Vitamins And Minerals For The Growth And Development Of The Little One

In order for the growth and development process of the Little One to be optimal, they should obtain a balancedtinymce nutritional intake. Other than primary nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, the consumption of vitamins and minerals also play a role in the growth and development process of the Little One. However, a majority of children generally dislike vegetables and fruits, even though these two food groups are natural sources of vitamins and minerals.

So, does the Little One require additional vitamins and minerals? Actually, if their daily eating pattern is already complete and balanced, they do not require additional vitamin and mineral supplementations. Nevertheless, there are some categories of children who require additional supplements to optimize their growth and development process, such as:

1. Children with eating difficulties, those who do not eat regularly, and picky eaters
2. Children who are ill or in the recovery period
3. Children with certain medical conditions, such as digestion problems, allergies, and so on
4. Children who are highly active in various activities, such as sports
5. Children who undergo a specific diet, such as a vegetarian diet, a lactose-free diet, and so on

To optimize the growth and development of the Little One, parents can provide additional vitamin and mineral intake from supplements or cereals and milk that have been fortified with complete vitamins and minerals without forgetting the primary source from their daily dietary intake.

What types of vitamins and minerals are important for the growth and development of the Little One?

Vitamin A

Plays an important role in maintaining eye, hair, nail, and skin health. Also supports bone growth and protects the body from various diseases. Vitamin A can be obtained from cheese, eggs, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, red peppers, mangoes, and broccoli.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B consists of various types, such as B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12. It is present in soy beans, rice, nuts, meat, chicken, milk, eggs, and fish. To assist in the growth and development of the child, vitamin B plays a role in metabolism, energy production, and the health of the nervous system.

Vitamin C

Functions to assist the production of red blood cells, bone, and tissue. Vitamin C also maintains gum health and blood vessel strength. In addition, Vitamin C also helps to boost the immune system of the body so that the Little One does not easily fall sick and ensure that the growth and development of the child is optimized. Vitamin C can be obtained from oranges, strawberries, guavas, papayas, mangoes, kiwi, tomatoes, and broccoli.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is very important for bone and teeth growth, and assists in the absorption of calcium. Sources of vitamin D include milk and its derivative products, such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter. Vitamin D can also be obtained from eggs, salmon, tuna, and fish oil. Other than that, sunlight can also assist in the formation of vitamin D.

Vitamin E

In assisting the growth and development process of the Little One, vitamin E can limit the production of free radicals that destroy cells. This nutrient is also important for immunity and DNA repair. Vitamin E can be obtained from nuts, kiwi, broccoli, sunflower seed oil, canola oil, soy bean oil, and spinach.

Calcium

Calcium plays an active role in supporting the growth and development process of the Little One. This mineral plays an important role in bone and teeth development, maintains nerve and muscle health, assists the blood clotting process, as well as assists the body to convert food into energy. Sources of calcium are similar to that of vitamin D, which includes milk and its derivative products, such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter, as well as tofu and spinach.

Iron

Assists the process of muscle formation and is required in the production of healthy red blood cells. Sources of iron include red meat, turkey meat, spinach, nuts, and prunes.