Government health guidance in the UK says that children aged 6 months to 5 years should be given vitamin supplements in the form of drops to boost their levels of vitamins A, C and D. We look at why.
Vitamin D
This is a difficult vitamin to get from food alone and in the winter the UK doesn’t usually get enough sunlight to cover our needs. Using sun cream and covering up in the summer also prevents us from storing vitamin D which means many people are deficient. Vitamin D deficiency affects bone development, causing problems such as rickets.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for a strong immune system, healthy skin and vision. It’s found in dairy products, carrots (so they really do help you see in the dark), sweet potato, swede, mango and dark green vegetables like broccoli and spinach. If you have or care for a fussy eater, or notice that your child is often poorly, then a vitamin supplement might help.
Vitamin C
A bit of a wonder-vitamin, getting enough vitamin C is important for general good health, boosting your immune system and helping the body absorb iron. It’s mostly found in fresh fruit and veg, which is why sailors used to get a vitamin C deficiency disease called scurvy. Most people know that oranges are a great source of vitamin C but there are also high levels in kiwi, tomatoes and peppers.
A vitamin supplement should never replace a healthy, balanced diet which contains lots of fruit and veg, but it can give children the extra boost they need if they aren’t meeting their daily requirements from diet alone. Supplements come in many forms, as syrups and as chewy sweets. Your Health Visitor or pharmacist will be able to advise which supplements are best for your child.