Each vitamin has a complex of symptoms and signs that characterize its deficiency. Currently, the most important benefit attributed to vitamins in general is their anti-oxidant properties. Vitamins A, C, E, and many of the carotenoids and phytochemicals are scavengers for particles known as oxygen-free radicals (or oxidants).

At moderate to high levels, oxidants and free radicals can be very harmful. They can damage cell membranes and interact with genetic material, possibly contributing to the development of a number of disorders including cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and even the aging process itself. Deficiencies of Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene have been linked to heart disease. All of these nutrients have antioxidant effects and other properties that may benefit the heart. Vitamin E may prevent blood clots and the formation of fatty plaques and cell proliferation on the walls of the arteries. Other Vitamin E compounds, including gamma tocopherol or tocotrienol may also have specific benefits. Eating foods rich in natural Vitamin E may be protective. Vitamin C appears to maintain blood vessel flexibility and improve circulation in the arteries of smokers. Several important studies have demonstrated a link between deficiencies in the B Vitamins (folate, B6, and B12) and elevated blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid believed to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease. Both Vitamins B12 and folate reduce homocysteine levels. A supplemental dosage of 0.8 mg/ day of folate (also known as folic acid) appears to be necessary for reducing homocysteine levels. Folate also improves blood flow through the arteries, which may be of equal or greater importance for the heart than its effect on homocysteine. Niacin (Vitamin B3) is used for lowering unhealthy cholesterol levels. Although Vitamin B3 is available over the counter, a physician should prescribe niacin in order to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

There are reports that a high intake of fruits and vegetables containing beta carotene, lycopene, and other carotenoids may reduce the risk of heart attack. In another study involving animals, lutein protected against early hardening of the arteries. The protection that vitamins offer us against a variety of other diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s diseases, respiratory diseases and infectious diseases by boosting our immunity and eyes and skin function among others will be lost if these and other vitamins are deficient.

It has been established that we cannot produce enough vitamins to meet our needs. We, therefore, need to get them from outside sources, largely our diet and from commercial nutritional supplements. Multivitamins are the best source for children to receive the nutrients they need in order to grow and develop.

Many of our children don’t take a daily balanced diet. Indeed, more people are eating out most times. Now, this is a serious problem for us as adults, but is even more serious for children still growing. Indeed, it is recommended that children who began eating solid food at six months be given vitamin supplements by age one. Due to the likely difficulty in getting your child to swallow a pill form of a vitamin, it might be easier to try a liquid form. Most children acquire adequate vitamins in breast milk and infant formula before their first birthday if they do not suffer from any disease preventing them from doing so. It may be necessary to give children that do not get enough exposure to sunlight vitamin D before then.

Toddlers and preschoolers are often picky about their foods. They will need supplemental multivitamins in particular. As these children grow, their tastes change over time and usually start to eat a more balanced diet. You should give children vitamins during these years as well to ensure they are well nourished and are getting the nutrients they need to ensure normal growth and development.

Children that are deficient in vitamins suffer from the same symptoms and signs specific to the vitamin they lack. Indeed, because children’s body and immune systems are not developed as those of adults, they are more susceptible to the ravaging consequences of vitamin deficiencies that only grow worse over time. Babies who do not get enough or produce enough vitamin D can develop rickets, the failure of developing bones to form properly At least as kids they have an opportunity to correct these deficiencies – as adults it may be too late.

The food which is taken is utilized for maintaining health, fitness, growth and providing energy to the body. This is done by the vital nutrients that are available in the food. The high-quality food mostly consists of macronutrients, micronutrients and water. The macronutrients include carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The micronutrients include vitamins and minerals. These are indispensable for the normal functioning of the body. Age, sex, height, weight, rate of growth etc are the factors on which the amount of nutritional requirement depends. Any form of food-solid or liquid which is taken provides energy to the body. The nutrition which is available in the food promotes growth and development, and maintenance of the body. Appropriate and accurate nutrition is possible only when the food taken is properly balanced. The food consumed should contain all the fundamental and essential nutrients. There is not a single food item which has all the nutrients in it. So a variety of food items should be included in the diet so that the body gets the necessary amount of nutrition to fulfill all the requirements of the body. Malnutrition occurs when the food taken does not meet the nutrition requirement amount.