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What You Need to Know Before You Buy Your Children's VitaminsThis belief is widespread, partly because of the marketing tactics of pharmaceutical companies. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that most children's diets supply sufficient vitamins to meet daily requirements. However, some children may require age-appropriate vitamins. If your child has a nutritionally imbalanced diet, is a vegetarian or a picky eater, consider supplementing his (or her) diet with vitamins. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that breastfed children require 200 IU of Vitamin D through pediatric vitamins daily. The Academy adds that older children who do not consume 500 ml of milk fortified with Vitamin D should also take pediatric vitamins, particularly if their sun exposure is limited. If you are supplementing your child's diet with a children's multivitamin, iron and calcium should be the key ingredients. Most multivitamins for children have the standard vitamins B, C, E and so on, but look specifically for iron and calcium. Children require iron to prevent anemia. Which children are at the highest risk of developing anemia? Babies who do not receive iron after the age of six months, infants on formula that is low in iron, and those that drink either goats or cow's milk. Babies can receive iron fortification through age group-specific cereal, or formulas that are high in iron. Teenage girls are also at risk of developing anemia following the onset of menstruation. Calcium is essential for healthy teeth and bones. Children whose diet is rich in dairy products receive adequate amounts of calcium. If your child is allergic to milk or refuses to drink it, supplementation may be necessary. Children's vitamins are a handy way of providing supplementation. You can also try calcium-fortified orange juice. Choose vitamins that contain about 200 mg of calcium. Children's vitamins are colorful and available in various shapes, which make them fun to eat. You should find them easily at the supermarket or local health food store. Also Read: |