Various nutrients are needed by babies to support their growth and development, and one of them is vitamins. There are various functions of vitamins for babies, ranging from building immunity to improving the function of their organs.
The nutritional needs of babies can actually be met through adequate breastfeeding. Breast milk itself contains complete nutrients for baby's growth and development, ranging from protein, fat, carbohydrates, to calcium.
However, with increasing age, breast milk is no longer able to meet the increasing nutritional needs of babies so that additional nutrients are needed to support their growth and development. Well, one of the nutrients needed is a vitamin.
What are the types and functions of vitamins that are good for babies?
The following are some vitamins that are important for baby growth and development and their functions:
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is very important to support the development of vision function and healthy skin of babies. Not only that, this vitamin also plays an important role in increasing the body's resistance and accelerating the growth process of the baby's bones and tissues.
However, the amount of vitamin A intake in infants must be adjusted to the baby's age. This aims to prevent the effects of vitamin A poisoning.
2. Vitamin B9
Another vitamin that is also important for baby's growth and development is vitamin B9 or folic acid. Folate is a B vitamin that plays a role in increasing the production of red blood cells and accelerating cell growth, maintaining healthy muscles and nerves, and strengthening the baby's immune system.
3. Vitamin C
The function of vitamin C is also important to support baby's growth and development. This vitamin plays a role in the formation and repair of red blood cells and body tissues, including bones. In addition, vitamin C also functions to maintain healthy gums and increase the baby's immune system.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a role in helping the body absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones and teeth in babies. Vitamin D deficiency in infants will result in bone disorders, such as rickets.
5. Vitamin E
This one vitamin is also important for baby's health. The function of vitamin E in infants is as an antioxidant that can support cell growth and the development of nerve and brain tissue.
6. Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays an important role in the process of blood clotting. Without vitamin K, even small wounds can continue to bleed, making it difficult to heal. To meet the needs of vitamin K, every baby born will usually be given an injection of vitamin K.
Do Babies Need Vitamin Supplements?
Babies usually start to need additional nutrition when they enter the age of 6 months. At this age, you can introduce your little one to various types of complementary foods (MPASI) to meet their nutritional needs.
When your little one can be given complementary foods, doctors usually will not recommend giving vitamin supplements.
However, vitamin supplements are needed for babies born prematurely, born with low birth weight, or have a small body size in the womb. In addition, babies who have chronic problems and have an impact on their appetite are also advised to be given vitamin supplements.
If you want to know more about the types and functions of vitamins that are good for your baby's growth and development, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. Mothers can also find out the amount of vitamin intake for your little one according to his age and needs, especially if he has certain medical conditions.
