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GROWIE's Preschool Development Corner Series 9

Vitamins, Minerals And Nutrients That Every Child Needs…

Vitamins and minerals, along with carbohydrates, proteins and fats, are important for the proper growth and good health of your children. We highlight some of the vitamins and minerals necessary for the healthy development of your preschoolers.

Vitamins are a type of nutrients necessary for all our bodily functions, such as vision, production of red blood cells and growth hormones, and development of the immune system and circulatory system. Some examples include:

Vitamin A

This vitamin is good for eyesight, the immune system and healthy skin. Deficiency can occur if your child has fat mal-absorption or a very poor diet. Excellent sources include milk and fortified formula milk.

Vitamin C

This vitamin acts as an antioxidant to fight bacterial infection and cancer. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources.

Vitamin D

This vitamin helps your child’s body to absorb calcium, hence a deficiency can cause rickets. Sunlight is a good source, and food sources include cod liver oil, sardines, egg yolk as well as fortified dairy products including formula milk.

Vitamin K

Like Vitamin A, Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin and is necessary for blood clotting. Sources include green leafy vegetables, vegetable oil and fish.

Choline

This is the only vitamin that crosses the bloodbrain barrier into the spinal fluid to be involved directly in brain chemical metabolism. It is known as the ‘memory vitamin’ as it is an important part of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Sources include eggs, beef, cauliflower, peanut butter and fortified formula milk.

Minerals too are necessary for general health and help in the development of strong bones, transmission of nerve impulses and production of hormones, among other essential functions. Some examples include:

Calcium

This is the most abundant mineral found in our body. It helps build strong bones and teeth. Some sources include green leafy vegetables, dairy products as well as fortified formula milk, orange juice and cereals.

Iron

This mineral is needed for the production of blood and development of strong muscles. Sources include red meat, tuna, eggs, beans, green leafy vegetables, and whole and enriched grains.

DHA

DHA is an essential fatty acid for supporting the brain and eye development of your growing child. Fish and eggs are also good sources of this nutrient.

Zinc

Important for your child’s immune system, Zinc helps to fight off infections, as well as promotes cell growth for wound healing. Foods high in zinc include meats, seafood, dairy products, nuts, whole grains, fortified cereals and formula milk.

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