Hello Moms and Dads! Your little one's health is certainly our top priority. One important aspect of maintaining a child's health is ensuring they get enough vitamin A. Although Posyandu is a common place to obtain this supplement, there are actually several other equally effective ways. Let's discuss them together!
Benefits of Vitamin A
Before discussing how to obtain vitamin A, let's first talk about the importance of this nutrient for your little one. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in the development of the eyes, the immune system, and bone growth. Therefore, it is important for us as parents to ensure that children receive an adequate intake of vitamin A.
Referensi dari Dinas Kesehatan Provinsi Aceh mengungkapkan bahwa bulan Februari dan Agustus adalah bulan pemberian suplemen vitamin A dengan dosis yang disesuaikan dengan usia anak.
There are two types of supplements provided, namely blue capsule supplements with a dose of 100,000 IU of vitamin A for infants aged 6-11 years and red capsules for children aged 12-59 months with a dose of 200,000 IU of vitamin A.
How to Get Vitamin A Besides at Posyandu
1. Nearest Health Facility
If distance or circumstances make it impossible to visit the Posyandu, don't worry! Moms and Dads can still obtain vitamin A for your little one at nearby healthcare facilities such as hospitals, community health centers, village health posts, or clinics. Usually, this supplement is also provided free of charge.
2. Doctor or Midwife Practice Clinic
Another alternative is to visit a doctor's or midwife's clinic. The doctor or midwife will provide a dose appropriate for the child's age. Be sure to consult first to ensure the dose given is correct and safe.
3. Educational Institution
Schools, kindergartens, and early childhood education centers can also be places to obtain vitamin A. Some educational institutions may have health programs that include the provision of this supplement. Inquire with the school for more information.
How to administer vitamin A
Quoting dinkes.acehprov.go.id, here is how to administer capsules to infants and toddlers:
- Provide the blue capsule (100,000 IU) for infants and the red capsule (200,000 IU) for toddlers.
- Cut the tip of the capsule using clean scissors.
- Press the capsule and ensure the child swallows all the contents of the capsule without discarding any part of it.
- For children who can swallow, 1 capsule can be given directly to drink.
How to administer high-dose Vitamin A capsules to postpartum mothers:
- Given immediately after childbirth by directly consuming 1 (one) capsule
- Then take 1 (one) more capsule 24 hours after taking the first capsule.
Jadi, Moms and Dads, meskipun Posyandu menjadi tempat yang umum untuk mendapatkan vitamin A, masih banyak opsi lain yang dapat diakses dengan mudah. Pastikan si Kecil mendapatkan nutrisi yang cukup untuk tumbuh kembangnya yang optimal.
By utilizing nearby healthcare facilities, doctor clinics, or even through education, we can maintain the health of our little ones well. Let's take care of our children's nutrition together!
