The headline says it all. When it comes to essential nutrients, such as vitamin D, vitamin E, fiber, iron, and calcium, most children ages 1 to 3 just aren’t getting enough. In many cases, parents are doing their best to introduce a wholesome diet to their children, but kids just aren’t getting the vitamins they need to stay healthy, leading to a higher need for additional vitamins and supplements.
A recent study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was intended to assess the nutrient intake of children ages 1 through 3 to examine iron deficiency anemia status. However, what they found was that, while iron and calcium deficiency were low at less than 4% of children, vitamin D deficiency was found in nearly 83% of children and vitamin E deficiency was found in just over 70% of children examined.
For many parents, getting a toddler to eat at all is a success story. But when it comes to health, it’s distressing to find that young children just aren’t getting their daily recommended doses. So, what’s the root of the problem? Well, toddlers are often in the food-avoidance stage of life, meaning anything new or lacking sweetness is a no-go. Unfortunately, part of the problem is that it’s not easy to incorporate foods with high levels of vitamin E and vitamin D into a child’s diet, as they are primarily made up of seeds, legumes, fish, and mushrooms.
One of the best ways parents can give toddlers the bump they need is by offering them fortified dairy products with added vitamins and minerals. However, nothing is more reliable than a regular vitamin supplement. Make it part of your daily routine and it’s bound to become a positive, lifelong habit. Don’t become part of the statistics. Keep an eye on your toddler’s diet and make sure they are getting the recommended amount of vitamins to ensure a healthy kid for years to come!