Well, prevention is always better than the cure, give your little one the most nutritious and complete vitamins that will help them grow healthy and strong.
You know nobody has a perfect diet and I know there are times in our busy lives when food isn't always as perfect should be, so it's a bit of an insurance policy, so watch out for those very sweet chewable gummy type multi bits that you get in the supermarkets and from your local chemist and because generally they're quite low in nutrients and they're in forms that are fairly poorly absorbed.
You know, we do generally get what we pay for with nutrients and you want to get a good quality one.
Then the question comes what about a multivitamin ?.
You know if you get a good multivitamin that has methyl B12 Methyl Folate.
Some of the B vitamins I often find those to be deficient very often, I'm finding the element magnesium to be low or calcium, so calcium magnesium either as part of your multivitamin or as a separate supplement is not a bad idea either, so where do you start, where does it end.
Well, that depends on like I said at least take vitamin D, consider a multivitamin, and then maybe especially if your child is suffering from any kind of chronic condition, get your child tested.
As well, no it's not ed and chewable supplements for kids, They got a bit of a pasting a few years ago, because there's some sugar in them, but it's better than nothing and it's a tiny part reliever of an everyday.
So, I can categorically state that unless you live in a very sunny climate and you're outdoors in the Sun a lot without sunscreen on you probably need some extra vitamin D, so should my child take vitamins.
So, you know there's not so much raw stuff going into our diet.
If you're going to choose a multivitamin and mineral, it's a bit like an insurance policy for your children's health.
Just to make sure that your child is getting all the nutrients, they need and to help prevent any deficiencies, but do be mindful that a multivitamin and mineral cannot replace a good diet.
You know, you have to get all the nutrition your child needs as much as possible from food because we always absorb better from our food but you can top up with a multivitamin and mineral that's you know that's going to give you a little bit of peace of mind that your child's getting everything that they need.
One of the questions I'm asked a lot by mums is whether should I give my children vitamins and mineral supplements, so it really does depend on your child.
I've got two children they're 6 and 8 and particularly in the winter, I want to make sure that I'm giving them a daily multivitamin and minerals and we spend more time inside, so we're not getting so much sunlight and also less fresh food, so particular less vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Now really important one is vitamin D.
Actually, in the UK, the Department of Health now recommends that all children under five, that's all children under five from around six months old are given a vitamin D supplement plus all pregnant and breastfeeding women should be taking vitamin D.
If your child is on formula milk, do be mindful that there might be some vitamin D added our main source of vitamin D is the Sun, but we often don't get outside enough and a lot of us have to put on factor 50/50 Sun cream which means that we're blocking the action of some of our skin which gives us that really important bitumen D and vitamin D is so essential for healthy we're finding links between bitumen D deficiency and so many health problems.
It helps to absorb calcium into the bones, so if we don't have enough vitamin D, we can't get calcium in our bones which is why we're actually seeing rickets in some young children, which is a really serious bone disease caused by vitamin D.
Deficiency the best way to take vitamin D supplements is to add vitamin D3.
The most vitamin D3 is vegetarian often comes from sheep wool, so if you're vegan be mindful of that and but you can get vegetarian sources.
Spectra-cell micronutrient testing measures the nutrients inside the white blood cells and they have found out of over a thousand tests They had one person whose nutrients were adequate, also they found in over a thousand kids who had some abnormalities, a very high percentage of children I'd say 60, 70 or 80 % are low in vitamin D.
Absolutely, at least vitamin D start while you're pregnant to continue right after birth.
Vitamin D3 and D2
Vitamin D3 comes from plant sources and vitamin D2 is also vegan but it's quite poorly absorbed, so you really want to look for sources of vitamin D3 and you get two measurements of vitamin D3, it's either as IU or micrograms and so for a baby you're looking at 3 or 400 IU per day, for an adult about a thousand IU per day.
There are some food sources but very small amounts of oily fish and some eggs, but you're really not going to get enough to give you what you need.
If my children got an upset tummy or we're going on a long-haul flight to kind of places where sanitation is perhaps not quite so good or they're just a little bit stressed, you know actually I'll be giving them a probiotic and I think it's a good thing for children.
Generally, to have probiotics that are beneficial bacteria most days for babies.
If you had a baby that's had antibiotics or you're unable to breastfeed for any reason, it's really good to look for an infant probiotic and bio cult do one.
There are loads of good infant probiotics available out there.
Is there any danger in taking multivitamins typically not vitamin D?
You would have to exceed, it depends on the age of the person.
Of course, for an infant, I wouldn't exceed two thousand, for a school-age kid I wouldn't exceed three or four thousand, for an adult I personally don't go over five thousand international units per day, although you're not going to get in trouble with those levels.
People who take megadoses of over ten thousand international units a day of vitamin D could get in trouble the one vitamin to be careful about is vitamin A too much.
Vitamin A can become toxic and actually can be quite harmful, so some people recommend vitamin A in large doses in short bursts during viral infections that have been shown to have some value.
Always remember the best way to be healthy is to eat healthy eat organic lots of fruits and vegetables and you'll have very minimal need for supplementation.
While a balanced and nutritious diet should be the primary source of vitamins and minerals for children, there are instances where supplementation can be beneficial.
Providing children with a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement can act as an insurance policy to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
However, it's important to remember that supplements cannot replace a healthy diet.
The focus should always be on obtaining nutrients from food sources as they are better absorbed by the body.
When considering supplementation, vitamin D stands out as a crucial nutrient, especially for children in regions with limited sunlight exposure.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to various health problems, and supplementing with vitamin D3 is recommended by health authorities.
Additionally, probiotics can be beneficial for children, especially in certain situations like after antibiotic use or during travel.
It's important to follow recommended dosage guidelines and be cautious about excessive intake, particularly with vitamin A, as it can become toxic in high amounts.
Ultimately, promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle should be the foundation of supporting children's overall well-being, with supplements used as a supplementary measure when necessary.
FAQs
Q: Should I give my children vitamin and mineral supplements?
It depends on your child's specific needs. While a balanced diet should provide most nutrients, supplementation can be beneficial in certain situations.
Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if your child requires supplements.
Q: Are chewable gummy multivitamins a good option for children?
It's important to choose high-quality multivitamins that are not low in nutrients and are well-absorbed.
Be cautious of very sweet chewable gummy types, as they may not provide sufficient nutrients.
Opt for reputable brands and consult with a healthcare professional for recommendations.
Q: What nutrients are commonly deficient in children?
B vitamins, particularly methyl B12 and methyl folate, as well as magnesium and calcium, are commonly deficient in children.
Considering these nutrients as part of multivitamins or separate supplements can be beneficial.
However, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine specific deficiencies.
Q: Is vitamin D supplementation necessary for children?
Vitamin D is essential for healthy development, especially in regions with limited sunlight exposure.
The UK Department of Health recommends vitamin D supplements for all children under five years old, starting from around six months of age.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also take vitamin D supplements. Consult with a healthcare professional for specific dosage recommendations.
Q: Can probiotics benefit children?
Probiotics, beneficial bacteria, can be beneficial for children, especially after antibiotic use, during travel, or in cases of digestive issues.
It's important to choose age-appropriate probiotics and consult with a healthcare professional for recommendations.
Q: Are there any risks associated with taking multivitamins?
Generally, multivitamins are safe when taken according to the recommended dosage. However, exceeding the recommended levels, especially for vitamin D, can be harmful.
Vitamin A can also become toxic in high amounts. It's important to follow dosage guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
Q: Can a multivitamin replace a healthy diet?
No, a multivitamin cannot replace a healthy diet.
While supplementation can help ensure nutrient intake, it's crucial to prioritize obtaining nutrients from food sources as they are better absorbed by the body.
Encourage a well-balanced diet consisting of organic fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods.
Q: How can I promote my child's overall well-being?
The best way to support your child's health is through a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and a balanced lifestyle.
Focus on providing nutritious meals, encourage outdoor activities, prioritize sleep, and maintain good hygiene practices.
Supplements should be used as a supplementary measure when necessary, not as a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.