The following vitamin functions are very important for babies

The function of vitamins has an important role in the growth and development of infants. But unfortunately, lack of vitamins in babies is one of the problems that are often ignored by parents. Learn more about the function of vitamins for growth and development of infants. Basically, babies have received enough nutrition from breast milk. Breast milk itself has a complete nutritional content for baby growth and development, ranging from protein, fat, carbohydrates, and calcium. But when the baby enters the age of 6 months, the baby needs additional nutrition to support its growth and development. One of the nutrients it needs is vitamins.

Vitamins that are Important for Babies

Here are some vitamins and their functions that are important for the development of a baby:

• Vitamin A

One of the vitamins that should not be absent in the development and growth of infants is vitamin A. An important function of vitamin A is to support the development of vision and health functions of the baby's skin. Not only that, the function of vitamin A also plays an important role in boosting the immune system and accelerating the growth process of the baby's bones and tissues. Provision of vitamin A in infants must also be adjusted to the age of the baby. This is intended to prevent the effects of vitamin A poisoning. Generally, for babies under 1 year, the recommended dose of vitamin A per day is 400 mcg.

• Vitamin B

There are many types of vitamin B. However, one of the vitamins that plays an important role for the growth and development of infants is vitamin B9 (folic acid). Folate is a B vitamin that acts to increase the production of red blood cells and accelerate cell growth, maintain healthy muscles and nerves, and strengthen the immune system especially in infants. Typically, babies under 1 year old need folate intake of around 65-80 mcg per day.

• Vitamin C

The function of vitamin C is also important to accompany the growth and development of your child. Vitamin C plays a role in the formation and repair of red blood cells, bones, and body tissues. In addition, vitamin C also works to maintain gum health and enhance the immune system of your child. Infants under the age of 1 year usually require a minimum intake of vitamin C 40-50 mcg.

• Vitamin D

Another vitamin that has an important function for the baby's body is vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a role in helping the body absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones and teeth of the Little One. Vitamin D deficiency in infants will result in bone disorders, such as rickets. Generally, babies under 1 year old need 8.5-10 mcg of vitamin D per day.

• Vitamin E

This one vitamin is equally important for a baby's health. The function of vitamin E in infants is as an antioxidant that can support cell growth and development of nerve tissue and brain. This vitamin is recommended to be given as much as 4-5 mg per day.

• Vitamin K

Vitamin K plays an important role in the process of blood clotting. Without vitamin K, even a small wound can continue to bleed so it is difficult to heal. To meet the needs of vitamin K, every baby born will usually be given an injection of vitamin K. The need for vitamin K for each baby is different. Usually babies under 1 year old need vitamin K intake of around 2 - 2.5 mcg.

Generally, vitamins can be divided into two types, namely water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins. When consuming vitamins that are soluble in water, the body will not store excess vitamins in the body, but will excrete it through urine. Water-soluble vitamins are vitamins B and C. While vitamins A, D, E, and K, including fat-soluble vitamins group. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored for a long time in the body. Therefore, consuming too much of this type of vitamin will cause a buildup of vitamins in the body, so that it can harm the baby.

When Do Babies Need Vitamin Supplementation?

As explained above, babies begin to need additional nutrition when they reach the age of 6 months. After that age, babies can be introduced to semi-solid foods. At this time, babies can also get vitamins from the semi-solid foods that you provide. When the baby can be given complementary foods, the doctor usually does not recommend giving vitamin supplements to the baby. However, the provision of vitamin supplements may be needed in babies born prematurely, born with a low body weight, or have a small size when in the womb. In addition, babies who have chronic problems that affect their appetite are also advised to be given vitamin supplements. However, make sure you consult with your pediatrician before deciding to provide vitamin supplements for babies. Understanding better the function of vitamins and when babies need supplements, making parents better understand how to support the growth and development of babies.