The role of some vitamins with young children - P1

The article was written by Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Thi Tam - Pediatric Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Vitamins play an important role in the development of infants and young children, especially children aged 0-12 months. Vitamins are a group of small-molecule organic compounds with different chemical compositions with different chemical and physical properties, but all have in common that they are essential for daily living. , especially for child development.

Vitamins participate in the body's metabolism, including enzymes, synthesis, use and metabolism of nutrients in cells and the body. Adequate supplementation of vitamins will ensure stable and balanced development during the early years in young children.
Vitamin deficiency will lead to malnutrition, lack of substances, fatigue and sluggishness affecting daily activities and life, especially for children. The body does not seem to be able to synthesize vitamins, but must be supplied mainly from food every day. Vitamin supplements are essential.

Vitamins are divided into two main groups:
Water-soluble vitamins including vitamins of group B and C Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins of groups A, D, E, K

Vitamin A plays a role in protecting the integrity of the epithelium, cornea of ​​the eye, skin, mucous membranes, trachea, small intestine and excretory glands in the body. With vitamin A deficiency, the epithelium and mucosa are vulnerable, corneal damage can lead to blindness.

Vitamin A plays an important role in growth, helps children grow up and develop normally, vitamin A deficiency will slow growth and stunting. Vitamin A strengthens the body's immunity, enhances the body's resistance against bacterial infections, vitamin A deficiency reduces resistance to disease, is prone to severe infections, especially measles, diarrhea Diarrhea and respiratory tract infections are associated with an increased risk of mortality in young children.
Foods of animal origin are rich in vitamin A. Plant foods are rich in provitamin A such as yellow and red vegetables or dark green vegetables...

B vitamins: B vitamins play an important role in the functioning of the brain, participating in the maintenance of the health of hair, skin, the immune system, and a number of other organs in the body.
B vitamins help strengthen resistance, support the digestive process, help create important enzymes in enhancing the body's ability to metabolize sugar, fat, and protein. In addition, vitamin B1 also stimulates appetite in children, so it is closely related to the digestive system of children.

For young children, adequate supplementation of vitamins in general and vitamins of group B in particular will ensure steady and balanced development in the first years of life.
B group vitamins include: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B12. In general, B vitamins have the effect of supporting energy production in the body as well as metabolism and energy metabolism in cells.
Vitamins B1, B2 and B3:
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) participates in glucose and energy metabolism. Vitamin B1 is abundant in bran and germ layers of cereals, beans, lean meat and animal organs. Vitamin B2 (Ribiflavin) participates in the conversion of food into energy through the metabolism of glucid, lipid and protein by enzymes. Vitamin B2 is also essential for the eyes, skin, nails and hair, is beneficial for the nervous system and maintains vision. The best sources of vitamin B2 are offal, milk, dark green vegetables, cheese, and eggs. Vitamin B3 (niacin) plays a role in energy metabolism, helps release energy and plays a role in keeping the nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy. Vitamin B3 is often part of a daily multivitamin. Foods rich in vitamin B3 include yeast, milk, meat, tortillas and cereals, peanuts, and beans. Vitamin B5: Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) helps produce hormones needed for growth. Vitamin B5 replenishes water to the skin, making it healthier and slowing the signs of aging.

Vitamin B5 is found in cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli. Vitamin B5 is also found in potatoes, whole grains, and dairy products.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Although only needed in small amounts, it is very important for the body. Vitamin B6 has many important effects on human health: Vitamin B6 is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin and keeping the nervous and immune systems working properly. stabilize blood, help protect the heart, strengthen the immune system and maintain healthy brain function. Appropriate Vitamin B6 supplements help improve cardiovascular health, improve mood, focus more, protect and improve vision, help treat anemia, relieve arthritis pain, regulate blood pressure, play a role in cancer resistance and support against hardening of the arteries.
When vitamin B6 deficiency, it can lead to iron deficiency anemia, peripheral neuritis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dry cracked lips. Therefore, when there is a deficiency due to nutrition, or the body's needs increase, it is necessary to supplement vitamin B6.
For children 1-3 years old, the need for vitamin B6 is about 0.5 mg and children 4-8 years old is 0.6 mg. Vitamin B6 is often found in foods such as green vegetables, nuts, and fish. The amount of vitamin B6 in 1 banana is just enough to meet the nutritional needs of vitamin B6 for children. Avocados are also a good source of vitamin B6.
Vitamin B7: This is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It also helps maintain a healthy nervous system, control insulin levels, and maintain the health of hair and nails. The amount of vitamin B7 needed for children is: 12-40 micrograms. Vitamin B7 is found in: Barley, corn, cereals, egg yolks, avocados, cauliflower, cheese, spinach, mushrooms...

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) Folic acid is necessary for growth because it helps make DNA, which helps to regenerate body cells. Especially, for pregnant women, folic acid is one of the important nutrients for the growth and development of the fetus. Children 1-3 years old need about 150 mg of vitamin B9 per day, children 4-8 years old need about 200 mg per day. Vitamin B12 and folate Vitamin B12 and folate are both of the B vitamins. They are necessary for the normal formation of red blood cells, the repair of tissues and cells, the synthesis of DNA which is the genetic material in cells, role in the assessment of megaloblastic anemia, neurological disorders, risk of neural tube defects and developmental delay in children.
In the case of malabsorption: deficiency of both vitamin B12 and folate is seen when there is an obstruction of absorption in the small intestine. This may include:
Pernicious anemia: the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. Celiac Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Bacterial overgrowth or the presence of parasites, such as a tapeworm infection in the intestines. Decreased gastric acid secretion due to long-term use of antacids or proton pump inhibitors. Surgical removal of part of the stomach or intestines can greatly reduce absorption. Pancreatic insufficiency... Lack of vitamin B12 or folate in the diet, which can be seen in malnutrition and in vegetarians who do not consume animal meat. Folate deficiency is rare when dietary intake of cereals, breads and other grain products is rare. It is necessary to appoint testing and supplement vitamin B12 and folate when there are signs and symptoms of deficiency of these vitamins such as: Prolonged diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, pale skin paleness, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, pain in the tongue and mouth, itching, numbness or tingling in the feet, hands, arms and legs, confusion, forgetfulness, paranoia... Vitamin deficiency can cause dangerous complications for children's health and mental health, so parents need to observe and timely supplement these important sources of vitamins.
In addition to dietary supplements, parents can give their children support foods containing essential vitamins and micro-minerals such as zinc, lysine, chromium, selenium, vitamin B... to help meet their full needs. meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
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