In this article

Nutrition for children Key nutrients and dietary sources

Foods to be careful with Vitamins A, C and D

Advice about meals Common problems

Fatty and sugary foods include spreading fats, cooking oils, sugar, biscuits, cakes, crisps, sweets, chocolate, cream, ice cream and sugary drinks. These shouldn't be given too often and, when they are, only in small amounts. Many of these could affect your child’s intake of more nutritious foods and lead to a less healthy diet.

Sugary foods and drinks (including fruit juice) can also significantly contribute to dental decay, especially when consumed between meals. Some sugar-free or diet drinks can also cause decay because of their acidity. Milk or water are the best drinks to have between meals.

Try to limit the amount of sweets your child eats. Offer them at the end of a meal rather than between meals as a snack.

Particularly important nutrients for pre-school children include:

Iron

Iron deficiency is common in this age group as iron requirements are relatively high but dietary intake is often low, especially if little or no meat is eaten. Foods rich in vitamin C, eaten at the same time, can help to maximise iron absorption from non-meat sources, so include a glass of orange juice with the evening meal, or citrus fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C.

Calcium

This is vital for the growth of bones and teeth. A child's requirement will usually be met if milk and other dairy products are consumed daily as a regular part of the diet. Good sources of dietary calcium are shown above.

Vitamin A is needed for healthy skin and cell development and can often be lacking in diets within this age group.

Vitamin C is important for the immune system and growth, and its intake may be low in children who don't eat much fruit or vegetables.

Vitamin D is essential for the body's calcium metabolism and can be produced by the body when skin is exposed to sunlight.

In winter, and if your child is always covered when outside, make sure you include dietary sources of vitamin D, along with supplements (in tablet or liquid form) containing this vitamin.

Young children can be given extra A, C and D vitamins in supplements. These are available from your local health centre.