Along with genetics, gender and exercise, nutrition plays an important role in height growth. Vitamins are nutrients that are required for the normal cell function, growth and development of humans and they help promote healthy height growth as well, especially vitamin A and ditamin D. Most children can obtain these vitamins naturally from diet and exposure to sunlight. However, vitamin supplements available in the pharmacies without a prescription may also help.

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that is stored in the body's fatty tissues. It is commonly found in foods such as eggs, meat, milk, cheese, cream, liver, kidney, cod, and halibut fish oil. Extensive research has been done to study the impact of vitamin A on growth and height. An article published in the October 2000 edition of "The Journal of Nutrition" states that vitamin A intake promoted height among children who were otherwise stunted. The impact and growth rate were strongest among infants. Another study published in the February 2000 edition of "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" has found that high-dose vitamin A supplements improved linear growth of children who had very low levels of vitamin A in their body.

SIDE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN A

Large doses of vitamin A can make a person sick. As MedlinePlus notes, children and infants are more sensitive to vitamin A overdose compared to adults and can suffer from a soft spot on the head and symptoms similar to a brain tumor. Adults may experience headache, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, blurry vision, bone pain and swelling, nausea, and/or vomiting. Babies and children are more sensitive and can become sick after taking smaller doses of vitamin A.

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, fortified milk and cod liver oil. Vitamin D can also be synthesized by the body when exposed to sun. In fact, sun exposure for as little as 10 minutes can provide sufficient daily amounts of vitamin D to the body. In a study that was first published in the November 2008 of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism," researchers found that vitamin D positively influences height growth and its deficiency can lead to reduced height in young women.

SIDE EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D

Children need about 5mcg of vitamin D while adults need 5 to 15mcg, depending on their age and overall health. It is best to talk to a doctor to determine the right dose. As per the University of Maryland Medical Center, excessive vitamin D can lead to excessive thirst, metallic taste in mouth, loss of appetite, bone pain and tiredness.