Vitamins

What:

Moms are always talking about vitamins, aren't they?! Vitamins are essential nutrients every kid needs for a healthy lifestyle.  In fact, the word vitamin comes from the Latin word meaning 'to live'.  There are two kinds of vitamins -- water-soluable, or those that are stored in your blood and need to be replaced often, and fat-soluable, or those that are stored in your fat tissues and liver, and can be saved for when you need them.

Water-soluable vitamins are

• vitamin C and 

the B vitamins

• Thiamin
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Biotin
• Pantothenic acid
• B6
• Folate
• B12

Fat-soluable vitamins are

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

Why:

There are LOTS of reasons why your body needs these vitamins! Mostly, these nutrients support growth, maintenance, and immunity (keeping you from getting ill).  In short:

Vitamin A (and beta-carotene)
~Supports vision so you can see at night, strengthens bone growth, and prevents infections which keep you from becoming sick. 

B Vitamins
~Helps to convert the foods you eat into energy you can use and creates new cells.

Vitamin C
~Heals your skin and tissues when you get a cut.  Helps your body absorb iron so it strengthens muscles. Helps your body resist infections like getting a cold.

Vitamin D
~Absorbs calcium to make your bones and teeth healthy and strong.

Vitamin E
~Acts as an antioxidant responsible for developing strong cells, protecting against heart disease, and maintaining immunity from illness.

Vitamin K
~Stimulates blood clotting by making sure you don't bleed too much when you get cut!

Without these vitamins, your body is at risk for some very serious diseases and health probelms.  They include stunted growth, nerve damage, depression, digestion difficulties, rashes, diarrhea, swelling, night blindness, and bone weakness. 

How:

The best way to make sure your body is getting enough vitamins is to eat a balanced and varied diet, full of fruits and vegetables!  It's also a good idea to go outside and play -- the best source of vitamin D is the sunshine!