Vitamins will play a key role in the growth and development of babies. In the first years of life, the baby's body will grow quite quickly and requires many nutrients to strengthen the immune system, develop a good bone system and ensure proper functioning of the body.
In the next article we are going to talk to you about What are the essential vitamins for babies? and all its benefits and properties.
The importance of vitamins for babies
Vitamins are a type of nutrient that the body is not able to produce in sufficient quantities, so it is essential to obtain them through food or through supplements. In the case of babies, the needs regarding vitamins They are specific and will depend on factors such as breastfeeding, complementary feeding and pediatric recommendations.
What are the essential vitamins for babies?
Vitamin A
This type of vitamin is essential for strengthening eye health, the immune system and for achieving good cell development. Vitamin A is found in foods such as mother's milk, carrots or liver. If a baby has a deficiency or lack of vitamin A, he or she may have serious vision problems and be at greater risk of various infections.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is key for good calcium absorption and optimal bone development. This type of vitamin is found mainly in sunlight, breast milk and infant formulas. If the baby does not get enough vitamin D, he or she may develop serious problems in the skeletal system and suffer from disorders such as rickets, which causes weakness in the bones.
Vitamin C:
There are many benefits of vitamin C: it is a magnificent antioxidant, helps strengthen the immune system and allows better absorption of iron. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and in vegetables such as broccoli or red pepper. A significant deficiency of vitamin C can cause the baby to suffer from a disease such as scurvy, which directly affects the body's tissues.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for good bone development and for blood clotting. It is found in green leafy vegetables, breast milk and vegetable oils. If the baby is deficient in vitamin K, he or she may suffer problems related to blood clotting.
Vitamin B12
Vitamins in the B12 complex are key to good neurological development and the formation of red blood cells. This type of vitamin is found in meat, eggs and dairy products. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to to serious delays in the baby's development and problems as serious as anemia.
Vitamin supplements in babies
Vitamin supplementation in babies It will depend on different factors: health status, diet and pediatric recommendations.
- In the case of babies who are breastfed, it is recommended Vitamin D supplementation, because mother's milk does not contain large amounts of this type of vitamin.
- Babies who are fed with formula milk They do not usually need any type of supplement, since the vast majority of these products already come fortified with essential vitamins.
- In the event that the mother continues a vegan or vegetarian diet, the baby may need a vitamin B12 supplement.
Some recommendations for achieving good nutrition in babies
- It is advisable to maintain breastfeeding until 6 months of age, since this milk will provide most of the essential nutrients to the baby.
- Moderate sun exposure is recommended as it contains high doses of vitamin D.
- From 6 months of age, it is recommended to introduce foods rich in vitamins as is the case with fruits and vegetables.
- Before administering any type of supplement to the baby, it is advisable go to the pediatrician to receive good advice.
In short, there is no doubt that vitamins will play a key role in the growth and development of babies. It is therefore very important to ensure that they are ingested through breast milk, food and supplementation if necessary. It is also important to consult the pediatrician regularly, in order to ensure that the baby receives all the essential nutrients needed for optimal development.