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 infants is one of the problems that parents often overlook. Learn more about the function of vitamins for baby growth and development.

Basically, babies have got enough nutrition from ASI. ASI itself has a complete nutritional content for baby's growth and development, ranging from protein, fat, carbohydrates, and calcium. But when the baby enters the age of 6 months, the baby needs additional nutrients to support his growth and development. One of the nutrients needed is vitamins.

Vitamins that are important for babies
Here are some vitamins and their functions that are important for baby development:

Vitamin A
One of the vitamins that should not be absent during the development and growth of a baby is vitamin A. An important function of vitamin A is to support the development of vision function and baby's skin health. Not only that, the function of vitamin A also plays an important role in boosting the immune system and accelerating the process of growth of the baby's bones and tissues. Giving vitamin A to babies must also be adjusted to the age of the baby. This is intended to prevent the effects of vitamin A poisoning. Generally, for infants 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 baby growth and development 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. Usually, babies under 1 year of age 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 serves to maintain healthy gums and improve the immune system of the Little One. Babies under 1 year of age usually require a minimum intake of vitamin C of 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. Vitamin D deficiency in infants will cause bone disorders, such as rickets. Generally, infants under 1 year of age need 8.5-10 mcg of vitamin D per day.

Vitamin E
This vitamin is also important for baby's health. The function of vitamin E in infants is as an antioxidant that can support cell growth and the development of nerve and brain tissue. 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 small wounds can continue to bleed so it is difficult to heal. To meet the need for vitamin K, every baby who is born will usually be given an injection of vitamin K. The need for vitamin K for each baby is different. Usually infants under 1 year of age need vitamin K intake around 2 - 2.5 mcg.

Generally, vitamins can be divided into two types, namely vitamins that are water soluble and fat soluble vitamins. When taking vitamins that dissolve in water, the body will not store excess vitamins in the body, but will release it through urine. Water-soluble vitamins are vitamins B and C.

Whereas vitamins A, D, E, and K, including a group of vitamins that are fat-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins will be 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, which can endanger the baby.

When do babies need vitamin supplementation?
As explained above the baby starts to need additional nutrition when entering the age of 6 months. After that age, babies can begin to be introduced to semi-solid foods. At this time, babies can get vitamins from semi-solid foods that you provide. When the baby can be given complementary foods, the doctor usually does not recommend vitamin supplements.

However, vitamin supplementation may be needed in babies who are born prematurely, are born with low 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 take vitamin supplements. It's just that, make sure you consult with a pediatrician before deciding to provide vitamin supplements for babies.

Understanding better the function of vitamins and when babies need supplements, makes parents understand better how to support the growth and development of babies.