If you have a child who’s a picky eater or who is smaller than other kids the same age, you might be concerned that he or she isn’t getting enough of essential nutrients. Under some circumstances, kids might have to take vitamin supplements, but you should consult a medical professional if you have questions or concerns about your child’s health.
Your Child Might Be Getting Plenty of Vitamins From Food
It’s best to get nutrients from food whenever possible. Most kids, even picky ones, get the vitamins and minerals they need from food.
If you offer a variety of healthy meals and snacks, your child should be able to get enough nutrients. Keep in mind that many foods, such as milk, juice, bread and cereal, are fortified with vitamins.
Some Children Can Benefit From Vitamin Supplements
Kids who are developing at a slower than normal rate, who have allergies or some other medical conditions, or who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet might have one or more vitamin deficiencies. In that case, taking vitamin supplements can be helpful.
Before you assume that your child needs to take vitamins, consult your pediatrician or a dietician. A medical professional can look at the big picture, including your child’s diet, the results of lab work and any medical conditions your child has or medications your child takes. A healthcare provider might recommend supplements or might tell you that your child is healthy and is growing and developing at a normal rate.
Be Careful When Giving Vitamins to Kids
If a medical professional recommends giving your child supplements, make sure that you know which vitamins your child needs. A multivitamin contains several vitamins, but your child might only be deficient in one area. Consuming more than the recommended daily amounts of some vitamins can lead to health problems, such as digestive upset, nausea, headaches and harmful interactions with medications.
Only give your child a vitamin that’s designed for children. Kids have different dietary needs than adults. Supplements that are meant for adults can provide larger amounts of some vitamins than children’s bodies can handle.
Keep supplements out of your child’s reach. Often, vitamins look and taste like candy to make them appealing to kids. Explain in age-appropriate terms that vitamins are medicine meant to keep your child healthy, not candy and that eating more than the recommended amount could make your child sick.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
Parents want to keep their kids healthy, but providing multivitamins is usually unnecessary. Most kids get enough of the nutrients they need from food. Before you give your child supplements, consult your healthcare provider.
