We noticed their is not a lot of resources on the internet laying out exactly the type of of vitamins in baby food. We wanted to create a listing of their importance for the development of your beautiful baby. This is not a full list yet, but it’s start and we will keep updating it. We broke down each Vitamin by three categories.
1) What the Vitamin does for your baby.
2) What type of products/foods the vitamin is found in.
3) A way to spot any possible deficiencies in these vitamins. (*please consult with a pediatrician for more information)
Protein
Important for babies in energy, tissue repair, and growing. Several parts of the body are tissues made of protein, such as the brain, skin, hair, nails, muscles, and even blood are full of protein. It also helps in transporting vitamins and hormones in the bloodstream and build muscle.
Found in: animal meat such as red meat, poultry, pork, fish, milk and eggs. It can also be found in some veggies like beans, rice, lentils, breads and grains. Luckily breast milk and formula usually has the correct amount as they grow
Vitamin A
Important for developing vision and immune system protection in a newborn. It also keeps hair, skin, and nails healthy as well as gums, bones, glands, and teeth.
Found in: carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, red and green bell peppers, kale, lettuce, spinach, broccoli
Symptoms of deficiencies-dry eyes or night blindness, dry skin, slow growth, low resistance to infection
Vitamin C
Important for healing wounds and strengthening bloods vessels. It also helps bind other cells together.
Found in: Papayas, kiwis, cantaloupes, guavas, bell peppers, berries, melons, broccoli, kale, lettuce, bananas, pears, apples, potatoes.
Symptoms of deficiencies-loose teeth or bleeding gums, slow healing, dry skin
Vitamin D
Important for building bones and teeth, and promotes calcium absorption
Found in: breast milk and formula
Symptoms of deficiencies-thinning and weakening of bones
Vitamin E
Important for muscles, red blood cells, tissues, and prevents cell damage and preserves fatty acids
Found in: olive and soybean oils, whole grains, broccoli, spinach, mustard greens, parsley, avocados.
Symptoms of deficiencies-blood problems in infant children, neurological problems in older children
Vitamin K
Important for maintaining healthy bones and normal blood clotting
Found in: spinach, kale, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, potatoes, soy and grain
Symptoms of deficiencies-excessive bleeding, no clotting
Calcium
Important for building bones and teeth, and essential for blood clotting, muscle, and never function in the body. It also helps prevent osteoporosis in later life
Found in: breast milk and dairy products such as cheeses and yogurts, milks
Symptoms of deficiencies-you can’t really see it till it’s too late, a weakening of the bones. But it can be reversed, so be sure to always keep a balanced diet
Iron
Important and essential for creating hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin helps to carry oxygen in red blood cells all over the body
Found in: breast milk and formula, beans, spinach, avocados, parsley, peas
Symptoms of deficiencies-it’s important to make sure your child has enough iron in their diet, by eating normal amounts of the mentioned foods. If not, can lead to fatigue, weakness, and more susceptible to infections
Zinc
Important for growth of cells, muscles, and tissues. Also for healing wounds and sexual maturation.
Found in: whole grains, cheese, peas, and beans
Symptoms of deficiencies-diminished appetite, slowed growth, diarrhea, and infections
Iodine
Important for normal function of the thyroid gland, which helps to control hormones in the body for normal growth
Found in: salt, seafood
Symptoms of deficiencies-dry skin, constipation, fatigue
Fluoride
Important for strengthening bones and teeth, and helps the body absorb calcium
Found in: Water
Symptoms of deficiencies-sensitive teeth
Folate
Important for helping the body make red blood cells and break down protein
Found in: grains, beans, asparagus, spinach, broccoli, chicken and beef liver
Symptoms of deficiencies-fatigue, sore teeth and mouth, dry skin
Riboflavin
Important for energy and normal cell growth and production. Also considered an antioxidant and prevent cholesterol.
Found in: dairy products, grains, meats, broccoli, spinach, fish, poultry
Symptoms of deficiencies-fatigue, sore throat, anemia, weakness, dry skin
Phosphorus
Important for normal cell function, energy, and strengthening bones and teeth
Found in: cheese, seeds, breads, beans, nuts, rice
Symptoms of deficiencies-weaker bones, fatigue, sensitive teeth
DHA omega 3
Important for brain development and growth, function
Found in: dairy products, milk, cheese, breast milk and formula
Symptoms of deficiencies-dry skin, fatigue, weakness
Vitamin BH
Important for digestion, muscle development, and energy
Found in: dairy products, meat and poultry, eggs, fish
Symptoms of deficiencies-weakened muscles, low energy
Vitamin BG
Important for essential cell growth and production, helping carrying oxygen in the blood stream
Found in: fish, meats, eggs, cheese, shell fish, yogurt
Symptoms of deficiencies-dry skin, pale skin, weakness, diarrhea, bleeding gums