Vitamin A is a micronutrient that can be obtained from various food sources, from natural to fortified foods. Children’s vitamin A needs are important to meet because they play a major role in helping to maintain healthy eyes, skin, and immune systems.
Before giving your little one vitamin A supplements, it is important to know that there are many sources of vitamin A foods that are easily found in traditional markets and supermarkets. The processing of these types of foods is also relatively easy.
Food Sources of Vitamin A for Children
Before discussing about food sources of vitamin A , Mom needs to know that children’s vitamin A needs vary depending on their age. For children aged 1-3 years, the need is around 2000 IU, while children aged 4-8 years need around 3000 IU.
When discussing vitamin A, one type of vegetable that sticks in my mind the most is of course carrots, yes. However, that’s not all, you know , there are many other types of food that are rich in vitamin A and you can include them in your child’s diet. Some of them are as follows:
1. Sweet potato
In 100 grams of sweet potatoes there are around 14,000 IU of vitamin A. In addition to being rich in vitamin A, sweet potatoes also have a sweet taste that is generally liked by children and is relatively easy to process.
Not only rich in vitamin A, sweet potatoes also contain a number of other nutrients, such as vitamins B and C, zinc , calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, fiber. Fulfilled fiber needs can prevent constipation that is often experienced by children.
2. Tomatoes
In addition to being easy to get and often added to various types of food, tomatoes are also rich in vitamin A, you know . In 100 grams of tomatoes, there are around 833 IU of vitamin A. Not only rich in vitamin A, tomatoes also contain antioxidants and potassium that can help maintain children’s heart health.
3. Paprika
Paprika can also be a source of vitamin A for children. In 100 grams of paprika, there are 3130 IU of vitamin A. In addition to vitamin A, the capsaicin content in this vegetable is known to increase metabolism.
However, you need to remember that paprika has a slightly spicy taste, so some children may not really like the taste.
4. Eggs
Chicken eggs are indeed known as a source of animal protein. However, not only that, eggs are also rich in vitamin A. In 100 grams of eggs there are 540 IU of vitamin A.
Mothers can process eggs by boiling, frying them sunny side up, or making them into omelets. In addition to helping meet vitamin A needs, the protein and fat in eggs can also provide energy, improve memory, repair damaged cells, and support children’s muscle function.
5. Beef liver
Beef liver is known as a source of iron so it is good for preventing anemia in children. However, in addition to these contents, beef liver also contains a lot of vitamin A, Mom. In 100 grams of beef liver contains 9363 mcg or around 5000 IU of vitamin A.
Beef liver is delicious when stir-fried, mixed into soup, processed into MPASI , or as an additional ingredient for meatballs. However, make sure to cook the liver until done to prevent tapeworm infection .
How about you, Mom, have you been enlightened that there are many sources of vitamin A that can be included in the menu list for children? After knowing it, now Mom can create variations of the menu from these food choices.
In addition to consuming sources of vitamin A for children, also complete your child’s daily nutrition by consuming other healthy foods, such as green leafy vegetables, dairy products, and various fruits and vegetables. If you are still confused about choosing other types of food that are suitable for children, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor directly , okay?