Grandma may tell your child, “Be sure and take your vitamins,” but are they really important if you feed your child a well-balanced diet?

Not necessarily, according to Dr. Ann-Marie Hedberg, a dietitian, as well as assistant professor and dietetic internship director for the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Advancement of Healthy Living at The University of Texas School of Public Health.

Answer depends on diet

“But well-balanced is the key, and one well-balanced meal per day will not do it,” Hedberg says. “Kids are not like adults. They really do eat according to their hunger, and if the right foods are put before them they will meet their vitamin and mineral intake for growth and health requirements.”

She says it’s better to get the nutrients we need from foods, but meals and snacks need to be planned carefully to optimize nutrient concentration.

If you don’t think your child is getting all he needs from food, talk with your pediatrician or pharmacist about the best supplement.

Keep in mind:

• Don’t overdo it. Hedberg says: “The liver and kidneys must “filter” what we take in, and these organs are smaller in children. They do not need the stress of filtering excess vitamins and minerals.”
• Chewable vitamin supplements are high in ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), which can cause problems with tooth development. Toxicity has been reported in small children who ate more of these “candies” than are recommended.
• Treat vitamin supplements like any other medication. Keep out of reach of children and provided only as directed.
• Check publications like Consumer Reports or Pharmacy Times for ratings.
• The most expensive products are not necessarily the better options.
• During adolescence, rapid growth requires calcium and vitamin D for bone maturation and iron for expansion of the blood system.
• A variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other factors found in foods are important for a healthy immune system, healthy skin and overall growth.
  

By Jennifer Patrick