The Need For Multivitamins in Toddlers
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Do 15-month-old children need multivitamins? Opinions are divided on the topic. Even if you ensure your little one has a balanced diet, doubts may creep in. Is she getting all the vitamins she needs? If you need clarity, learn more on the multivitamin issue here.
Making the decision to give your child a multivitamin or not should be your choice. If you feel your toddler is getting the best possible nutrients from the food she eats, she doesn’t need them. However, if you do plan to give her multivitamins, consider consulting a child nutritionist before taking the final call.
The Benefits of Multivitamins for Toddlers
- Your child might not be eating entirely healthily, despite your best efforts. In this case, a multivitamin taken daily can bridge the nutrition gaps.
- If your toddler is on a restricted diet, a multivitamin boost could do her good. The same applies if she’s lactose-intolerant, wherein a calcium vitamin can be a substitute.
- Kids on a vegan diet could also benefit from vitamins D and B 12, as well as iron and calcium.
What Makes a Good Multivitamin?
A good multivitamin is one that meets the needs of your child. If it fails to bridge the nutrition gap, even the best vitamins for toddlers serve no purpose at all. Here are some things to consider when choosing a multivitamin:
- Opt for a vitamin that’s specifically meant for children. This will ensure that your child gets her requirement of nutrients. Liquid multivitamins for toddlers can be easier to consume.
- Don’t overdo it with vitamins. Give your toddler the recommended dose only.
- In a bid to make vitamins ‘appealing’, do not call it ‘candy’. This could have a reverse effect where your little one might want more of it. Disguising it as a treat could be potentially dangerous.
- Store the bottle in a place that’s out of your toddler’s reach. Make sure she doesn’t get her hands on the bottle.
- Depend less on multivitamins and more on vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains.
The Downside of Multivitamins
A vitamin supplement may seem like a great idea, but it could make you dependent on it and potentially lead to neglect as far as taking care of your toddler’s nutritional needs. There are some parents who let vitamins do the job that good food should be doing. Supplements should never become a crutch. The body absorbs nutrients better from food as compared to vitamins. If you depend heavily on them, you need to rethink your kid’s eating plan. Always remember, sometimes even organic multivitamins for toddlers need to be limited.
If you feel that your child isn’t getting the right amounts of minerals and vitamins, consult her doctor. In some cases, he may prescribe multivitamins for toddlers to increase appetite. However, exercise caution and don’t rely solely on a medicine prescription. Try to incorporate healthier foods in her diet, prepared in different ways so they appeal to her.
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