Vitamins for kids: Do they need it?
Are you a parent, who like many of us, wonder about the nutritional needs of your child? Do you wonder if taking a vitamin or supplement is necessary to give our children on top of their current diet?
If so, you are not alone. This is a common concern amongst parents who want the best for their Children’s health. Child friendly supplements can help fill in the gap for your growing child, especially if they are picky eaters and don’t have the best diet.
As children grow, it is important for them to get enough vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal health.
Supplements don’t make up for a healthy balanced diet, but they can certainly act as a bridge to help prevent nutrient deficiencies that may arise.
Parents should focus on a well-rounded diet to ensure their children meet the daily recommended amount of vitamins and minerals. A healthy plate should be rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fiber, protein rich foods and healthy fats. While all vitamins and minerals are important for growth and development, some are especially critical for children.
Given the reality of our busy and fast paced lives, we don’t get as many well rounded home cooked meals as we would like to. As a Naturopathic Doctor and mom of two young growing boys, I recommend certain child friendly supplements as a welcomed addition to help ensure strong growing body’s and minds for the development of healthy children.
Kids who may benefit from the addition of vitamins may include:
- Kids who aren't eating regular, well-balanced meals made from fresh, whole foods including a variety of fruits and vegetables, proteins and healthy fats
- Picky eaters who simply just aren’t eating enough or enough variety.
- Kids with specific medical concerns or digestive problems, or kids taking prescription medications that may cause nutrient deficiencies.
- Kids eating a lot of fast food, processed or convenience food in packages. High sugar or carbonated beverages also deplete the body of key nutrients.
- Kids on a vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free or other restrictive diet, who may need an iron, calcium or other specific nutrient or supplement.
It’s best for kids to get all the vitamins and minerals they need from a well-balanced diet. And generally, they do. But it can be more challenging to get adequate levels of certain nutrients, which is where a good quality supplement can be a great addition. Good quality supplements should be non GMO, and free of artificial colours, preservatives, and sweeteners.