Explain how vitamin and mineral needs change after infancy and what supplementation might be needed.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The vitamin and mineral needs of children increase with age. A balanced diet of nutritious foods can meet children’s needs for these nutrients, with the notable exception of iron, and possibly vitamin D. Iron-deficiency anemia is a major problem worldwide and is prevalent among U.S. children, especially toddlers 1 to 3 years of age. During the second year of life, toddlers progress from a diet of iron-rich infant foods such as breast milk, iron-fortified formula, and iron-fortified infant cereal to a diet of adult foods and iron-poor cow’s milk. In addition, their appetites often fluctuate—some become finicky about the foods they eat, and others prefer milk and juice to solid foods. These situations can interfere with children eating iron-rich foods at a critical time for brain growth and development.
To prevent iron deficiency, children’s foods must deliver 7 to 10 milligrams of iron per day. To achieve this goal, snacks and meals should include iron-rich foods, and milk intake should be reasonable so that it will not displace lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, and whole-grain or enriched products. According to the DRI committee, children’s intakes of vitamin D-fortified foods—including milk, ready-to-eat cereals, and juices—should provide 15 micrograms of vitamin D each day to maximize calcium absorption and ensure normal, healthy bone growth. Children who do not meet their RDA from these sources should receive a vitamin D supplement. Remember that sunlight is also a source of vitamin D, especially in tropical climates and warm seasons.
With the exception of specific recommendations for fluoride, iron, and vitamin D during infancy and childhood, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other professional groups agree that well-nourished children do not need vitamin and mineral supplements. Despite this, many children and adolescents take supplements. Researchers are still studying the safety of supplement use by children. The Federal Trade Commission has warned parents about giving supplements advertised to prevent or cure childhood illnesses such as colds, ear infections, or asthma. Dietary supplements on the market today include many herbal products that have not been tested for safety and effectiveness in children.