Breast and formula milk will also be good sources of many of these nutrients. Levels of some of the key nutrients can however still be insufficient. WHO recommends that children from six months to five years old to be given supplements, in the form of vitamin drops, which contain vitamins A, C and D. Consider a supplement such as Vitabiotics WellBaby Multivitamin Drops, which contains 16 carefully balanced nutrients including the recommended vitamins A, C, and D.
| NUTRIENT | WHAT IT DOES | FOOD SOURCES |
| Vitamin A | Contributes to the maintenance of normal vision, skin and immune system functioning |
Oily fish Cheese and butter. Carotenes (which are converted to Vitamin A): dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. A supplement is recommended |
| B Vitamins including Folic Acid | Vitamin B12 and B3 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and contributes to the normal function of the immune System. |
Folic acid contributes to the normal function of the immune system and normal blood formation Green vegetables, brown rice, chickpeas and fortified cereals are a good source of folic acid. The other B vitamins are found in whole grains, brown rice, bananas, beans, eggs, meat, poultry and fish. |
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C increases iron absorption and contributes to the normal function of the immune system. |
Fruits and vegetables including: peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, berries, oranges and kiwi fruit. A supplement is recommended |
| Vitamin D | Needed for normal growth and Development of children’s bones. |
It is made by the action of sunlight on the skin but in the UK not in enough quantity to support a baby’s rapid bone development. Food sources include oily fish, eggs and fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin D occurs in few foods so a supplement is recommended. |
| Vitamin E | Contributes to the protection of Cells from oxidative stress. |
Vegetable oils, cereals and grains. Ground nuts and seeds |
| Vitamin K | LunchContributes to normal blood Clotting. |
Green leafy vegetables and broccoli. |
| Calcium | Needed for normal growth and development of children’s bones |
Dairy and fortified plant milks, cheese and other dairy foods. Green leafy vegetables. Soya beans and tofu. Nuts. |
| Iron | Contributes to normal oxygen Transport in the body. Contributes to normal cognitive Development of children. |
Red meat. Iron-fortified cereals. Plant sources are lower in iron but tend to come along with vitamin C, which aids absorption. Good sources include: greens, Spinach, tofu, broccoli and lentils. |
| Zinc | Contributes to the normal function Of the immune system. |
Meat and fish. Cheese and eggs. Pulses. Wholegrain cereals |
| . | . | . |
Vegetarian and vegan diets
There is no reason why a vegetarian or vegan diet cannot provide enough nutrients for the baby’s needs. As with all children from 6 months to 5 years a supplement including vitamins A, C and D are recommended, such as Vitabiotics WellBaby Multivitamin Drops. In addition, for vegan children a vitamin B12 supplement is advisable. It is also important to ensure the baby gets enough calories as many of the animal foods are high in fat so are high-calorie providers. Plant-based fats from avocados, groundnuts, and seeds, and seed oils and butter (still avoiding peanuts) are high in calories and provide healthy fats for the baby’s development.
It is also good to ensure the baby gets enough protein so beans and pulses need to be daily food. Groundnuts and seeds also produce valuable protein when they are safe to be introduced. For vegan babies over 12 months choose plant milk such as soya and oat, which have been fortified with calcium. If you are concerned discuss the baby’s diet with a nutritional therapist or dietician to ensure all baby’s needs are covered.
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Idah Muthama – VitabioticsKe
