Micronutrients

"Micronutrient needs should be met with foods first. Parents and caregivers should select a variety of foods from each food group to ensure that nutritional requirements are met. Because children grow rapidly, they require foods that are high in iron, such as lean meats, legumes, fish, poultry, and iron-enriched cereals. Adequate fluoride is crucial to support strong teeth. One of the most important micronutrient requirements during childhood is adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. Both are needed to build dense bones and a strong skeleton. Children who do not consume adequate vitamin D should be given a supplement of 10 micrograms (400 international units) per day. Micronutrient recommendations for children ages four to eight are: vitamin A, 400.0 mcg; vitamin B6, 600.0 mcg; vitamin B12, 1.2 mcg; vitamin C, 25.0 mg; vitamin D, 5.0 mcg; vitamin E, 7.0 mg; vitamin K, 55.0 mcg; calcium, 800.0 mg; folate, 200.0 mcg; iron, 10.0 mg; magnesium, 130.0 mg; niacin (B3), 8.0 mg; phosphorus, 500.0 mg; riboflavin (B2), 600.0 mcg; selenium, 30.0 mcg; thiamine (B1), 600.0 mcg; and zinc, 5.0 mg. The recommendations are the same for boys and girls."