Girl munching on baby carrots
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Vitamin A

Why kids need it: This vitamin is key for good eyesight, especially for color and night vision. It also gives a child's immune system -- the body's defense against germs -- an infection-fighting boost.

Where to find it: Fill kids' plates with carrots and other orange vegetables and fruits, like cantaloupe and sweet potatoes. Serve with glasses of fortified milk.

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B Vitamins

Why kids need them: These nutrients -- which include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, B6, B12, and biotin -- help their bodies make and use energy. Without enough B vitamins, kids can get anemia.


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Vitamin C

Why kids need it: This vitamin helps kids ward off sneezes and sniffles by helping their bodies fight infections. It also helps scrapes and cuts heal faster.

Where to find it: Kids can drink a glass of orange juice or, better yet, eat an orange. Other fruits and vegetables are also great C sources: strawberries, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and sweet red peppers.

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Vitamin D

Why kids need it: For strong bones and teeth, children need this nutrient every day. It helps them absorb calcium so their bodies can build up bones.

Where to find it: The skin makes this vitamin when the sun hits it. But because the UV rays that fuel that process also can cause cancer, your kids shouldn't get too much sun. Instead, boost their D with fortified milk, cereal, tuna, or eggs.

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Why kids need it: This mineral is a must for healthy bones and teeth. Too little can lead to a higher chance of bone disease later in life.

Where to find it: Dairy is the best source. A few servings of low-fat milk and yogurt every day should keep your kids' bones sturdy.

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Why kids need it: This nutrient isn't a vitamin, although it's typically grouped with B vitamins, but it's still important. Cells need it to keep their shape, and the nervous system needs it to speed messages throughout the body.

Where to find it: The body doesn't make its own choline, so kids have to get it from foods like eggs, fish, beef, chicken, and broccoli.

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For more WebMD tips on essential nutrients for kids, click the right arrow.

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Why kids need it: Red blood cells use it to move oxygen to the rest of the body.

Where to find it: Beef up on lean meat, or give kids other foods like beans, dark leafy greens, and iron-fortified cereal.

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Why kids need it: This nutrient is one of the building blocks of the body's cells, and it's important for making energy. A diet rich in magnesium also will keep your child's heart pumping strongly into adulthood.

Where to find it: Bran cereal, brown rice, tofu, beans, almonds, and other nuts are all great sources.

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Why kids need it: Almost every cell and organ in the body needs this to work properly. It's also important for blood pressure, to keep the heart pumping and the muscles working when children are running around.


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Why kids need it: Zinc may keep colds away by helping kids' immune systems fight viruses and other germs. Plus, their bodies need it to grow and develop properly.

Where to find it: Chicken, beans, and fortified breakfast cereals.

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Fortified Foods

The best way to make sure your kid gets the nutrients he needs is to serve him a mix of different foods. Fortified orange juice, breads, and cereals also can help you make sure he gets balanced nutrition. Worried about a picky eater? Ask your pediatrician if your child needs a daily vitamin and mineral supplement.

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Sources | Medically Reviewed on 04/26/2018 Reviewed by Renee A. Alli, MD, FAAP on April 26, 2018


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American Academy of Family Physicians: "Vitamins and Minerals: How to Get What You Need."
KidsHealth: "Vitamins."
Oregon State University, Linus Pauling Institute: "Folic Acid," "Calcium," "Choline," "Iron," "Magnesium."
TeensHealth: "Vitamins and Minerals."
Zeisel, S. Advances in Nutrition, November 2010.


This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.



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