Getting your child to eat balanced meals every day can be a little difficult. There are concerns about children being picky eaters, parents having busy schedules, and limited food variety.
Many Nigerian parents worry: “Is my child getting enough nutrients?”
Children need a constant supply of essential nutrients during their developmental stage to grow strong bones, build immunity, promote brain development, and stay active and focused at school.
Nutritional supplements can help ensure their intake of essential nutrients needed for development and well-being. The NHS recommends that all children aged six months to five years take daily supplements containing vitamins A, C, and D.
Here we’ll break down the key vitamins and minerals your child needs daily and how you can make sure your child isn’t missing out, especially if you’re raising a picky eater.
What Vitamins Do Children Need Daily?
Children require specific vitamins and minerals to support their rapid growth and development.
The most important ones include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-complex (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Folate), Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps maintain healthy eyes, skin, and strengthens the immune system. They can be gotten naturally from carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs, fortified cereals, and leafy greens. Insufficient supply of Vitamin A can lead to poor night vision, dry skin, and frequent infections.
Vitamin B-Complex
This group includes vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 (folate), and B12. They’re essential for energy production, brain function, and healthy red blood cells. They can be gotten naturally from whole grains, beans, bananas, meat, eggs, and milk . Insufficient supply of Vitamin B-Complex can lead to tiredness, irritability, poor concentration, and anemia.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps heal wounds, fight infections, and strengthen blood vessels. They can be gotten naturally from oranges, pawpaw, guava, tomatoes, and broccoli. Insufficient supply of Vitamin B-Complex can lead to frequent wounds, frequent colds, and slow wound healing.
Vitamin D
Essential for calcium absorption and bone growth. Nigerian kids often don’t get enough due to limited sun exposure (especially in urban areas). They can be gotten naturally from Sunlight, fortified milk, fish, eggs, and vitamin D supplements. Insufficient supply of Vitamin D leads to Weak bones, delayed growth, and frequent colds.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E protects body cells and supports healthy skin, immune response, and circulation. They can be gotten naturally from Sunflower oil, spinach, peanuts, seeds, and almonds.
Iron
Iron is needed for red blood cell production and helps transport oxygen throughout the body. It also supports memory and focus in children.
Zinc
Zinc supports wound healing, immune function, and cell repair, needed during the growth and developmental stage. It can be gotten from Meat, fish, legumes, seeds, and whole grains.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
DHA and EPA (types of omega-3s) are important for brain development, focus, and heart health. They can be gotten naturally from Fatty fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts, and omega-3 supplements for kids.
Children between the ages of 4 to 8 need approximately 400–600 mcg of Vitamin A, 25–45 mg of Vitamin C, 10–15 mcg (400–600 IU) of Vitamin D, 10 mg of Iron, 5 mg of Zinc, and 70–100 mg of Omega-3 (DHA) daily to support their growth, development, and overall health.
What if My Child Is a Picky Eater or Has a Health Condition?
Some kids won’t eat veggies, and others have food allergies or health conditions that make absorption difficult. That’s why you need multivitamin gummies made with high-quality, NAFDAC-approved, and vegan-friendly ingredients; it’s a safe and tasty way for children to fill nutritional gaps.
Final Thoughts: How to Keep Your Child’s Nutrition on Track
Ensuring that your child gets enough nutrients daily is one of the best investments in their future. Whether through whole foods or kid-friendly multivitamin gummies, what matters most is consistency and quality.