Vitamins for children under a year: Features of admission

Vitamins for children under a year: Features of admission

Chapter 1: The role of vitamins in the development of a child of the first year of life

The first year of life is a period of intensive growth and development of the child. At this time, the foundations of physical and mental health for the whole subsequent life are laid. Vitamins play a key role in ensuring the normal functioning of all organs and systems, participate in metabolic processes, the formation of immunity and the development of cognitive functions. Vitamin deficiency can lead to serious health disorders, developmental delay and increased susceptibility to infections.

1.1. The importance of vitamins for growth and development

Vitamins are organic compounds necessary for the normal functioning of the body. They are not a source of energy, but participate in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, thereby ensuring the processes of growth and development. For children of the first year of life, the following vitamins are especially important:

• Vitamin A: It is necessary for vision, bone growth, health of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as for the normal operation of the immune system.

• Vitamin D: He plays a key role in the assimilation of calcium and phosphorus necessary for the formation of bones and teeth. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets.

• Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage to free radicals. It is necessary for the normal operation of the immune system and the nervous system.

• Vitamin K: Participates in the process of blood coagulation. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to bleeding.

• B vitamins B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12): They participate in metabolic processes, necessary for the normal operation of the nervous system, hematopoiesis and immunity.

• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant necessary to strengthen the immune system, the absorption of iron and the synthesis of collagen.

1.2. Consequences of vitamin deficiency in infancy

The deficiency of vitamins in infancy may have serious consequences for the health of the child. The most common consequences include:

• Rachitis (Vitamin D deficiency): Leads to a violation of the formation of bones, deformation of the skeleton, delay in teething and muscle weakness.

• Delay of growth and development: The deficiency of vitamins can slow down the growth of the child, lead to a delay in motor and mental development.

• Reduced immunity: The deficiency of vitamins A, C, D and B vitamins weakens the immune system, making the child more susceptible to infections.

• Anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid, iron): Leads to a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood, which is manifested by weakness, pallor of the skin and increased fatigue.

• Digestive problems: The deficiency of vitamins can disrupt the work of the gastrointestinal tract, cause constipation, diarrhea and colic.

• Nervous disorders: B vitamins deficiency can lead to irritability, tearfulness, sleep disturbances and other nervous disorders.

Chapter 2: The main sources of vitamins for children under a year

The main sources of vitamins for children under a year are breast milk or adapted milk mixture, as well as complementary foods. It is important to understand that the composition of breast milk can vary depending on the nutrition of the mother, so a nursing woman needs a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals.

2.1. Breast milk as the main source of vitamins

Breast milk is perfect food for the newborn and contains all the necessary nutrients, including vitamins, in the optimal ratio. However, the content of some vitamins in breast milk may be insufficient, especially vitamin D and vitamin K.

• Vitamin D in breast milk: The content of vitamin D in breast milk depends on the level of vitamin D in the mother’s body. If the mother experiences a deficiency of vitamin D, then in breast milk it will not be enough. Therefore, all children who are breastfeeding are recommended for an additional intake of vitamin D, starting from the first weeks of life.

• Vitamin K in breast milk: The content of vitamin K in breast milk is also small. For the prevention of hemorrhagic disease of newborns, vitamin K. is introduced to all newborns in the hospital.

• Other vitamins in breast milk: Breast milk contains a sufficient number of other vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, E and B vitamins, if the mother eats balanced.

2.2. Adapted milk mixtures as a source of vitamins

Adapted milk mixtures are enriched with vitamins and minerals to match the composition of breast milk as much as possible. The choice of the mixture should be carried out by a pediatrician, based on the age and individual needs of the child.

• The content of vitamins in mixtures: Manufacturers of adapted milk mixtures carefully monitor the content of vitamins and minerals in their products to provide the child with all the necessary nutrients.

• Choosing a mixture: When choosing a mixture, it is necessary to pay attention to its composition, age recommendations and individual tolerance of the child.

• Additional vitamins for artificial feeding: In most cases, children under artificial feeding do not need additional intake of vitamins, since the mixtures are already enriched with all the necessary nutrients. However, in some cases, the doctor may recommend an additional intake of vitamin D or other vitamins.

2.3. Feeding as an additional source of vitamins

The introduction of complementary foods is an important stage in the life of a child, which allows you to expand the diet and provide the body with additional vitamins and minerals. Power feeding should begin at the age of 4-6 months, gradually introducing new products.

• The first food products: The first food products are usually vegetable puree (zucchini, broccoli, colored cabbage), silent cereals (buckwheat, rice, corn) and fruit puree (apple, pear, banana).

• Vegetables and fruits as sources of vitamins: Vegetables and fruits are a rich source of vitamins A, C, E and B vitamins B.

• Meat and fish as sources of vitamins: Meat and fish contain B vitamins, vitamin D and other beneficial substances.

• Compliance with the rules for the introduction of complementary foods: When introducing complementary foods, certain rules must be observed: to start with small quantities (1/2 teaspoon), offer a new product in the morning to track the reaction of the child, and enter only one new product in several days.

Chapter 3: Vitamin D for children under a year: Features of admission

Vitamin D plays a key role in the formation of bones and teeth, as well as in the work of the immune system. Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem among children of the first year of life, especially in regions with insufficient sunlight.

3.1. The role of vitamin D in the child’s body

Vitamin D performs the following important functions in the child’s body:

• The assimilation of calcium and phosphorus: Vitamin D helps the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines necessary for the formation of bones and teeth.

• Maintaining the normal level of calcium in the blood: Vitamin D regulates the level of calcium in the blood, preventing its decrease.

• Regulation of the immune system: Vitamin D plays an important role in the regulation of the immune system, protecting the body from infections.

• The development of the nervous system: Vitamin D is involved in the development of the nervous system and cognitive functions.

3.2. Causes of vitamin D deficiency in infants

Vitamin D deficiency in infants can be caused by the following reasons:

• Low vitamin D content in breast milk: The content of vitamin D in breast milk depends on the level of vitamin D in the mother’s body.

• Insufficient stay in the sun: Vitamin D is produced in the skin under the influence of sunlight.

• Dark skin color: Children with dark skin produce less vitamin D under the influence of sunlight.

• Insufficient consumption of vitamin D with food: Children on artificial feeding may not receive enough vitamin D if the mixture is not enriched with it sufficiently.

3.3. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in infants

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in babies can be as follows:

• Anxiety and tearfulness: The child becomes irritable and sleeps poorly.

• Bad appetite: The child eats poorly and refuses food.

• Teething delay: The teeth erupt later than usual.

• Softening of the bones of the skull: The bones of the skull become soft and supple.

• Leg bones: The legs can bend (o-shaped or x-shaped deformation).

• Motor development delay: The child later begins to hold his head, turn over, sit and crawl.

3.4. Prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency

Prevention of vitamin D deficiency includes the following measures:

• Vitamin D intake in a preventive dose: All children who are on breast feeding or receiving less than 1 liter of adapted milk mixture per day are recommended for additional intake of vitamin D in a preventive dose (400 IU per day), starting from the first weeks of life.

• Sun stay: It is recommended to take the child daily for walks in the fresh air, exposing the face and hands under the sun’s rays (avoiding direct sunlight during peak activity hours).

• Balanced nutrition of the mother: A nursing woman needs a balanced diet rich in vitamin D.

Treatment of vitamin D deficiency is prescribed by a pediatrician and may include taking vitamin D in the therapeutic dose, as well as power correction.

Chapter 4: Vitamin K for children under a year: Features of admission

Vitamin K plays an important role in the process of blood coagulation. Vitamin K deficiency can lead to hemorrhagic disease of newborns, which is characterized by increased bleeding.

4.1. The role of vitamin K in the body of the child

Vitamin K performs the following important functions in the child’s body:

• Participation in the process of blood coagulation: Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of blood coagulation factors that provide a stop of bleeding.

• Maintaining bone health: Vitamin K is involved in the formation and maintenance of bones.

4.2. Causes of vitamin K deficiency in infants

Vitamin K deficiency in infants can be caused by the following reasons:

• Low vitamin K content in breast milk: The content of vitamin K in breast milk is small.

• Insufficient amount of vitamin K in the intestines of the newborn: The intestines of the newborn is sterile and does not contain bacteria that synthesize vitamin K.

• Vitamin’s absorption of vitamin K: Some diseases of the intestine may disrupt the absorption of vitamin K.

4.3. Hemorrhagic disease of newborns

Hemorrhagic disease of newborns is a disease that is characterized by increased bleeding caused by vitamin K. deficiency.

• Early form of hemorrhagic disease of newborns: It develops during the first 24 hours of life and is manifested by bleeding from the umbilical cord, the gastrointestinal tract and other organs.

• Classical form of hemorrhagic disease of newborns: It develops during the first week of life and is manifested by bleeding from the umbilical cord, the gastrointestinal tract, skin and mucous membranes.

• Late form of hemorrhagic disease of newborns: It develops at the age of 2 to 12 weeks and is manifested by intracranial hemorrhages, skin hemorrhages and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.

4.4. Prevention of hemorrhagic disease of newborns

For the prevention of hemorrhagic disease of newborns, vitamin K is introduced intramuscularly or orally in the maternity hospital in the hospital.

Chapter 5: Other vitamins for children under a year: Features of admission

In addition to vitamin D and vitamin K, other vitamins are also necessary for the normal growth and development of a child of the first year of life, such as vitamins A, C, E and B vitamins B.

5.1. Vitamin a

Vitamin A is necessary for vision, bone growth, skin health and mucous membranes, as well as for the normal operation of the immune system.

• Sources of vitamin A: Vitamin A is found in dairy products, eggs, liver, carrots, pumpkin, spinach and other vegetables and fruits.

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a deterioration in vision, dry skin, increased susceptibility to infections and growth retardation.

• Features of the intake of vitamin A: In most cases, children who receive a sufficient amount of breast milk or adapted milk mixture do not need additional intake of vitamin A. However, in some cases, the doctor may recommend an additional intake of vitamin A.

5.2. Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant necessary to strengthen the immune system, the absorption of iron and the synthesis of collagen.

• Sources of vitamin C: Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, bell pepper, broccoli and other vegetables and fruits.

• Vitamin C deficiency: Vitamin C deficiency can lead to a decrease in immunity, bleeding gums, poor healing of wounds and anemia.

• Features of taking vitamin C: In most cases, children who receive a sufficient amount of breast milk or adapted milk mixture, as well as complementary foods, do not need additional intake of vitamin C. However, in some cases, the doctor may recommend an additional intake of vitamin C.

5.3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage to free radicals. It is necessary for the normal operation of the immune system and the nervous system.

• Sources of vitamin E: Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, avocados and spinach.

• Vitamin Deficit E: Vitamin E deficiency can lead to anemia, disorders of the nervous system and a decrease in immunity.

• Features of the intake of vitamin E: In most cases, children who receive a sufficient amount of breast milk or adapted milk mixture, as well as complementary foods, do not need additional intake of vitamin E. However, in some cases, the doctor may recommend an additional intake of vitamin E.

5.4. B vitamins b

B vitamins are involved in metabolic processes, necessary for the normal operation of the nervous system, hematopoiesis and immunity.

• Sources of B vitamins B: B vitamins are contained in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, whole grain products, legumes, vegetables and fruits.

• B vitamins deficiency: B vitamins deficiency can lead to nervous disorders, anemia, digestive problems and reduction of immunity.

• Features of taking B vitamins: In most cases, children who receive a sufficient amount of breast milk or adapted dairy mixture, as well as complementary foods, do not need additional taking B vitamins B. However, in some cases, the doctor can recommend an additional technique of vitamins of group B.

Chapter 6: Rules for taking vitamins for children under a year

Reception of vitamins for children under a year should be carried out only on the recommendation of a pediatrician. It is important to observe the dosage specified by the doctor, and not exceed it.

6.1. Consultation with a doctor

Before taking vitamins, you need to consult a pediatrician. The doctor will determine what vitamins the child needs, in what dosage and how long to take them.

6.2. Dosage of vitamins

The dosage of vitamins depends on the age of the child, his state of health and individual needs. It is important to strictly observe the dosage specified by the doctor, and not exceed it. An overdose of vitamins can be dangerous to the health of the child.

6.3. The form of release of vitamins

Vitamins for children under a year are produced in various forms: drops, syrups, tablets and capsules. For children of the first year of life, drops are the most convenient form.

6.4. The time of taking vitamins

The time of taking vitamins depends on the type of vitamin. Some vitamins are better absorbed with food, others are on an empty stomach. The doctor will give recommendations on the time of taking vitamins.

6.5. The combination of vitamins

Some vitamins go well with each other, others do not. The doctor will help you choose the optimal combination of vitamins for the child.

6.6. Possible side effects

When taking vitamins, side effects can occur, such as allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. If side effects appear, it is necessary to stop taking vitamins and consult a doctor.

Chapter 7: Review of vitamin preparations for children under a year available on the market

The market presents a wide selection of vitamin preparations for children under a year. It is important to choose drugs designed specifically for children of this age, and pay attention to their composition and manufacturer.

7.1. Vitamin D drugs

• Aquadetrime: Aqueous solution of vitamin D3.

• Viantol: Oil solution of vitamin D3.

• Detrimax Baby: Drops of vitamin D3.

7.2. Vitamin K drugs

• Konakion: Vitamin K1 solution for injection and oral use.

7.3. Polyvitamin complexes

• Multi-Tabs Baby: Polyvitamin complex in drops.

• Pikovit 1+: Polyvitamin syrup.

• Consciousness: Polyvitamin syrup.

7.4. Drugs with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins

• BIOVITAL KIDS OMEGA 3 + D3: Drops with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3.

Chapter 8: Alternative approaches to providing children of children up to a year

In addition to taking vitamin preparations, there are alternative approaches to providing children of children up to a year, such as a balanced nutrition of the mother (with breastfeeding), the correct introduction of complementary foods and walking in the fresh air.

8.1. Balanced nutrition of the mother

During breastfeeding, a balanced nutrition of the mother is crucial for providing the baby with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. A nursing woman needs to consume a sufficient amount of vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, dairy products and whole grains.

8.2. The correct introduction of complementary foods

Proper introduction of complementary foods allows you to expand the diet of the child and provide the body with additional vitamins and minerals. It is important to start complementary foods with small quantities and gradually introduce new products.

8.3. Walks in the fresh air

Walks in the fresh air contribute to the production of vitamin D in the skin under the influence of sunlight. It is recommended to take the child daily for walks in the fresh air, exposing the face and hands under the sun’s rays (avoiding direct sunlight during peak activity hours).

8.4. Enrichment of food

In some countries, enrichment of foods and minerals is practiced. For example, some types of baby food add vitamin D, iron and other beneficial substances.

Chapter 9: Myths and errors about vitamins for children under a year

There are many myths and misconceptions about vitamins for children under a year. It is important to critically relate to information obtained from unreliable sources, and trust only proven scientific data.

9.1. Myth: All children need additional vitamins

Not all children need additional vitamins. If the child receives a sufficient amount of breast milk or adapted milk mixture, as well as complementary foods, then he may not need an additional technique of vitamins.

9.2. Myth: the more vitamins, the better

An overdose of vitamins can be dangerous to the health of the child. It is important to observe the dosage specified by the doctor, and not exceed it.

9.3. Myth: Vitamins can be given to children without a doctor’s appointment

Vitamins should be taken only on the recommendation of a pediatrician. The doctor will determine what vitamins the child needs, in what dosage and how long to take them.

9.4. Myth: all vitamins are equally useful

Not all vitamins are equally useful. It is important to choose high -quality vitamin preparations designed specifically for children of this age, and pay attention to their composition and manufacturer.

Chapter 10: Conclusion and recommendations

Vitamins play an important role in the development of a child of the first year of life. To provide the child with all the necessary vitamins, a balanced nutrition of the mother (with breastfeeding), the correct introduction of complementary foods, walks in the fresh air and, if necessary, taking vitamin preparations on the recommendation of a pediatrician, is necessary. It is important to remember that taking vitamins should be carried out only as prescribed by the doctor and in strict accordance with his recommendations. Self -medication can be dangerous to the health of the child.