth and development!

As children grow, their nutritional requirements also increase. These additional nutritional requirements should be met by feeding them a balanced meal. The nutritional requirements of children vary upon their activity level, age, gender, and growth pattern.

Children between the age group of 2 to 8 years require between 1000 to 1400 calories every day and those between 9 to 13 years need between 1400 to 2600 calories each day. Apart from this, their requirements for vitamins and minerals also varies as the age progresses.

Few nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, are required in a higher quantity to provide for the build-up of strong bones and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate are required for the brain development.

This brings us to an important discussion, whether the kids need vitamin supplements or not. Kids who eat a balanced and healthy meal do not need vitamin supplements but infants who have a high nutritional requirement may be supplemented with vitamin D.

This means kids should be encouraged to eat a variety of grains, dairy, fruits, vegetable, and nuts to meet their daily nutritional requirements. Some kids may be given vitamin and mineral supplements if they

Eat a vegan or vegetarian diet, Underwent stomach or intestinal surgery, Are picky eaters, Have certain conditions such as cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, cancer, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).

For this, it is important to consult a physician so that you can supplement your child with the appropriate vitamin and mineral and in the correct dose.