Vitamins and other supplements are all the rage and, if advertisements are to be believed, none of us could have a decent, healthy life without taking some form of supplementation. Especially regarding children, supplementation can be a minefield because most children probably do not need to take any supplements.

The most important factor in supplementation for children is to realise that supplements will never, ever replace a healthy, nutritious diet. Food is still the best source of vitamins and minerals. Any normal growing child who gets a balanced diet probably does not need to take supplements.

What constitutes a healthy, balanced diet?

A healthy, balanced diet is a diet that provides a variety of foods and includes plenty of fresh fruit and leafy, green vegetables, proteins like meat, fish, eggs and chicken, whole grains such as brown rice and oats, and dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.

Which children might need supplements?

    • Fussy eaters who may be missing out on specific vitamins or who are not eating enough
    • Children who have chronic medical conditions such as asthma or digestive problems
    • Children who are taking medication (some medicines can reduce the absorption of nutrients)
    • Children with food allergies or intolerances who have to exclude important food from their diets
    • Very active children who play demanding sports
    • Children on a vegetarian diet
    • Children who drink a lot of carbonated drinks or who often eat fast, convenience or processed food.

Tips on giving children supplements

    • The vitamins and minerals that are crucial for growing children are vitamins A, B, C, D, calcium and iron
    • Children should preferably only be given a supplement on a doctor’s recommendation
    • Any multivitamin or supplements you give a child should be designed for the child’s specific age group
    • A supplement should not provide more than 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of any vitamin or mineral.

Sources
nutrition.about.com
Phelps, Prof Kerryn, January 2013. Should children take supplements? Pp 155-156. Australian Women’s Weekly Magazine
www.mayoclinic.com
www.webmd.com