Hello Moms and Dads! Your child's health is certainly our top priority. One of the important aspects in maintaining children's health is making sure they get enough vitamin A. Although the health center is a common place to get this supplement, it turns out that there are several other ways that are equally effective. Let's discuss them together!
Benefits of Vitamin A
Before getting into how to get vitamin A, let's first discuss the importance of this nutrient for your little one. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in eye development, immune system, and bone growth. Therefore, it is important for us as parents to ensure that our children get enough vitamin A intake.
Reference from the Aceh Provincial Health Office reveals that February and August are the months of vitamin A supplementation with doses adjusted to the age of the child.
There are two types of supplements provided, namely blue capsules with a dose of 100,000 IU vitamin A for infants aged 6-11 years and red capsules for children aged 12-59 months with a position of 200,000 IU vitamin A.
How to Get Vitamin A Other than at Posyandu
1. Nearby Health Facilities
If the distance or situation does not allow you to go to Posyandu, don't worry! Moms and Dads can still get vitamin A for your little one at the nearest health facilities such as hospitals, puskesmas, poskesdes/polindes, or treatment centers. Usually, the provision of this supplement is also done for free.
2. Doctor or Midwife Practice Clinic
Another alternative is to visit a doctor or midwife practice clinic. The doctor or midwife will provide a dose that is appropriate for the age of the child. Make sure to consult beforehand so that the dose given is appropriate and safe.
3. Place of Education
Schools, kindergartens, and preschools can also be a place to get vitamin A. Some educational institutions may have health programs that include the provision of this supplement. Check with the school for more information.
How to administer vitamin A
Quoting dinkes.acehprov.go.id, here's how to give capsules to infants and children under five:
- Give blue capsules (100,000 SI) to infants and red capsules (200,000 SI) to toddlers.
- Cut the end of the capsule using clean scissors
- Squeeze the capsule and make sure the child swallows all the contents of the capsule and does not throw away any of the contents of the capsule.
- For children who can swallow, 1 capsule can be given directly to drink.
How to administer high dose Vit A capsules to postpartum mothers:
- Given immediately after giving birth by taking 1 (one) capsule directly.
- Then take 1 (one) capsule again 24 hours after giving the first capsule
So, Moms and Dads, although Posyandu is a common place to get vitamin A, there are still many other options that can be accessed easily. Make sure your little one gets adequate nutrition for optimal growth and development.
By utilizing the nearest health facilities, doctor's clinics, or even through education, we can maintain good health for our children. Let's take care of our children's nutrition together!
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