If your little one is a fussy eater or has food sensitivities, ensuring they get adequate amounts of essential vitamins may be easier said than done. While you try your best to provide a healthy, balanced diet, sometimes it doesn’t always work out the way you planned it.
Let’s face it, broccoli to a five-year-old can be a hard sell at the best of times.
Your health professional may have mentioned fat and water-soluble vitamins. But do you know the difference? Why does it matter? And which vitamins are which?
Fat-Soluble Vs Water-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamins can be broken down into these two main groups: water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble.
This refers to how the nutrients interact with the body once ingested.
On the one hand, fat-soluble vitamins can be stored within the body’s fat cells for a short time. On the other hand, water-soluble vitamins can’t be stored in the body. If the latter aren’t used or absorbed shortly after ingesting, they’re flushed out of the body.
Which Vitamins Are Fat Soluble?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Which Vitamins Are Water Soluble?
- Vitamin C
- The B Group Vitamins
- B1 – Thiamin
- B2 – Riboflavin
- B3 – Niacin
- B5 – Pantothenic acid
- B6 – Pyridoxine
- B9 – Folate
- B12 – Cobalamin
A healthy, balanced diet is the best way to source adequate levels of these vitamins. But, every now and again, a fussy phase or growth spurt may mean your child needs some additional nutritional support.
If this is the case for your little one, talk to your health professional. If they recommend a nutritional supplement and you’re starting the hunt for a potential product for your child, discover the 3 Things You Should Know When Choosing A Supplement
You may also find the following articles useful:
The Ultimate Guide: Which Vitamins Are Important For Children?
