As every parent knows children can be very picky eaters and can consume junk foods that have little nutritional value. Does this mean that every child should be taking a multivitamin? The answer to this question is not necessarily, as long as the child is getting a balanced diet he or she can receive the nutrients and vitamins they need through food intake. The problem arises when a child is eliminating a whole food group from their diets, suffers from a chronic disease, is not getting the proper amount of sunlight in their daily activities or does not drink vitamin-D fortified milk. This is when supplementation is probably a good idea. You should always consult your physician before starting your child on a multivitamin. 

What Should You Look for in a Childs Multivitamin?

You should always choose a multivitamin that is specifically formulated for children. Giving a child a supplement formulated for an adult is not a good idea. Children have smaller bodies and require fewer nutrients. For example, studies have shown that too much iron can be harmful to developing bodies. You need to be aware and follow the recommended daily dosage and remind the child that this is not candy. Always administer vitamin supplements under the supervision of a parent, even if the child is responsible enough to do it themselves.

What Vitamins and Minerals are Important to Your Child’s Health

Vitamin A – Milk and infant formulas are a very important source of vitamin A. A deficiency can occur in children with fat malabsorption or a very poor diet

Vitamin C – Many parents provide too much vitamin C to prevent colds and upper respiratory problems. Lack of vitamin C can cause scurvy which is uncommon but can occur in children under the age of one year. 

Iron – This is important in a child’s growth because it promotes strong muscles and blood production. It is good to feed children a diet high in iron. 

Calcium – This is a very important mineral for producing and maintaining strong bones. It is also an important mineral in preventing the onset of osteoporosis as we age.

Vitamin K – This is important in proper blood clotting. It can be deficient in newborns that did not receive a vitamin K shot or are being exclusively breast feed.

Fluoride – Children need fluoride after the age of six months to prevent cavities. Normally tap water is a good source of fluoride. If a child is only drinking bottled water or well water you may want to talk to your doctor about supplementation.

Zinc – This is a very important mineral for adolescents as it promotes sexual maturity.

In conclusion, it is very important that we, as parents, are aware of the nutritional requirements of our children during different stages of development. A decision needs to be made if the child is receiving proper nutrition through their diets or there are holes in the eating habits which would better be dealt with through supplementation. Remember to always consult your child’s doctor before putting them on any supplements.