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Vitamins Important Part of Child's Diet

Water soluble vitamins

  • Include vitamin C, vitamin B1 (thiamin), niacin, riboflavin, B6, B12, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid
  • Not stored in body; must be replaced each day
  • Excess eliminated in the urine
  • Can be toxic at high doses. Consuming excess amounts of water-soluble vitamins can cause dangerous side effects:
    • Large amounts of niacin can cause severe flushing, skin disorders, liver damage, ulcers, and blood sugar disorders, interfere with fat metabolism and speed up glycogen depletion
    • Large doses of vitamin C have been associated with diarrhea, kidney stone formation, and impaired copper absorption
    • Excess vitamin B6 can cause neurological symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis, including numbness and tingling of the hands, difficulty in walking, and electric shocks shooting down the spine.
  • Vitamins, however, do not:
    • Prevent or cure any disease (including the common cold), except those related to specific vitamin deficiencies Provide energy
    • Help a child or adolescent mature faster or become stronger, or
    • Enhance athletic performance.
For a table listing the function and sources of most vitamins, click here.

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