As parents, we all want the best for our children — to see them grow, learn and thrive. Nutrition plays a huge role in early development, yet some key nutrients can be difficult to obtain consistently from food alone during the early years.

In the UK, vitamins A, C and D are recognised as particularly important for young children. So much so that the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care recommend a daily supplement containing these vitamins for all children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Vitamin A: Vision, Growth and Immune Defence

Vitamin A is essential for normal growth and development, particularly in early childhood. It plays a key role in maintaining healthy vision, especially in low-light conditions, and supports the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

During childhood, vitamin A helps regulate cell growth and differentiation — processes that are critical for the development of organs, skin, and the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Adequate intake helps maintain these protective barriers, reducing susceptibility to illness.

According to the NHS, low vitamin A intake can increase the risk of infections and, in more severe cases, affect vision. Because young children can be picky eaters, supplementation helps provide a safety net.

Vitamin C: Immune Support and Tissue Health

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and protects cells from oxidative stress. It also improves the absorption of iron from plant-based foods — an important consideration for growing children.

Children are frequently exposed to viruses as their immune systems develop. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of immune cells and may help reduce the duration and severity of common infections, such as colds.

In addition, vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis, which supports healthy skin, bones, cartilage and blood vessels — all crucial during periods of rapid growth.

Vitamin D: Bone Development and Beyond

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth because it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. In early childhood, when bones are growing rapidly, adequate vitamin D is particularly important.

In the UK, vitamin D deficiency is common — especially during autumn and winter — because sunlight is not strong enough for much of the year to allow sufficient vitamin D synthesis in the skin. This is why the NHS recommends routine supplementation for young children.

Beyond bone health, vitamin D also supports normal muscle function and contributes to healthy immune responses. Emerging research continues to explore its wider role in childhood health.

What the NHS and Government Recommend

UK government guidance, supported by the NHS and the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), recommends:

• All children aged 6 months to 5 years should receive a daily supplement containing vitamins A, C and D
• Babies under 1 year should receive vitamin D unless they are having more than 500 ml of formula per day
• Vitamin D supplementation is especially important between October and March

Supporting Healthy Foundations

Vitamins A, C and D play complementary roles in supporting children’s growth, immune function and skeletal development. Because dietary intake and sunlight exposure can vary widely in early childhood, supplementation provides a simple, evidence-based way to reduce the risk of deficiency.

By following NHS and government guidance, parents can take a practical step towards supporting their child’s health during these critical early years — laying strong foundations for lifelong wellbeing.