Do kids need vitamins? Or, is the food we feed them enough? Whether to give your kids a multi vitamin for their growth and development is dependant upon their healthy eating habits, age and gender.
Proportionate to their size, children require more of certain vitamins and minerals than adults do. They need more of the B vitamins to help them extract energy out of food and may require a nutritious snack or two between regular meals to give them the proper fuel to grow, learn and play. For strong bones and teeth, they need plenty of calcium.
Girls have a growth spurt around the age of ten and boys around twelve, so this is the time to be especially conscious of their calcium intake. They also require plenty of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium and prevents rickets. Children who don’t spend much time in the sun may need vitamin D supplements. Vitamin K is also necessary for strong bone development.
Plenty of antioxidant-rich vitamin C is also recommended to fight infections and help absorb iron, a lack of which can lead to fatigue and poor concentration. Young, growing children also need plenty of vitamin A and zinc.
Talk to your doctor about supplements if you suspect diet alone will not provide the proper vitamins and minerals for your child. Some infants require iron and fluoride supplements. Kids over two may benefit from a liquid multivitamin squirted in their juice or milk.
There are a variety of chewable multivitamin brands on the market, in all sorts of shapes and flavors, to appeal to the discerning kiddy pallet. Try to stay away from brands that are full of artificial colorings, flavorings and preservatives. Teenagers might be ready for a standard multivitamin.
Check with your physician, nutritionist or holistic practitioner to ensure the doses of the various vitamins and minerals are age-appropriate.
Most experts do agree that:
• As long as you don't overdose your child on supplements (exceed the RDA for any one vitamin or mineral, a daily dose won't hurt.
• Some children — like vegetarians, or those with sensitivities to certain foods, for example — might need a daily vitamin/mineral supplement to meet their RDAs.
• Supplements are not a substitute for good food, and they should never be used to justify a poor diet. If your child isn't eating well, give them a supplement, but also take steps to improve their eating habits.
The bottom line is that if you're concerned that your child isn't getting a balanced diet by meeting all the requirements in the Food Guide Pyramid, a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement can't hurt. Just don't give your child more than one a day or neglect to focus on good nutrition at the same time.
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