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Vitamin and mineral needs in children

Healthwise
By Debby Golonka, MPH

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Children and teens, starting by age 2 months, may need a daily vitamin D supplement. Talk with your doctor about how much and what sources of vitamin D are right for your child.

Infants 6 to 12 months of age may need a source of iron. Use iron-fortified formula (for formula-fed babies) and include high-iron infant cereals and/or meat baby foods.

Children 6 months to 16 years of age may need a fluoride supplement, depending on the fluoride levels in the local water supply.1 Check with your doctor for amounts and sources. Fluoride can help prevent cavities.

References

Citations

  1. Adair SM, et al. (2001). Recommendations for using fluoride to prevent and control dental caries in the United States. MMWR, 50(RR14): 1–42. Also available online: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5014a1.htm.

Credits

Author Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Specialist Medical Reviewer Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator
Last Updated February 6, 2009
Last Updated: 02/06/2009

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