Vitamin A for Kids

As a parent, you want to make sure your child is getting all the nutrients they need to grow up healthy, but it’s not always easy to keep track of what each vitamin does. One important nutrient to have on your radar? Vitamin A. Read on to learn why it’s important for your kiddo’s development, how much they need, and where to find it in food and supplements.

What is vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in your child’s health and development.* It comes in two main forms: retinol and beta-carotene. Retinol is the ready-to-use form of vitamin A and is found in animal-based foods. Beta-carotene, found in colorful fruits and vegetables, is a vitamin A precursor that the body can convert into vitamin A when needed.

What does vitamin A do for children?

The main vitamin A benefit for children is supporting eye health, as well as promoting their health and development.* Vitamin A is one of the essential vitamins that kids need every day.

How much vitamin A should a child take daily?

The recommended Daily Value of vitamin A varies by age:

• Kids ages 2-3 years old need 300 mcg of Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE) daily
• Kids ages 4 years and older need 900 mcg of Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE) daily

What foods are high in vitamin A?

Vitamin A comes from both animal and plant foods. Here are some great sources to include in your child’s diet – especially helpful when planning school lunches, snacks on the go, or meals for picky eaters:

Vitamin A content in foods

Food	Serving Size	Amount of vitamin A (mcg RAE)
Retinol sources
Chicken liver	3 oz	2390
Milk, fortified	1 cup	203
Ricotta cheese	1/2 cup	123
Egg, hard-boiled	1	90
Breakfast cereal, fortified with vitamin A	1 serving	90
Cheddar cheese	1 oz	89.6
Yogurt, plain	6 oz	82.6
Black cod	3 oz	68.7
Beta-carotene sources
Sweet potato	1 med	1050
Carrots	1/2 cup	457
Red sweet peppers	1/2 cup	118
Spinach	1 cup	70.8
Mango	1/2 cup	44.8

Are there vitamin A supplements for kids?

If you’re looking for support to help fill in nutrient gaps, L’il Critters Gummy Vites are a great option. These kid-friendly multivitamin gummies include vitamin A along with 10 other essential nutrients to support your child’s health and development.*

With fun flavors like cherry, strawberry, orange, pineapple, and blueberry, Gummy Vites makes getting a daily multi feel like a treat! And with a No Sugar Added multi option, you can choose what works best for your family.

Vitamin A for kids: The bottom line

Vitamin A helps support your kids’ eye health, as well as their growth and development.* It’s just one of the many essential vitamins and minerals that their bodies need to grow and thrive. Parenting comes with plenty of challenges, but nutrition doesn’t have to be one of them. With a little knowledge and the right support, you’re helping your l’il one grow up healthy, happy, and strong.

Brought to you by the L’il Critters nutrition team.