re: B12 for 2 year old (and vits) (from Reed mangels)

[Guest guest]

Yes, it is important for 2 year olds to have a regular, reliable

source of

vitamin B-12. The recommended level for 1-3 year olds is 0.9

micrograms per

day. It is best if this is given on a daily basis. I cannot say

with any

certainty what amount is too much for a 2 year old. Even though she

appears

healthy, it would be wise to provide a reliable source of vitamin B-12

before any signs of deficiency develop.

Fortified soymilk provides vitamin B-12, calcium, and vitamin D as

well as

protein and calories so it may be worth it to work on adding this to

her

diet.as she is being weaned. You could try different brands to see

if she

prefers some to others. Soymilk can also be used in cooking, as I'm

sure

you know.

Other reliable sources of vitamin B-12 include fortified breakfast

cereals

(check the label), some veggie burgers, and Vegetarian Support Formula

nutritional yeast. If she has no other source of vitamin B-12, your

daughter should be able to meet her vitamin B-12 requirements by using

around 1 teaspoon of large-flake fortified nutritional yeast daily.

It can

be sprinkled on her pasta or vegetables or added to other foods.

There are

vegetarian multi-vitamins for children which contain vitamin B-12.

 

Reed Mangels, PhD, RD

Nutrition Advisor

The Vegetarian Resource Group

PO Box 1463

Baltimore, MD 21203

www.vrg.org