Why are Vitamin B6 and B12 Important for Kids?

Vitamin B complex is often overlooked, as it comes across as very confusing with all the variations of this vitamin. However, it's no less important for children growing and developing and here's why.

This vitamin group has eight different vitamin types, but we would like to talk about Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12, which Dr Murray included in Childlife Essentials Multi-Vitamin SoftMelts.

• Vitamin B complex is responsible for metabolism, which promotes the healthy development of the body and the brain.

• Vitamin B6 aids in healthy brain development and is associated with such chemicals as serotonin which can help regulate stress responses, mood and normal body function.

Vitamin B12 promotes a healthy nervous system and helps form red blood cells.

Which Foods Contain Vitamin B?

As confusing as the Vitamin B complex is, the good news is it can be found in many foods, and chances are your kids already eat them daily. 

• Leafy green vegetables

• Dairy (cheese, milk, yoghurt)

• Eggs

• Red meat, chicken and fish

• Nuts and seeds

• Whole grains

• Potatoes

• Fruits (specifically watermelon, grapefruit and banana)

Can you supplement Vitamin B?

Vitamin B complex is water-soluble, which means the vitamins are not stored within our body long-term because they are easily dissolved in water. So your child must get enough Vitamin B through a full and varied diet daily. 

However, many kids do not get enough of this vitamin through their diet alone due to allergies, dietary restrictions, or food dislikes. This is where Vitamin B supplements can come in to provide sufficient levels of this vitamin to your child.

The best option for Vitamin B supplements is through a multivitamin supplement. A quality vitamin will bridge the gap between the lack of nutrients and a child's need for healthy growth and development. 

Childlife Essentials vitamins were developed by paediatrician Dr Murray who designed them specifically for children's needs and selected those vitamin combinations to maximise kids' health benefits as much as possible.