By Dr. Rhaiannon Kent, Town Center Pediatrics

Untouched veggies on your child’s dinner plate, or struggles to get your little one to eat healthy snacks, may make you question whether they are getting the proper amount of vitamins and nutrients from their diet. Do not fear - chances are you have nothing to worry about. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children, even picky eaters, are getting enough vitamins from the foods they eat, and they do not need to take vitamin supplements.

Here are some facts that may put your mind at ease:

• A little goes a long way. Eating small amounts of food from the basic food groups can provide your child with all the vitamins and minerals they need. Finishing a large portion isn’t necessary to achieve the proper dietary nutrition.
• Bodies store many vitamins. Your child doesn’t have to eat each vitamin every day in order to maintain healthy levels in their body. You can work throughout the week (or even two) to get foods with the proper vitamins and minerals into their diet.
• Some foods may surprise you. Vitamins and minerals are found in a variety of foods you may not realize. For example, calcium isn’t only found in dairy products. Foods like salmon, spinach, baked beans and almonds are all good sources of calcium.
• Lots of foods are fortified. Today, many manufacturers add important nutrients, like vitamin D and calcium, to their products. Some common examples include fortified milk, margarine, cereal and pudding. Even if your child‘s favorite foods aren’t naturally full of vitamins and nutrients, they may still be providing a healthy dose.

If you have concerns about your child’s diet and nutrition, please discuss them with your pediatrician. He or she can recommend the proper steps to making sure your child gets the nutrition they need to continue to grow and stay healthy.

About CHKD Medical Group

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters has been the region’s most trusted name in pediatric care for more than 50 years. As members of CHKD Health System, our pediatricians work closely with CHKD’s full range of pediatric specialists and surgeons. They also share a commitment to quality, excellence and child-centered care. With 18 practices in 29 locations throughout the region, a CHKD pediatrician is never far.