Children need vitamins and minerals to grow and develop, but in general it’s best to get them from food rather than supplements.
Many parents consider giving “extra” vitamins to be safe. But with young children, too much of certain vitamins or minerals can be harmful, and in some cases may be more problematic than getting too little. That’s why it’s best not to give supplements (other than vitamin D when recommended) unless your child’s pediatrician advises it.
Vitamin D
In U.S. guidance, vitamin D needs are age-based:
- Babies under 12 months: 400 IU/day
- Children 12–24 months: 600 IU/day
Breast milk usually does not provide enough vitamin D on its own, so breastfed and partially breastfed infants typically need a vitamin D supplement starting in the first days of life. Some children may be at higher risk of low vitamin D, including children with darker skin pigmentation, limited sun exposure, or diets that include little vitamin D–fortified food or fish. If you’re unsure whether your child is meeting vitamin D needs, ask your pediatrician what’s appropriate for your child.
Iron
Iron is a nutrient that many infants and toddlers don’t get enough of—especially after about 6 months of age, when iron needs increase and babies begin eating more solid foods. Offering iron-rich foods regularly is important.
Iron-rich options include:
- Meat (especially beef) and poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and tofu
- Iron-fortified infant cereals and other iron-fortified foods
Plant-based (non-heme) iron is absorbed less efficiently than iron from animal foods, but absorption improves when iron-rich foods are eaten with foods high in vitamin C (like fruit or vegetables).
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