Vitamins are one type of nutrition that is very important for babies. There are many vitamins for babies that can be given to Little. Each type of vitamin has its own role and function in maintaining the health of the baby and supporting growth and development.
In its first year, babies experience a period of rapid growth and development. In the first 6 months, babies get their main nutritional intake from breast milk.
After 6 months of age and can already eat solid food (MPASI), your child will need a lot of nutrients, one of which is a variety of vitamins for babies. The function of this vitamin is no less important than the intake of other nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals.
Various Types of Vitamins to Support Baby's Health and Growth
To ensure that the baby's health and growth are still good, he needs to get the following vitamins:
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is useful to support the baby's immune system and maintain healthy skin, hair and eyes. Infants aged 0-6 months need about 370 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A per day, while infants aged 6 months to 3 years old need about 400 mcg of vitamin A per day.
Vitamins for babies are naturally contained in several types of food, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, egg yolks, spinach, broccoli, chicken liver, fish, fish oil, and beef liver.
2. Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) helps the body convert food into energy needed for growth, development, and function of the baby's body cells, especially nerve cells. Babies need about 0.3 milligrams (mg) of vitamin B1 every day.
This vitamin is naturally found in rice, beef, beef liver, chicken, fish, beans, and seeds. Some cereal products or baby food have also been fortified with vitamin B1.
3. Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) helps the body use energy and protects cells from damage. This vitamin is also good for the health of the baby's eyes, skin and nervous system.
Babies are advised to consume about 0.3 mg of vitamin B2 every day. Some foods that contain lots of vitamin B2 are milk, beef, eggs, and vegetables
4. Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 (niacin) is needed by the body to convert protein and fat into energy. This vitamin is also good for skin health and nervous system. Babies need about 2-4 mg of vitamin B3 intake every day.
Chicken or fish liver, fish, mushrooms, avocados, potatoes, and peas are sources of vitamin B3 intake that can be added to your baby's diet.
5. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine plays a role in maintaining a healthy brain and immune system. Babies need about 0.1-0.3 mg of vitamin B6 every day. This vitamin is naturally found in chicken, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and milk.
6. Vitamin B9
Folate or vitamin B9 is a type of vitamin that is very important for baby's health. Adequate folate intake from the womb can reduce the risk of babies born with disabilities. After the baby is born, vitamins for this baby play an important role in forming red blood cells and the baby's immune system, and preventing anemia.
Babies need a folate intake of 65-80 mcg each day. This vitamin can be obtained from spinach, broccoli, beans, corn, avocados, and eggs. Some types of milk and baby cereals have also been fortified with folic acid.
7. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 or cobalamine serves to maintain nerve cells and blood to stay healthy, and make DNA which is genetic material in each cell. Babies need 0.4-0.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 every day. Vitamin B12 intake can be obtained by consuming eggs, beef, cheese, milk, and fish.
8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C protects the body against infections, helps the body absorb iron, builds bones and muscles, and helps heal wounds. Infants need 40-50 mg of vitamin C per day.
This vitamin is naturally found in fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, papaya, strawberries, kiwi, mango, guava, cauliflower, potatoes, and broccoli.
9. Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from food and strengthen bones and teeth. The recommended dose of vitamin D that needs to be fulfilled for babies every day is around 5 mcg.
Vitamin D can be obtained through basking in the morning sun and consuming foods rich in vitamin D, such as beef or beef liver, egg yolks, fish, soy milk, and cereals or fortified vitamins vitamin D.
10. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is responsible for protecting cells from damage, strengthening the immune system, and is good for skin and eye health. Babies need about 4-5 mg of vitamin E every day. Avocados, mangoes, kiwis, and vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, are good sources of vitamin E for your baby.
11. Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps the process of blood clotting and accelerates the process of wound healing. Babies need about 5-10 mcg of vitamin K every day. Vitamins for babies can be found in spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, fish, liver, meat, and eggs.
The need for vitamins for babies can generally be met if he gets a nutritious and diverse MPASI. But if needed, you can also provide vitamin supplements to your child. However, Mother needs to consult first with the pediatrician, so that the types and dosages of supplements given in accordance with the needs of your child.
