Breasts receive vitamins from breast milk. When the baby reaches one year old, he gradually switches to regular nutrition. During this period, his body is actively developing, growing and needs an increased amount of nutrients. Many doctors recommend taking pharmacy vitamins for a one-year-old child. Today, the choice of such drugs is huge. How to navigate the variety of the range of vitamin-mineral complexes? We will consider this issue in the article.
Features of the development of the child in 1 year
To understand what vitamins to give to a one-year-old child, you should consider the characteristics of the baby's body in this age period.
A child aged 1 year to 2 years is growing and developing intensively. He forms a skeleton, teeth appear. The kid learns to walk, becomes very mobile.
The digestive system of the child is actively working and adapts to the digestion of new food. Emotional development also takes place, the baby actively reacts to the outside world.
All this requires increased energy costs, so the child’s body needs nutrients. It is important to remember that vitamins in the body of a one-year-old child are consumed much faster than in a teenager or adult. Their stock should be constantly replenished. This is very important for the normal physical and mental development of the baby.
Types of vitamins
What vitamins are needed for a one year old baby to grow and develop normally? A kid at this age needs a variety of beneficial substances. Consider the role of each vitamin for the children's body:
- Vitamin D is much more needed for a one-year-old child than older children and adults. This is the most important substance for the baby, it ensures the growth and proper formation of bone tissue, promotes the absorption of phosphorus and calcium. In addition, vitamin D is needed for the development of internal organs (intestines, kidneys) and muscles.
- Vitamin A (carotene) is in second place in importance for the child's body. It helps to strengthen immunity, visual acuity, mental development. However, this vitamin should not be abused, since its overdose is quite dangerous.
- Vitamin C is necessary for the good functioning of the immune system, as well as for the growth of bones, teeth and hair. If taken regularly, it will contribute to the rapid healing of skin lesions.
- Vitamin E strengthens the heart and blood vessels of the child, and also helps to absorb nutrients.
- B vitamins are required for the development of the baby’s nervous system.
It is important to remember that excess vitamin K is very harmful to the baby. Such hypervitaminosis can lead to a decrease in immunity. Taking pharmacy vitamin K without a doctor’s prescription is unacceptable. This is a therapeutic drug that is used for bleeding.
Indications and contraindications
When are pharmacy vitamins needed for a one-year-old child? Pediatricians recommend taking them in the following cases:
- with reduced appetite;
- for the prevention of infectious and viral diseases;
- with pathologies that impede the absorption of nutrients;
- during recovery from illness.
Vitamin intake is contraindicated in diagnosed with hypervitaminosis, kidney disease and intolerance to the ingredients of the drugs.
How to choose vitamins
How to choose good vitamins for a one-year-old baby? First of all, you need to consult a pediatrician. Only a doctor can determine exactly what useful substances your baby needs.
Vitamin preparations are divided into two groups:
- Multivitamins. They contain several vitamin compounds, sometimes together with minerals.
- Monovitamins. They contain only one substance.
What type of drugs is better to choose? If a child needs to take vitamins for preventive purposes, then it is better to opt for multivitamin complexes. If the baby is diagnosed with a deficiency in the body of a certain substance, then it will take a single drug with the necessary vitamin compound.
You should pay attention to the composition of the vitamin complex. It must comply with the recommendations of the attending pediatrician and contain exactly those ingredients that are necessary for the child.
The choice of drug depends on the purpose of its use. After all, every ingredient in the vitamin complex has its own healing properties.
During colds, parents often choose vitamins for one-year-old babies in pharmacies. For immunity, complex preparations with vitamins A and C are suitable. It is these useful substances that contribute to the body's resistance to infections.
It is very important to pay attention to the presence of dyes and flavorings in the composition of the drug. Such vitamin complexes are contraindicated in children with allergies.
Vitamin complexes should be appropriate for the age of the child. Many manufacturers produce lines of vitamins with very similar names. However, each drug is intended for a specific age group.
Next, we give a brief overview of vitamins for a one-year-old child.
"Pikovit"
This preparation is available in the form of an orange syrup with a pleasant taste. It contains 11 vitamins and 8 minerals. Pikovit is made on a natural basis and contains an extract of orange and grapefruit, so it can be taken without fear of allergic reactions.
Pikovit improves metabolism and is one of the best vitamins for appetite. A one-year-old child is recommended to give 5 ml of the drug twice a day. In addition, vitamin syrup helps strengthen immunity and protect yourself from colds. It is recommended to take it during recovery from illness and for the prevention of viruses and infections.
The drug is produced in Slovenia. Its price is from 270 to 290 rubles.
"Multi-Tabs baby"
This drug is available in the form of chewable tablets with the taste of raspberries and strawberries. It contains 11 vitamins and 5 minerals. This tool will help support the baby’s immune system and nervous system. It includes an increased amount of vitamin D, which contributes to the proper formation of bone tissue.
Often parents ask the question: "What vitamins can a 1-year-old child be given for allergies?" The Multi-Tabs product line includes a product called Multi-Tabs Sensitive. It does not contain dyes or flavors, has a neutral taste and is intended for allergic children.
The drug is produced in Denmark. The price of Multi-Tabs Kid is from 390 to 450 rubles, and Multi-Tabs Sensitive is from 220 to 400 rubles.
"Kinder Biovital"
This drug is available in gel form. It can be taken not only by a one-year-old child, but also by a baby. The gel is a yellow, viscous mass with air bubbles inside. It has a fruity smell and a sweet and sour taste.
This form of release is very convenient. The gel is taken not only internally, but also locally. It can be applied to the mucous membranes of the mouth. This method of use is recommended for children with stomatitis.
The gel contains 10 vitamins and 4 minerals. The drug stimulates metabolism and increases appetite. It contains a large number of B vitamins. These substances contribute to strengthening the immune system and the development of the nervous system.
The drug is produced in Germany. The price of the gel is about 300 rubles.
Sana Sol
Syrup "Sana-Sol" contains 11 vitamins. There are no mineral elements in its composition. The drug is high in ascorbic acid and riboflavin. This is a good tool to strengthen immunity and prevent infections.
Also in the composition of the syrup contains a large amount of retinol. This substance promotes good vision.
The disadvantages of the drug include the lack of vitamin B12 in its composition. The syrup contains sorbitol, this substance can adversely affect the work of the intestines. Therefore, before taking "Sana-Sola," you must consult a pediatrician.
Country of origin - Norway. This is a rather expensive drug, its price is about 800 rubles.
"Alphabet Our Baby"
These vitamins can be taken for children from the age of 1.5 years. The drug is released in the form of a powder that can be dissolved in water or milk.
It contains 11 vitamins and 5 minerals. The drug increases appetite, stimulates the digestive tract and promotes good sleep. The powder can be taken for allergy sufferers, since there are no harmful additives in its composition.
The drug is available in Russia. Its price is from 300 to 400 rubles.
Aquadetrim
This medication contains only calciferol (vitamin D). "Aquadetrim" is available in the form of drops and is a therapeutic agent. It is used as prescribed by a doctor with rickets that has already begun or with an increased risk of this disease.
The drug is not taken to increase immunity or improve appetite. For the prevention of colds, multivitamin complexes should be used.
The drug is produced in Poland. Its price is from 200 to 220 rubles.
Do I need to take vitamins: different opinions
There are different opinions regarding the need for pharmacy vitamins for a one-year-old child. Many pediatricians believe that the baby needs additional beneficial food supplements. According to them, modern children are inactive and do not always eat quality products. At the age of 1 year, the child begins to communicate with peers and can catch an infection. An additional intake of pharmacy vitamins will help him get sick less, grow and develop faster.
The opinion of Dr. Evgeny Olegovich Komarovsky about vitamins for a one-year-old child differs from the point of view of many doctors and parents. A well-known pediatrician believes that the baby should receive all the necessary useful substances with food. In his opinion, taking vitamins is necessary only with a diagnosed deficiency disease, as well as in an extreme situation when the child is not able to eat normally.
Dr. Komarovsky believes that if a baby eats fully, then an additional intake of pharmacy vitamins can only do harm. As a result, a child may develop hypervitaminosis. In the video below you can hear the recommendations of a famous pediatrician.
Of course, this is a subjective opinion. But the point of view of Evgeny Olegovich Komarovsky is still worth considering. Indeed, parents often give their children vitamins completely uncontrollably, like sweets. It is important to remember that these drugs are not just sweet dragees and syrups, but full-fledged medicines. Their overdose can lead to sad consequences. Like any other medicines, pharmacy vitamins can be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor.