6 minThere is plenty of information on the internet about vitamins for children. Chances are that after a while you will no longer be able to see the wood for the trees: which vitamins do children need extra of, and which do they not? We have listed the facts about vitamins for children – as well as the most common myths – for you.
In this article, you will read
- Whether vitamins and minerals from supplements are just as good for children as those from food
- Whether breastfed babies need extra vitamins
- Whether vitamins and minerals serve as a supplement to a healthy diet
- Whether multivitamins are good or bad for children
- Whether it is better to give your child natural or artificial vitamins and minerals
#1 Vitamins and minerals from supplements are just as good for children as those from food – FACT
Vitamins and minerals in supplements can be seen as concentrated versions of the nutrients we get from food. Take, for example, vitamin C extracted from acerola cherries. This extraction process leaves behind other nutrients, leaving you with only the specific vitamin or mineral.
These pure forms have a number of advantages. Absorption is not impeded by other nutrients, such as fibre. In addition, supplements give you the freedom to choose which vitamins and minerals you want to combine. This makes it possible to create combinations that reinforce each other. A good example of this is the interaction between iron and vitamin C; vitamin C helps improve iron absorption, which contributes to better health.
Vitamins and minerals from food, on the other hand, not only provide these important substances, but also a host of other beneficial elements such as fibre, antioxidants and bioactive compounds. These work together to boost your health. That is why it is always important to combine supplements with a healthy, varied diet.
#2 Breastfed babies do not need extra vitamins - MYTH
Although breast milk is of high quality, breastfed babies sometimes need extra vitamins. All babies need 150 mcg of extra vitamin K from a supplement in the first 12 weeks after birth for proper blood clotting. In addition, 10 mcg of extra vitamin D from a supplement is important until they are four years old, as it helps with bone development and the immune system.
#3 Healthy nutrition comes first, vitamins and minerals are a supplement - FACT
A healthy, varied diet is important for both children and adults to get all the nutrients they need. Unfortunately, it appears that many children, like adults, do not get enough vitamins and minerals. In the United Kingdom, we eat an average of only 153 grams of vegetables per day, while we should be eating at least 250 grams.
In addition, young children sometimes go through periods when they want to eat less or have low resistance. This makes it extra important to monitor their nutritional intake. The body does not produce most vitamins itself (except vitamins D and K), so children are dependent on what they get from their diet.
In addition, soil depletion means that our food does not always contain all the essential nutrients we need. Children with specific diets, such as vegetarian or vegan, are also at increased risk of deficiencies. It may therefore be useful to consider extra vitamins to ensure they get everything they need for healthy growth and development.
#4 Multivitamins are bad for children - MYTH
Multivitamins can be good for children, but it is important to look at what they contain. Make sure they contain the right amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C, D and B6. Some supplements do not contain enough of these important substances, while others contain too much, which is not good.
Although multivitamins can have benefits, they are not always prescribed by a doctor. The main reasons given for using a multi are to strengthen the immune system, to aid growth or to supplement a poor diet.
It is important to carefully check the contents of a supplement. Because many of these products are available without a prescription, incorrect use can lead to too much or too little of certain substances. A good guideline is to look at the RDA% on the label. Make sure it is no more than 100%, unless you are taking vitamin D, B6 or B12.
#5 Natural vitamins and minerals are better for children than artificial/synthetic vitamins - FACT & MYTH
Natural vitamins and minerals are better absorbed by our bodies than synthetic forms. This is because our bodies have less difficulty recognising natural vitamins and minerals. Synthetic vitamins, which are made in a laboratory, can be more difficult to absorb. As a result, you often need to take more of these artificial vitamins to achieve the same effect as with the natural varieties.
Although natural vitamins are not necessarily better, they are more effective in terms of absorption. Synthetic forms are not automatically bad, but they often require higher doses to achieve comparable benefits. These differences may influence your choice of supplements.
