KidzDoctor

To supplement or not to supplement? A guide to vitamin supplements for children.

'Dietary supplements' refers to a range of products including vitamins, minerals, herbs and other substances. Vitamins are crucial for bodily functions, making them essential for children’s growth, development and health.

Food is a complex source of nutrients which all work together to enhance absorption and exert their function. For this reason, our bodies absorb vitamins better when they come from food rather than supplements. Eating a balanced diet from the main four food groups daily will supply most nutrients. Different foods provide different types and amounts of nutrients; no single food or food group provides all the nutrients the body needs. In New Zealand, the Ministry of Health does not recommend giving children dietary supplements unless they are at risk of a deficiency and cannot get the nutrient from a food source.

Children at risk of deficiency include:

· Vegetarians or vegans. These diets are low in iron and do not provide vitamin B12 which is found in animal-based foods.

· Diets which are severely restricted due to severe food allergies.

· Conditions that affect food absorption such cystic fibrosis.

· Premature infants and those born with a birth weight less than 2.5kg.

· Certain medications that can affect metabolic processes.

· Restricted intake making it impossible to meet daily requirements by dietary means.

· Breast-fed babies, particularly during the winter months when there is less opportunity to be exposed to sunshine. Babies drinking more than 500mls of formula do not require additional supplements as formula is already fortified with vitamins and nutrients.

· People with naturally dark skin over winter or if they have reduced sun exposure.

Beware of exceeding recommended daily allowances (RDA) for age which can result in toxicity. This can happen if you combine supplements. For example, giving cod liver oil with vitamin supplements will result in too much vitamin A and D.

While there are circumstances when supplements may be needed, getting vitamins and minerals through food and drink should be the goal for growing children. Your child specialist or dietician can recommend ways to support healthy eating habits. If you feel your child may need a supplement, consult their health care provider.