Almost all parents wonder what children's multivitamins to take for a child to improve his he alth and how to choose the right vitamin complex in accordance with the age of the baby.
When choosing a drug, you need to take into account the characteristics of the child's body, as well as its need for certain trace elements and vitamins. That is why it is better to see a doctor and get diagnosed.
What are vitamins
Pediatricians recommend taking children's multivitamins in the spring, as well as in the autumn-winter period, when the risk of infection with viruses increases significantly. It is very important not to harm the child's body and choose the right vitamin complexes so that there are no allergies and digestive problems.
Absolutely all vitamins are divided into fat-soluble and water-soluble. The first type is better absorbed and tends to accumulate inside the human body. That is why vitamins A, D, E and K do not need to be additionally taken in a synthetic form, if there is no indicationDr.
Vitamin A is found in carrots and other foods. He is responsible for the condition of the hair, vision and physical development. Vitamin D3 is often prescribed to children under one year old to prevent rickets. Then they get it along with food. It is also used for hypotension and growth retardation.
Vitamins E and K are responsible for the processes of blood clotting. Their lack can manifest itself in the form of muscle weakness, bleeding and the development of anemia. All other vitamins are water soluble. All of them are needed by the body, but are excreted along with water, which is why they need to be accumulated.
All vitamin complexes for children can be divided into single-component and multicomponent. The former are characterized by the fact that they contain only one vitamin. Children's multivitamins include several different substances at once. In addition, many of them are supplemented with mineral s alts, he althy fats, fruit extracts.
Vitamin preparations for children are available in the following forms:
- liquid;
- in tablets;
- in the form of lozenges;
- gel.
Liquid are presented in the form of solutions that are dosed in drops. Often they are intended for children from the very first days of life. Also for young children, multivitamins are available in the form of a sweet syrup. Liquid vitamins are prescribed from an early age.
After looking at the photos of children's multivitamins in tablets, you can choose the desired option. The complexes are chewable vitamins that are prescribed to children from 3 years of age. Also used are effervescentsoluble tablets for preparing a vitamin drink.
Multivitamin complexes come in the form of marmalades of various shapes. They are very popular with children, as they resemble sweets. Vitamins can come in gel form, which is very convenient to give to young children.
What supplements can be in vitamin complexes
Vitamins with calcium have proven themselves well. This mineral is involved in the normal formation of the skeletal system, is important for the strengthening of teeth, normal muscle contraction and skeletal growth. Calcium supplements mainly include vitamin D and phosphorus, as they improve calcium absorption. Such complexes include "Complivit Calcium D3", "Multi-tabs baby Calcium +". This trace element is very important for children from the very first years of life, when teeth are cut and bone tissue is formed.
Magnesium is involved in a variety of processes, including energy production, protein synthesis, and nerve impulse transmission. It is very important for protecting the body from infections and inflammation, as well as reducing nervous excitability. A child can receive magnesium from supplements such as Complivit Active, Vitrum Alphabet. If the child is too excitable, then the body may not have enough magnesium.
Children's multivitamins with iron help increase hemoglobin and prevent the development of anemia. It is important to take them from an early age to improve he alth.
Vitamins with echinacea enhance immunity and speed up the healing process in viral infections. Children's multivitamins with lecithin and fish oil are very important fornormal brain function and cardiovascular he alth.
When a child needs vitamins
Children's multivitamins are not needed for all children. It is best to coordinate the use of such supplements with a doctor. The main reason for the use of vitamins is hypovitaminosis. When the pediatrician detects its signs, he will recommend the required drugs and clarify their dosage.
There are a variety of opinions regarding the use of multivitamins by a child. Some doctors believe that they are simply necessary, while others are of the opinion that such drugs are completely unnecessary. Vitamin complex must be prescribed in case of:
- if a child has SARS more than 6 times a year;
- low concentration;
- drowsiness, apathy, irritability;
- complicated cold;
- allergy;
- dysbacteriosis;
- herpes on the lips.
For a more accurate diagnosis, a child from 3 years of age may be prescribed an immunogram that will help assess the condition of the body.
Vitamins intended for children under 2 years old
Children under 1 year of age generally do not need multivitamin supplements. Babies receive all the required substances along with mother's milk or an artificial mixture, which is enriched with vitamins and minerals. If children's multivitamins are still required, which is better, the pediatrician will help determine.
Often, babies are prescribed vitamin D, especially in winter. Complexes forbabies contain several vitamins or trace elements. At the age of 0–2 years, the child's body is actively growing, all milk teeth are erupted, which is why he needs vitamins and minerals. Having studied the rating of children's multivitamins, it should be noted that such means as are considered the best:
- Pikovit syrup;
- sachet "Multi-tabs our baby";
- Sanasol syrup;
- Gel Kinder Biovital.
Liquid vitamins "Multi-Tabs Baby" are intended for children under one year old. This complex is used to prevent rickets, as well as increase immunity. It is worth remembering that this remedy has a relaxing effect on the digestive tract. You need to add 1 drop of the product to food.
Multi-Tabs Kid multivitamin complex contains many useful components. It is prescribed for the treatment of beriberi, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and is also required for unbalanced nutrition. It is recommended that this product be taken between ages 1-4.
Gel "Kinder Biovital" - a multivitamin complex that is ideal for children from 6 months of age. The course of application is ½ tsp. in the morning and in the evening. This remedy is assigned:
- children who are stunted;
- after infectious diseases;
- during cold and flu season;
- when dieting;
- during chemotherapy or after taking antibiotics.
Vitamins "Panheksavit" are often prescribed to children from 1 year old to improve visual acuity, as well as for dermatological problems. Syrup "Pikovit"contains vitamins A, C, D and group B. A child is prescribed 2 tsp per year. per day. Before taking any vitamins, a pediatrician's consultation is required.
Vitamins designed for children 2-5 years old
When choosing the best children's multivitamin for children 2-5 years old, you need to pay attention to such as:
- Centrum.
- Unicap U.
- "Alphabet Our Baby".
Very well proven drug "Centrum". These are the best children's multivitamins with calcium. The complex is assigned from 4 years of age. This remedy helps:
- eliminate hyperexcitability;
- strengthen immunity;
- ensure the normal development of bones and teeth;
- support the organs of vision;
- prevent anemia.
Complex of vitamins and microelements "Unicap Yu" helps to fill the lack of useful substances in the body. Assign it to children from 4 years. It is enough to drink 1 tablet per day. Vitamins "Sana-Sol" are prescribed to eliminate hypovitaminosis. It is worth noting that it does not contain biotin and vitamin B.
Children's multivitamins "Alphabet Our Baby" are presented in powder form. They differ from analogues in that all components are divided into 3 parts. Before use, the powder must be mixed with water. This supplement helps boost immunity, improve sleep and appetite. Allergies are rare.
Children are also prescribed chewable vitamins in the form of animal figurines. It is the best choice for babies who refuse to takedrugs.
When choosing children's multivitamins from 2 years old, you should pay attention to "Immunokid". This is a very popular homeopathic remedy that is prescribed for children who often get colds, or simply to boost immunity.
Vitamins "Bion 3 Kid" contain lactobacilli, probiotics, bifidobacteria. You need to take them from the age of 4 during or after antibiotic treatment. A child who takes these vitamins recovers much faster as their immunity increases.
VitaMishki multivitamin complex contains microelements and probiotics. They are recommended for children from 3 years old as a good means to support immunity. Baby will love the taste of gummy bears.
Studying the rating of children's multivitamins, you need to stop at Vitrum Kids. The pediatrician recommends them for weakened immunity, frequent illnesses, after taking antibiotics and a cold. Chewable tablets are allowed for children over 4 years of age. In addition, they are shown to be taken during the period of active growth of the child, when additional trace elements of muscle tissue and the skeletal system are required. Children's multivitamin contains 12 vitamins and 10 minerals.
Vitamins for children 5-10 years old
At the age of 5-6, the child's body begins to grow rapidly and lack nutrients, which can lead to dangerous consequences. In the event of a lack of minerals and vitamins, the bones will have insufficient strength. That is why it is important to choose the right children's multivitamins, which will be very useful at this age.useful.
At this age, the child begins to go to school, which is associated with significant mental and physical stress. In addition, during this period, brain structures begin to actively form. If there is a lack of vitamins, then it becomes difficult for a child to learn. In this case, it is important to know which children's multivitamins are best for the baby in order to make him more active and help the body function normally.
In the period of 7–10 years, active intellectual development continues, as well as an active restructuring of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Pediatricians recommend using vitamins for children such as:
- VitaMishki.
- "Alphabet".
- Kiddy Pharmaton.
- Kinder Biovital.
Vitamins "Alphabet" differ in the content of active ingredients. A feature of this complex is the combination of individual minerals and vitamins in 3 daily dosages. In each of them, all the available substances contribute to a better assimilation of each other. This makes them less allergenic and more effective. They are presented in the form of chewable tablets. They are free of preservatives, synthetic colors and flavors.
VitaMishki vitamins are very popular with children, as their intake can be accompanied by a game. This complex contains all the required minerals and vitamins that contribute to the full development of the baby.
Syrup "Kiddy Pharmaton" can be used for children from 1 year old. At the same time, it is necessaryadhere to the dosage indicated in the instructions. Children's multivitamins with trace elements "Kinder Biovital Vedmezhuyki" are very popular, as they have a good and original taste. Assign them to children 3-13 years old.
Children's multivitamins "Pikovit" are recommended by most pediatricians. They contain a complex of all required trace elements, including minerals. They are free of flavors, colors and sweeteners.
Vitamins for children over 10
Many people wonder what children's multivitamins are best for children at 10 years old. With a lack of nutrients, their physical development slows down. As a result, the child becomes weak, lethargic, with a lack of muscle mass. Also, vitamin deficiency can lead to a stop in the development of the brain, which makes it difficult to think and analyze information. During this period, you must definitely take vitamin complexes.
Vitamins "Smart Omega" are recommended for use during the period of rapid growth of the child. In adolescence, the cardiovascular and nervous systems do not have time to work normally due to too intensive growth of the skeleton. They contain vitamins and fish oil. Such vitamins do not cause side effects, dizziness and help the child cope with poor he alth and depression much faster.
Vitamin complex "Vitrum" has a rich composition. It includes compounds important for the growth of the child and valuable minerals. "Vitrum" has a rich composition, as they also contain phosphorus, magnesium andcalcium. They are recommended to be taken not only by children, but also by teenagers.
Indications for use
Children are recommended to take vitamin complexes when:
- poor or insufficient nutrition;
- decrease in vitamin content in food;
- Intensive growth of the child;
- increased physical activity;
- diseases of the digestive tract;
- violation of the composition of the intestinal microflora;
- recovery period after infectious diseases or operations.
Children and teens sometimes just need to take multivitamin complexes to help strengthen immunity.
Rules of application
Vitamin supplements are prescribed in courses, the duration of which must be agreed with the pediatrician. It is important to follow the dosage recommended by the manufacturer. It is unacceptable to exceed it.
It is very important to consider the existing restrictions for specific vitamins. If the complex is shown to a child from 3 years old, then it is impossible to give it to a baby at 1-2 years old. Adult products are also contraindicated.
Vitamins are often given in the morning. To avoid stress on the body, you need to give as much water as possible.
Contraindications for use
Vitamins are not recommended for children with:
- component intolerance;
- renal pathologies;
- hypervitaminosis;
- mineral metabolism disorders.
With caution prescribe complexes to children who suffer from diseases of the digestive system and metabolic disorders. When purchasing vitamins and minerals for any age group, be sure to read the instructions. In this way, you can be sure that the product is suitable for the child. It is important to familiarize yourself with the dosage, and if you have questions, consult your pediatrician. It is worth remembering that any vitamins tone up, which is why it is best to drink them before lunch.
Side effects may occur when taking multivitamin supplements, such as:
- allergies, urticaria, skin rashes, Quincke's edema;
- loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion;
- discoloration of urine.
Cases of overdose of water-soluble vitamins are almost non-existent. However, with the intake of fat-soluble substances, special care must be taken. Exceeding the dosage by 10 times poses a serious threat to he alth. Hypervitaminosis is very dangerous by worsening the work of the heart, intoxication of the body, and disorders in the nervous system. If the dosage is exceeded for a long time, the child develops weakness, irritability, sleep worsens.
Opinion of pediatricians
Many experts believe that a child should receive all the valuable and useful substances along with food. But some doctors are sure that it is necessary to take pharmaceutical preparations. However, parents must understand for sure that even a properly selected and balanced diet cannot make up for the deficiency of some trace elements.
According to studies, in children who received vitamins with food, and those who took special complexes, the state of he althat about the same level. It is up to parents to decide which multivitamin complex to purchase.
Dr. Komarovsky does not deny the importance of vitamins, but he believes that a child should receive them mainly from food. A well-known pediatrician calls such complexes therapeutic and prophylactic agents and believes that they should be taken only for vitamin deficiency or to prevent vitamin deficiency in a particular child. Komarovsky does not recommend giving multivitamin supplements for prophylactic purposes, without appropriate indications.
Reviews
Reviews and composition of children's multivitamins are different. Many parents say that they are effective, have a convenient shape, and a pleasant taste. However, some complain about the imbalance of the composition, as well as the high cost.
Children tolerate vitamin supplements fairly well, although allergic reactions do occur.