Vitamins are essential organic substances required for proper growth, maintenance and functioning of children's body functions. These vitamins are not synthesized by the body; they rather come through various food sources. If growing children are fussy about their foods, then it is essential to feed them with vitamin supplements to make a strong nutritional base.
Vitamin requirements for children vary depending on children's age, gender, level of physical activity, lifestyle, body size and physical health. The estimate of an average requirement for a vitamin is known as Estimated Average Requirement (EAR).
During the life cycle of childhood, starting from neonate to infant, infant to kids and kids to childhood, vitamin requirements keep on changing. Neonates and infants up to 6 months show rapid growth and development. They consume mother's milk and hence require less vitamin and iron content from outside sources. Requirement for protein, thiamin, niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, zinc and sodium increases in kids between 6-12 months.
Further, at the age of 1-3 years children are more active and growing rapidly. Hence, they require more vitamins for regulating the normal functions and fueling energy. Vitamin D is not required so much at this stage because it can be synthesized by sunlight exposure in the skin. The synthesized amount of Vitamin D is enough at this age. Other vitamins requirements are increased tremendously. The best way to enhance the nutritional base is to feed children with whole milk.
Requirement of vitamins keep on increasing as children grow from 1-3 and then 4-6 years of age. At this age, children don't need much of Vitamin C and Vitamin D. the main source of Vitamin D at this age group is the exposure to sunlight. Furthermore, the requirements keep on increasing with the further growth and development of children at the age of 7-10 years. After the age of 11, the vitamin requirements for both boys and girls start to differ. Girls at the age of 11 do not require any increase in vitamin requirement but requires more of iron. Boys at the age of 11 require a 50% increase of all essential nutrients.
With recommended vitamin requirements, children are sure to grow up with healthy body and mind.