In order to support children's growth and development, it is important for them to get an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals through their food menu.
Most children get a sufficient amount of nutrients, but under certain conditions, children may need to increase their intake of vitamins or minerals.
You need to know, that children's vitamin and mineral needs can vary, depending on their age.
Read: 5 Tips for Choosing Vitamin Supplements for Children
"Children need a certain amount of vitamins and minerals for good growth and health, but the exact amount varies by age," explains Elizabeth Streit, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian, citing Healthline.
Is it Necessary to Take Children's Vitamin Supplements?
Elizabeth further explained, "In general, children who eat a healthy diet and balanced nutrition do not need a child's vitamin supplements."
But, some groups such as babies at nursing age, may need certain vitamin supplements of the child.
"Babies have different nutritional needs than children and may need certain children's vitamin supplements, such as vitamin D for breastfed babies," Elizabeth continued.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Department of Agriculture Guidelines for Americans recommend that children eat fruit, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and protein to get adequate nutrition.
This food contains all the nutrients necessary for the optimal growth and development process in children.
Some Children May Need Additional Nutrition
Although most children who have already eaten healthy foods do not need a child's vitamin supplement, there are some children who may need a child's vitamin supplement.
Certain vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary for children who are at risk of lacking nutritional intake from natural foods, namely children who:
- Adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet
- Have conditions that affect the absorption of nutritional needs, such as celiac disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Have undergone surgery that has an impact on intestinal or abdominal conditions
- A very picky child and struggling to eat a variety of foods
"In particular, children who eat plant-based foods may be at risk of calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins B12 and D. Especially if they eat little or no animal products," Elizabeth explained.
If the child fails to meet this lack of nutrients in his diet, then it can lead to severe consequences, such as abnormal growth and developmental delays.
"A balanced diet includes milk or dairy alternatives, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and proteins such as poultry, fish, eggs, and nuts," explains Esther Ellis, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian, launching Eat Right.
So, parents should provide a balanced nutritional diet to ensure that their child meets the recommended intake of vitamins and minerals daily, thus minimizing taking children's vitamin supplements.
