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    The Benefits of Supplements in Children

    Jacques BedardBy No Comments3 Mins Read
    29 May 2011: A child is administered a dosage of vitamin A from a red capsule at the Kalapotti Satellite, Kalapotti Slum, during the UNICEF supported National Vitamin A Plus Campaign, NVAC in Barisal. The National Vitamin A Plus Campaign (NVAC) has been running for almost a decade and is one of the biggest in Bangladesh. In 2010, more than 95 per cent of children aged 12 to 59 months received Vitamin A supplementation and more than 93 per cent infants aged 9 to 11 months received Vitamin A supplementation. In 2011, as part of a new trial, infants aged six to eight months are eligible to receive the vaccination in seven districts. 900,000 infants between six and eight months were targeted during the one-day campaign. In the years prior, infants aged nine to 11 months received the vaccine as part of a wider immunization campaign against measles but following recommendations by the World Health Organisation, it was decided those aged between six and 59 months were to receive the vaccination as part of the specific Vitamin A campaign. Bangladesh has a poor dietary intake of Vitamin A and less than 40 per cent of pregnant and lactating women receive enough Vitamin A as part of their diets. The supplement protects against night blindness, helps cells function, aids the production of protective red blood cells and boosts the body’s immune system. Because the campaign also aims to increase awareness around Vitamin A, more than 400,000 volunteers and 60,000 health service providers across Bangladesh assisted in getting people to distribution points, administering the droplets and disseminating information about the importance of Vitamin A and healthy living. Messages had been broadcast on television and radio as well as through megaphones attached to the back of moving vehicles. Posters were hung around villages and mosques delivered information to worshippers. Since 1997, the prevalence of night blindness in children has been maintained below the 1% threshold tha

    Vitamins and minerals are vital for your child’s healthy growth and development. If your child has a well-balanced diet, gets enough sleep, and exercises regularly, then they may not require a supplement from places like Supplement First. That said, there are children at risk for nutrient deficiencies, requiring a supplement or multivitamin.

    Let’s take a look at which kids require vitamin supplements and what they should take.

    Who Can Benefit from Supplements?

    Because of both parents and children’s busy lives, eating nutritious, homecooked meals can’t always be done. That’s why pediatricians may recommend giving your child a mineral supplement or multivitamins in the following situations:

    • Your kids don’t eat regular and well-balanced meals made of fresh, whole ingredients.
    • You have picky eaters who don’t eat enough or don’t like fruits and vegetables.
    • Kids may have chronic medical conditions like digestive problems or asthma that make them deficient in some nutrients. They may also take prescribed medications that result in. vitamin deficiency.
    • Your child prefers eating processed, convenience, or fast food because of a busy lifestyle. Those who drink a lot of carbonated soda may need a supplement as it leaches nutrients from their bodies.
    • Children on a vegan or vegetarian diet (iron supplements are recommended), dairy-free diet (calcium supplements are recommended), or any other restricting diet.

    The Best Vitamins and Minerals

    Here are a few of the important nutrients your growing children need:

    • Vitamin A is necessary for promoting proper growth and development and aiding in bone and tissue repair. It also maintains healthy eyes, skin, and immune responses.
    • B vitamins help with energy production, metabolism, and healthy nervous and circulatory systems. These vitamins are also helpful in promoting healthy muscles, skin, and connective tissue. Furthermore, it promotes teeth and bone formation, helping bodies absorb calcium.
    • Calcium helps strengthen bones in growing children.
    • Iron helps build muscle and is necessary for healthy red blood cells. However, talk with the doctor before giving iron supplements to kids, as there’s such a thing as an iron overdose!

    You can purchase all these vitamins and minerals in supplement form from stores like Designs for Health in Supplement First!

    Tips When Giving Supplements to Kids

    Follow these tips to make sure your children stay healthy and that you handle their supplements appropriately:

    • Besides giving your child multivitamins and supplements, do your best to incorporate healthy foods into their diet, like fruits and vegetables. Opt for more variety in their meals, making healthy food more enjoyable.
    • Keep all vitamins out of reach, especially gummy supplements, as these can be treated like candy.
    • If your child takes any medication, talk with the doctor about any drug interactions to prevent boosting or lowering the medication dosage.
    • For children who don’t like pills or liquid supplements, purchase chewable vitamins.
    • Unless specified by a doctor, consider waiting until your child reaches four years old before giving multivitamin supplements.

    Wrapping It Up

    Before giving your kids supplements, discuss them with your child’s doctor to prevent any side effects.

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