Vitamins are the substances that our body needs to grow and develop normally. They play an important role in keeping our children healthy. Vitamins are essential nutrients for health and fitness, as well as for strong natural resistance against infections and diseases. Vitamins have been broadly divided into Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E as well as Vitamin K. 

Which kids need vitamin supplements?

• kids eating a lot of fast foods
• kids who aren't eating regular, well-balanced meals made from fresh
• active kids who play physically demanding sports
• kids who drink a lot of carbonated sodas

There are six types of vitamins which play a vital role in the growth and development of children. Let’s shed some light on this topic.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is best known for its role in vision. Vitamin A has been called the "anti-infective" vitamin due to its role in supporting the activities of the immune system. It stimulates immune system activities by promoting growth in children. It is also necessary for normal cell growth and development.

Children deficient in this vitamin can suffer from blindness, viral infection and child mortality. Insufficient intake of this vitamin can also result in measles, chicken pox, pneumonia, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Vitamin A can be obtained from milk, eggs, calf liver, carrot, spinach, sweet potatoes, green mustards, apricots, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges etc.

Vitamin B: Vitamin B, a group of eight water soluble vitamins is crucial for cell metabolism and maintaining healthy energy levels in children. Previously B vitamins were considered as a single vitamin, but research has shown that Vitamin B actually consists of eight chemically distinct vitamins that are often found in the same food sources.

In children vitamin B is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. They are involved in energy production and releases when the body needs it.

Children with this vitamin deficiency suffer from anemia, degeneration of nerve fibers, diarrhea, irreversible neurological damage as well as mental instability. They may be at risk of developing abdominal pain, fatigue as well as nausea.

Some common symptoms of vitamin B deficiency in children include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, anemia, anal symptoms, bloody diarrhea, bladder pain, constipation, fatigue, tiredness, fever, vomiting, weight loss etc.

B vitamins are particularly found in meat and meat products such as liver, turkey. Other good sources for B vitamins are  whole grains, potatoes, bananas, lentils, peppers, beans, nutritional yeast, brewer's yeast, and molasses. 

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential in the diet of all children. Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It helps with wound healing and formation of connective tissue. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, also helps maintain healthy gums, helps produce red blood cells and other tissue and aids in the absorption of iron.

Vitamin C deficiency causes Scurvy which leads to impaired collagen synthesis causing poor wound healing and bone abnormalities in children. Vitamin C is found in wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Good sources include:

• Fruits, especially grapefruits, lemons, blackcurrants, oranges and kiwi fruit.
• Vegetables, e.g. broccoli, green peppers tomatoes, cabbage, sprouts and sweet potatoes.
• Fresh milk

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is one of the most useful nutritional tools for improving overall health of children. Vitamin D is very important since it helps children develop strong bones and protects from developing osteoporosis.

Vitamin D functions for children's healthy teeth and bones, prevents loss of bone mass, and cures bone disorders. It plays an important role in brain development and improves a child’s emotional development and gross motor coordination. Proper supplementation of vitamin D keeps children away from dental cavities maintaining oral health.

Lack of vitamin D can cause rickets, respiratory tract infections, heart problems, poor growth, and irritability in children.

Sunlight is the best and the natural available source of vitamin D. Apart from this, fortified foods such as milk, cheese and cereals, salmon, sardines, mackerel, fish liver oils and cat fish are excellent sources of Vitamin D.

Vitamin E: This fat soluble vitamin is an essential nutrient for children. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the cell membrane from damage. It may be effective in protecting children against air pollution and some other toxins and is believed to be a useful supplement for preventing some neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin E may also help protect skin from ultraviolet radiation and sunburns.

Fortunately, vitamin E deficiency is rare in children. Children who are at risk for developing vitamin E deficiency include:

• Children with malabsorption who can't absorb fat soluble vitamins, including children with Crohn's disease and cystic fibrosis.
• Children with abetalipoproteinemia, a rare condition that affects fat soluble vitamins and the transfer proteins that maintain normal vitamin E levels in the blood.

Most of these children can be treated with vitamin E supplements.

Vitamin E is found in almonds, sunflower oil, peanuts, corn oil, broccoli, soybean, tomatoes, mangoes, carrot juice, and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin K: Children need this vitamin for coagulation; simply put to cause the blood to clot. Without this vitamin even small cuts, small injuries can go on bleeding for a long time.

Vitamin K is essential for the functioning of several proteins that are involved in blood clotting. Also, it helps the body to absorb calcium.

Children with this deficiency suffer complications related to increased blood clot and decreased bone density. In children it might also lead to certain abnormalities like flat nasal bridge, short noses and shortened fingers.

Leafy green vegetables, dairy products, like milk and yogurt, broccoli, soybean oil are all rick in Vitamin K.

Children’s Vitamins from Lexor Health

Lexor Health provides nutritional supplements for the overall growth and development of children. Our children’s range of products includes Children’s B complex for healthy heart, energy boost and brain developments.  Children’s D supports strong bones, teeth and aids in calcium absorption.  Baby B’s Infant formula includes all of the essential B vitamins with folic acid, pantothenic acid and biotin for added support for the healthy development and growth of the circulatory system and other critical functions. Lexor Health Child Echinacea/Goldenseal is designed to work synergistically to promote general health and immune system strength for children in their growing years. Echinacea has had wide traditional use for immune system and respiratory function support. Goldenseal supports the strength of the digestive system and the health of mucus membranes.  Child Echinacea and Zinc is formulated with an herbal blend as added protection for childrens health and immune system support.

Visit: http://www.lexorhealth.com/t/health-concerns/childrens-health/