Vitamins Required for Children

Children require nutrients more than anyone else, so that their body can carry out all of the metabolic and growth functions of the tissues, bones and organs. The immune system is the one the most requires strengthening since its is the natural defense against harmful microorganisms which enter the body, such as viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, etc.

Among these nutrients, the vitamins and minerals occupy a special place. Children, as well as adults, need these elements in order to keep the body healthy and full of vitality.

The dosage of these nutrients are different from those for adults since children require more of some vitamins and minerals than others for the growing stage they are in.

Recommended Daily Allowance depending on Age :

Vitamin A - Utilized by the skin, eyes bones, and mucous membranes.Beta carotene is an antioxidant that converts into Vitamin A

RDA

0 to 1 year : 125 I.U./ day
1 to 3 years : 133 I.U
4 to 6 years : 166 I.U.
7 to 10 years : 233 I.U.
11 to adults : F - 266 I.U. ; M - 333 I.U.

Vitamin D - Utilized in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

RDA

0 to 6 months : 300 IU
6 month to 18 years : 1,400 IU

Vitamin E - Antioxidant protects cell membrane and helps metabolize body fat.

RDA

0 to 1 year : 3 to 4 IU
1 to 3 years : 6 IU
4 to 10 years : 7 IU
11 years to adult : F - 8; M - 10 IU

Vitamin K - Helps the coagulation of blood

RDA

0 to 1 year : 5 to 10 mcg.
1 to 3 years : 15 mcg.
4 to 6 years : 20 mcg.
7 to 10 years : 30 mcg.
11 to 14 years : 45 mcg.
15 to 18 years : FM-55 mcg.; M-65 mcg.

Vitamin B1 (thiamin) - Helps in obtaining energy, the nervous system and proper function of the brain and mind.

RDA

0 to 1 year : 0.3 to 0.4 mg.
4 to 6 years : 0.9 mg.
7 to 10 years : 1 mg.
11 to 14 years : F-1.1 mg; M-1.5 mg.
15 to 18 years : F-1.1 mg.; M-1.5 mg.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - Helps in obtaining energy and is utilized by the skin and eyes.

RDA

0 to 1 year : 0.4 to 0.5 mg.
1 to 3 years : 0.8 mg.
4 to 6 years : 1.1 mg.
7 to 10 years : 1.2 mg.
11 to 14 years : F-1.3 mg.; M1.5 mg.
15 to 18 years : F-1.3 mg; M 1.8 mg.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) - Helps in obtaining energy and is good for the skin and nervous system.

RDA

0 to 1 year : 5 to 6 mg.
1 to 3 years : 9 mg.
4 to 6 years : 12 mg.
7 to 10 years : 13 mg.
11 to 14 years : F-15 mg,; M-17 mg.
15 to18 years : F-15 mg.; M-20 mg

B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - Helps in obtaining energy, the control of stress, and the creation of chemical neurotransmitters.

RDA

0 to 1 year : 2 to 3 mg.
1 to 3 years : 3 mg.
4 to 6 years : 3 to 4 mg.
7 to 10years : 4 to 5 mg,
11 to adults : 4 to 7 mg.

Vitamin B6 (pyrodoxine) - Helps in obtaining energy and the metabolism of fats, and in the production of hemoglobin.

RDA

0 to 1 year : 0.3 to 0.6 mg.
1 to 3 years : 1 mg.
4 to 6 years : 1.1 mg.
7 to 10 years : 1.4 mg.
11 to 14 years : F-1.4 mg.; M-1.7 mg.
15 to 18 years : F-1.5 mg.; M-2 mg.

Vitamin B12(cyanocobalamin) -Prevents pernicious anemia; helps keep the nervous system healthy.

RDA

0 to 1 year : 0.3 to 0.5 mcg.
1 to 3 years : 0.7 mcg.
4 to 6 years : 1.0 mcg.
7 to 10 years : 1.4 mcg.
11 years to adult : 2 mcg.

Biotin -Helps in obtaining energy and in the metabolism of amino acids; necessary for the production of healthy hair.

RDA

0 to 1 year : 10 to 15 mcg.
1 to 3 years : 20 mcg.
4 to 6 years : 25 mcg.
7 to 10 years : 30 mcg.
11 years to adult : 30 to 100 mcg.

Folic Acid - Necessary for the formation of red blood cells, helps in the metabolism of fats, amino acids, DNA and RNA

RDA

0 to 1 year : 25 to 35 mcg.
1 to 3 years : 50 mcg.
4 to 6 years : 75 mcg.
7 to 10 years : 100 mcg.
11 to 14 years : 150 mcg.
15 years to adult : F-180 mcg.; M-200mcg.

Vitamin C - Antioxidant; helps in the prevention of cancer; important for the formation of bones and collagen, as well as capillaries and arteries.

RDA