We all know that we should try to eat five portions of fruit and veg every day but, as a parent, how can you be sure your child is getting all the nutrition they need?
Well a new survey, discussed in The Independent, suggests that two thirds of parents in the UK are struggling with that very thing.
Of the 2,000 parents polled, 15% admitted they didn’t know how to boost their child’s levels of vitamin C, while one in ten said they had ‘no idea’ why the famous ‘five portions’ were even required.
All children between six months and five years of age should be given a supplement of vitamin A, C and D every day according to Department of Health guidelines, says The Independent.
And the study, conducted by Boots Kids Vitamins, found that just over half of parents (56%) were already doing this.
If you need a recap on your vitamins and what they do, here’s a quick refresher:
- Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin and eyes, and can be found in cheese, eggs, oily types of fish, milk and yoghurt.
- Vitamin D helps to build strong bones, teeth and muscles. Good sources of vitamin D, apart from natural sunlight, include fish like salmon, herring and mackerel, red meat, liver and egg yolks.
- Vitamin C boosts your child’s immune system and helps any wounds they pick up to heal quicker. You can find vitamin C in orange juice, red and green peppers, strawberries, broccoli, potatoes and sprouts.
See the NHS website to learn more about the actual amounts of vitamins and minerals your child needs, because overdosing could do them more harm than good.
Here at Little Willows, our nurseries in Corsham and Bath both have dedicated on-site chefs who prepare weekly menus for the children. We provide a vast variety of foods for the little ones to explore so meal times are never boring!
We use top quality produce from local butchers and green grocers where possible, so we can vary the types of foods we have on offer. We cater for all of the children’s dietary needs, and provide two hot meals plus puddings and snacks every day.
If you’d like to visit either of our settings, please call the team today to arrange an appointment on 01225 332296 or 01249 701444.
