Your child is tired and you want to give him vitamins? It is possible in certain indications particular and always in scrupulously respecting the dosages. Pay attention shapes according to age of your child. What about the vitamins D and K ? What are the contraindications? What are the risks when you give vitamins to your child?

Can you give vitamins to a child?

Many parents wonder if it is possible to give their children vitamins, especially as winter approaches. “Absolutely” replies pharmacist Tina Gereral. But “be careful to give vitamins recommended by your pharmacist or by his pediatrician. THE doses to be administered in children are not the same as in adults, always respect the dosage” she adds. In small children, the administration of vitamins must respond to certain identified problems: fatigue, sleep, immunity For example.

From what age can vitamins be given to a child?

From 3 years old for syrup forms and from 6 years old for small tablets and sucking gums.

Certain signs presented by the child may encourage giving vitamins

In what cases to give vitamins to the child?

Certain signs presented by the child may encourage giving vitamins. “As in adults; when the repercussions of fatigue are felt (difficulty getting up, difficulty memorizing lessons, etc.), at a time when the first viruses and other microbes rage to strengthen the immune defenses or to promote continuous and restful sleep in the case of food supplements” explains the pharmacist.

Can you give vitamins D and K to your child?

THE vitamins D and K can also be prescribed by the pediatrician. “After the weaninga diversified diet combined with the continuation of breastfeeding or the consumption of follow-on milk (then growth milk from 12 months) covers the needs for nutrients, minerals and vitamins. However breast milk is not rich enough in vitamin D. Artificial milks are certainly supplemented but not enough. As for vitamin K, at birth the stock is low and breast milk contains very little of it, this is consistent with a vitamin K deficiency which exposes the newborn to a risk of bleeding. The haemorrhagic disease of the newborn can be late and extremely serious (cerebral haemorrhages)” details Dr. Fabienne Kochert, pediatrician in Orleans and president of the French Association of Ambulatory Pediatrics. Vitamins D and K are essential for growth children, they play a role in thecalcium absorption present in food and mineralization bone and dental.

► Supplementation with vitamin D is therefore recommended for all children up to the age of 5 years. Vitamin intake is in the form of drops daily data up to 18 months – 2 years. The dosage varies depending on whether the child is breastfed or formula fed. After the age of 18 months – 2 years, it is advisable to continue supplementation in winter in the form of ampoules: one at All Saints’ Day and the other in February.

► The vitamin K is involved in the balance of coagulation. Babies get a dose at birth. Vitamin K1 is preferably administered orally to all infants at dosage of 2 mg per dose: one dose at birth, one dose between 72 and 96 hours of life and an additional dose at 1 month of life in breastfed infants. “At the new born premature, oral administration is preferred but failing that, vitamin K can be injected by slow intravenous see. says the pediatrician.

When to consult?

It is imperative to keep an eye on the general condition of your child and see a doctor “if fatigue causes significant drowsiness during the day, if the child manifests night terrors or recurrent nightmares, if you notice significant weight loss” informs Tina Gereral. In these situations, it is better to consult before thinking of solving the problem with vitamins to make sure there is no other health problem.

What are the contraindications of vitamins for children?

There are no contraindications for vitamins. It is always necessary respect the dosages and in case of doubt ask the pharmacist for advice.

Are there any risks in giving vitamins to your child?

“Watch out for the amount of sugar, especially in diabetes” recommends the pharmacist, with regard to vitamin supplements.

► Vitamin D overdose can be dangerous (risk of renal calcifications in particular) but it is exceptional. It is recommended scrupulously follow the instructions use of each drug. To avoid the risk of overdose, it is important to note the vitamin D intake in the health record. Some newborns may have hypersensitivity to vitamin D (most often detected in the maternity ward), in which case vitamin D intake will be delayed.

► To avoid false routes and the risk of discomfort, vitamins in the form of drops should be given to the child in a semi-sitting position. The baby should not be lying down after taking. Always discuss these vitamin cures with your doctor.

Thank you to pharmacist Tina Gereral and Dr. Fabienne Kochert, pediatrician in Orléans and president of the French Association of Ambulatory Pediatrics.