subject: Chewable Multivitamins For Kids Help Combat Vitamin Deficiencies [print this page] In 2012, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published its 2nd Nutrition Report, a "comprehensive biochemical assessment of the nutrition status of the US population". The study showed that while efforts to fortify foods with folate and vitamins A and E had resulted in the general population getting enough of these nutrients, most American children are still not getting enough of some other nutrients, including the B vitamins, vitamin D, and iron. Chewable multivitamins for kids are a great way to ensure that your child is getting her recommended daily intake of all the nutrients she needs to enjoy good health and avoid illness.
The Health Risks of B-6 Deficiency In Childhood
Vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, is needed for proper functioning of the nervous system, protein metabolism and red blood cell production. The recent CDC nutrition report showed that many Americans over one year of age were deficient in B-6, with 10.5% of the entire population affected. Some symptoms of vitamin B-6 deficiency include skin inflammation, convulsions, mood disorders, and impaired cognitive function. As vitamin B-6 plays an important role in red blood cell production, B-6 deficient can also contribute to anemia. The recommendation dose in chewable multivitamins for kids is 1 mg per day.
Deficiency Of The Sunshine Vitamin Is Still Too Common
With as much as 70% of the US population possibly deficient in vitamin D, most pediatricians recommend supplementation for both children and adults. Vitamin D assists with calcium absorption and is also crucial for regulation of normal body functions and a healthy immune system. Because it is difficult to get enough of this nutrient from food sources and adequate sun exposure year-round can be a challenge, a multivitamin can ensure that your child gets the recommended daily intake. Pediatricians recommend that children get 400 IU each day; for children with darker skin or who live in less sunny climates, a higher dose may be necessary. Adequate intake of this important nutrient can prevent bone-related illnesses including rickets.
Iron Deficiency Affects Nearly 7% Of Children
Despite efforts to fortify cereals and breads with iron, 6.7% of American kids between the ages of 1 and 5 are still iron-deficient, with 9.5% of females over age 12 lacking adequate iron. When they don't get enough of this mineral, kids may struggle at school as concentration and memory function is affected and energy levels are low. For girls, getting enough iron is important to avoid anemia, especially in adolescence. Chewable multivitamins for kids should have between 7 and 10 mg for children aged 1 to 10. This amount should increase to 8 to 11 mg for boys between 10 and 18, and 8 to 15 mg for girls aged 10 to 18.
Consult A Pediatrician To Ensure That Your Child Is Getting Adequate Nutrition
While trends in health and nutrition can be useful indicators when treated as general guidelines, it is always best to consult with your child's pediatrician to ensure that specific nutritional needs are being met. Age, gender and race can make a difference in the recommended dosages of nutrients, with some ethnicities tending toward deficiencies in some nutrients; for example, the CDC 2012 nutrition report showed a much higher vitamin D deficiency among non-Hispanic blacks). If you would like a closer look at the CDC 2012 nutrition report,
by: IronKids
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