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Vitamin supplements for children

Children vitamins are specially formulated for ages six months to 4 years.

The formulations include Vitamin A for vision and skin, Vitamin C to protect bones and tissues, and D for development of bones and teeth.

Omega 3 (DHA) is a recommended supplement for children for vision and brain development.

Vitamin D3

Breast Milk does not contain significant amounts of Vitamin D. Lower Vitamin D levels in mother's plasma will lower the amount available in breast milk. In United States, Vitamin D3 is added to the infant formula. The melanin in the skin of babies when at least one of the parents is of Indian origin further reduces the amount of available Vitamin D3 from exposure to sun.

For breast fed babies when at least one of the parents is of Indian origin, Vitamin D3 may be a major concern due to melatonin.

Vitamin D3 drops (200 to 300 IU per day) may be given from the age of 2 months till the infant is over 12 months old.

Iron

An infant is born with iron sufficient to last first six months of life. Mother can not increase the amount of iron available in the breast milk by increasing her own dietary iron or iron supplement. An infant may be born with insufficient iron, if mother is anemic during pregnancy or suffered from poorly controlled diabetes.

Early weaning to cow's milk may also lead to low level of iron.

Some children (specially vegetarians) may be at risk of developing iron deficient anemia.

Pediatricians may check the iron level of infant after the age of 9 months, and may prescribe iron drops.