Growing children, especially those who can be fussy with their food, often do not achieve the recommended intake of vitamins. Taking advice from the NHS, we have compiled some advice which will ensure your child is receiving the correct amount of each vitamin to keep them healthy and happy!
Vitamin A
Vitamin A strengthens children’s immune systems, helps their vision in dim light and keeps their skin healthy. Good sources of vitamin A include: dairy products, fortified fat spreads, carrots, sweet potatoes, swede, mangoes, dark green veggies, spinach, cabbage and broccoli. Multivitamin supplements containing Vitamins A and C are recommended for children up to 5 years
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for your child’s health and immunity against contagious bugs. It can also help their body absorb iron. Good sources of Vitamin C include: citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes and peppers. To ensure a sufficient level of Vitamin C is being absorbed every day, it is recommended that supplements are taken alongside a diet of vitamin-rich foods. These are readily available in chemists and supermarkets and come in a variety of child-friendly flavours.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is only 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 for your child is some summer sunlight on the skin. It is important, however, that you keep your child’s skin safe in the sun. Younger children who are not often exposed to sunlight should consider having vitamin drops to obtain enough Vitamin D. However, most children aged five years and above will get enough Vitamin D from sunlight in the summer (late March to the end of September).
To find out more about your child’s vitamin intake, visit NHS Live Well: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/do-i-need-vitamin-supplements/