Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation in Children
A dietary supplement is a manufactured product intended to supplement one's diet by taking a pill, capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid. It provides nutrients either extracted from food sources or that are synthetic.
Most parents often wonder if their children need dietary supplements to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. In most cases, children who are healthy and consume a well-balanced diet don't require vitamin supplements.
A well-balanced diet is one that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages. This means offering a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products or non-dairy alternatives. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that children need for growth and development.
Here are frequently asked questions about supplements to help you understand better:
Does my child need a supplement? Children who eat a well-balanced diet usually do not need a vitamin or mineral supplement. However, some children are at risk for deficiencies and may need it but only on prescription basis. Individuals with limited food choices due to allergies or medical conditions, like celiac disease, are also at increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.
Can supplements cause harm to my child? High doses of vitamins and minerals from supplements can produce toxic symptoms. These symptoms can range from nausea to rashes to headaches and sometimes to even more severe medical problems. Iron supplements can cause serious injury or death if young children swallow multiple tablets at one time.
Can supplements be used to treat certain conditions? Supplements can be used to fill nutrient gaps but only when dietary intake is inadequate. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be prescribed to help manage bone related conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids supplements from fish oils might help some people with heart disease. Iron supplements can be used to treat Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Are there habits that can cause nutrient deficiency and may lead to supplementation? Vegetarian/vegan eating patterns, picky/fussy eaters, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa are all linked to nutrient deficiencies.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder is characterized by refusing to eat certain foods or lack of interest in food.
Anorexia nervosa is mostly diagnosed in adolescent girls and is characterized by restricting food intake leading to severe weight loss and malnutrition.
Bulimia nervosa mostly occurs in teens also and is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging behavior.
What supplements are out there?
Most pharmacies stock omega 3, cod liver oil, calcium, probiotics, Vitamin D, Vitamin C and multiple micronutrients supplements. Cod liver and omega 3 come in gummies because of the fish smell and taste, to make it easier for kids to eat them. The rest come in liquid syrups, sprays, dissolvable tablets or chewable tablets.
Most gummies contain a lot of sugar and should be used with caution.
To give the body and the food you are eating time to do their jobs, supplements should be given for three months in a row, followed by a gap of three to six months.
Can supplements interfere with prescription drugs? Supplements may bind with prescription drugs preventing the absorption and excretion of drugs. This leads to either too little or too much of the medication you require. Always consult with your doctor before mixing medications with dietary supplements.
Note that: Your child's body does not store most vitamins and minerals so it is necessary to eat enough every day to ensure you’re meeting your daily requirements.
Since we have a nutritionist on our team, you can reach out if you have any questions or concerns regarding your diet. Book a session with an Antara Nutritionist through the Antara App or by clicking here.