If you have a young one, you probably have various health-related products in your home. One common one is a baby medicine pack, which contains essential products that you will probably need at one point or another. A common inclusion in this pack is multivitamin drops. These come in handy if you feel your baby is not getting enough of the essential nutrients for growth and development, or if it is cold and flu season and you want to reduce the chances of your baby getting sick.
Vitamins A-E
The main component of multivitamins is – you guessed it – vitamins! Most of them contain vitamins A through E, as each one is important for normal function.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is fat soluble and found in foods such as carrots, green leafy vegetables, and cantaloupe. It plays a role in immune function, cell division, vision, reproduction, and growth. Although it is fairly easy to obtain from food, some babies may not be eating solid foods yet, or the mom may be deficient in the vitamin.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B actually refers to vitamin B complex, which is made up of various B vitamins, including:
- Thiamine
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Pantothenic acid
- Pyridoxine
- Biotin
- Folic acid
- Cobalamin
B vitamins are important for a wide range of functions. These include brain function, energy levels, red blood cell growth, cell health, vision, digestion, muscle tone, heart health, and nerve function. B vitamins are found in a wide range of foods. However, there are also times when supplementing is necessary.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is water soluble, and it has many uses in the body. It is necessary to form:
- Cartilage
- Collagen
- Blood vessels
- Muscle
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant, it helps to absorb and store iron, and it helps speed up healing. It is also important when someone is feeling under the weather, as it helps support immune function. That is why having children’s gummy vitamins around during flu season is a good idea.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is another extremely important vitamin. It is responsible for boosting immunity, building healthy bones, and regulating cellular functions. It also has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties. It is hard to get from food sources, so it is important to supplement with the vitamin to prevent deficiency.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another antioxidant that has additional benefits for the body. It is important for your skin, brain, and blood health, and the vitamin is necessary for reproduction and vision support.
Other Ingredients
Along with these essential vitamins, an infant multivitamin contains other ingredients, some which allow it to be in liquid, gummy, or tablet form. Some multivitamins contain flavorings to entice your baby to want to take it. However, read the label carefully, as many multivitamins you find on the shelves contain unwanted ingredients, such as artificial flavors, fake colors, parabens, and other chemicals. Look for an organic product that contains only natural ingredients. If you are unsure if your baby should take a multivitamin, check with your pediatrician.
