When it comes to giving your children vitamins, you might ask yourself, what vitamins do kids need the most? While this question might be more easily answered when the individual needs of your child are considered, but overall, there are some vitamins that most pediatricians agree that promote healthy bones, skin, and growth.

The Most Important Vitamins Kids Need

Calcium

Calcium is an essential building block for bones and teeth. It enables our blood to clot, our heart to beat, and muscles to contract. 99% of the essential mineral is in our bones and teeth. Even though calcium is important, our bodies can't produce it on our own. We need to receive our calcium from foods like calcium-rich foods like dairy products, salmon, and dark leafy vegetables.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D combines with calcium to build strong bones. If children become vitamin D deficient, calcium absorption decreases, resulting in the body taking stored calcium from the bones and teeth. Health professionals recommend that breastfeeding mothers supplement with vitamin D. Your body makes vitamin D by sitting in the sun, but for children, this has the risk of sunburn, so a supplement like a chewy multivitamin or vitamin D drops are safer.

Iron

Iron helps support red blood cells transporting oxygen throughout the body. Kids need about 7-11 milligrams (mg) of iron per day, and this goes up as they grow into adolescents. Red meats are a high source of iron, but for those who prefer a plant-based diet for their children, dark leafy vegetables like spinach or kale provide an excellent source of iron.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an important vitamin for metabolism, energy, and a healthy heart and nervous system. Most B12 comes from an animal-based diet of meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Or look for vitamin B fortified foods. Sometimes the label will say cyanocobalamin, the active form of B12.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is vital for the body's immune system. It strengthens blood vessels and keeps them flowing well and clear from toxins. Good sources of this essential vitamin are vegetable oils, such as sunflower and safflower oils. You can also find high vitamin E levels in nuts and seeds. Give your child almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds for a burst of protective vitamin E.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that can't be produced by the body. It used to build a healthy immune system and fight against disease. It also helps create collagen, which is a crucial component for tissue building, and healing wounds. Vitamin C has also been used to alleviate depression. Some research shows it may prevent the development of some cancers. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin for both adults and children.

When it comes to choosing the right multivitamin for your child, choose one with high-quality ingredients, you know they need, from a brand you trust. If you have a child who dislikes swallowing capsules or needs a little nudge taking a vitamin, try an easy to chew and enjoy, chewable multivitamin.