VITAMINS THAT HELP HEIGHT GROWTH

Your body requires an adequate supply of vitamins and nutrients to grow and develop properly. Height growth begins during infancy and continues through late adolescence. Most growth spurts occur between the ages of 8 to 13 years for girls and 10 to 15 years for boys, according to Chris Beckett, author of the book "Human Growth and Development." Genetics, medical conditions, medications and vitamin deficiencies can interfere with height growth. A variety of vitamins can support healthy development and help children grow taller.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that enhances immune system function and protects your body from infections, toxins, viruses and diseases that can stunt your growth, according to Angela Royston, author of the book "Human Growth." Royston reports that vitamin A also aids in cellular growth and helps you grow taller at an accelerated rate. Foods rich in vitamin A include livers, carrots, spinach, cod liver oil, apricots, eggs, fortified milk, cantaloupe, kale, spinach, oranges and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports height growth; repairs damaged bones, joints and tissues; aids in cellular reproduction and division; and lowers your risk of stunted growth and developmental delays, according to James Bobick and Naomi Balaban, authors of the book "Handy Anatomy Answer Book." Foods rich in vitamin D include herring, sardines, eggs, margarine, fortified breakfast cereals, cod liver oil, fortified butter, cheese, soy milk and mushrooms.

Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral that supports bone health, regulates muscle and blood vessel contractions, repairs damaged bones, aids in bone formation, promotes height growth and lowers your risk of stunted growth, according to Claire Llewellyn, author of the book "Health and Growth." Foods rich in calcium include milk, cheese, cream, pudding, ice cream, yogurt, spinach, kale, black beans, salmon, tofu, fortified orange juice, almonds, fortified soy milk and oysters.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that improves immune system function and protects your body against harmful free radicals that can interfere with height growth, according to Sheila Buff, author of the book "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals." Buff reports that zinc also encourages normal growth, supports protein synthesis, assists in cellular division and aids in bone development. Foods rich in zinc include wheat germ, roast beef, wheat bran, pecans, shellfish, lamb, veal liver, pumpkin seeds and pine nuts.