8 vitamin D-rich foods that your toddler will actually eat
Recent research carried out among Irish healthcare professionals has found that iron and vitamin D are the two nutrients healthcare professionals believe are lacking most in toddlers’ diets.
Intakes of protein, fibre, calcium, salt, sugar and the increase in obesity were also high on the list of concerns.
These findings support data from Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA) which revealed that between 17 percent and 25 percent of children aged 1-4 have vitamin D intakes of less than 5µg; the Food Safety Authority of Ireland recommends that all children aged 1-3 years receive 10µg per day.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to poor growth, soft bones, rickets, heart disease and diabetes.
So what kind of foods should you be feeding your little one to help increase their intake of vitamin D?
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Egg yolk
- Cereals fortified in vitamin D
- Swiss cheese
- Fortified yoghurts
- Orange juice fortified in vitamin D
- Mushrooms
"The negative consequences of iron and vitamin D deficiency can be long-term while childhood obesity can lead to life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes," Prof Ruurd Van Elburg, Chief Medical Officer at Danone Early Life Nutrition said.
"Fortified milks, tailored for young children, can be considered as one option to increase vitamin D and iron along with a diet of nutrient-rich foods."