Children shouldn't take the same multivitamin as their parents. When evaluating which multivitamin is best for your children, you'll need to consider a different set of criteria than you would when choosing a multivitamin for yourself. Always consult your family doctor before starting your children on any supplements.
Expert Insight
It's very likely that your child doesn't need a multivitamin. Dr. Jay L. Hoecher, consultant for Mayo Clinic, says that children don't need a lot of vitamins and minerals. Their needs in that regard are usually well served by what they eat, even if they're picky eaters. Common foods kids eat, such as milk and cereal, are fortified with vitamin D, calcium and other nutrients. Even though most kids don't need one, a basic multivitamin designed for children won't do any harm, according to Dr. Jenna Bell-Wilson and Sally Kuzemchak, RD, LD.
Considerations
Some conditions or diets may result in a risk of vitamin or mineral deficiency, requiring a multivitamin to augment your child's daily intake. Among such conditions, Dr. Hoecher lists diagnosed eating disorders, a diagnosis of "failure to thrive" and diet-restricting factors such as food allergies or strict veganism. Tell your child's doctor if you are concerned that your child isn't eating regular or well-balanced meals or if he doesn't get enough vitamin D.
Potential
Iron deficiency anemia, the most common form of anemia, is relatively common among women and teenage girls. According to a 1998 study reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a 9 percent prevalence of iron deficiency and a 2 percent prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in girls 12 to 15 years of age. According to KidsHealth, iron deficiency in children remains common. Teenage girls need enough iron in their diets to compensate for loss of iron during menstruation. Teenage athletes lose iron, some of it via sweat, when they exercise.
According to a University of Minnesota School of Public Health publication, the copper and zinc in your child's multivitamin can help prevent impaired iron absorption. However, if your child's doctor recommends iron supplements, give these to your child at a separate time from any multivitamins because the calcium, phosphorous and magnesium content of the multivitamin can negatively affect iron absorption. KidsHealth suggests giving the iron supplement alongside foods rich in vitamin C. Do not start your child on iron supplements without consulting a medical professional. Iron toxicity can be fatal.
Warning
Children require smaller doses of vitamins and minerals than adults. They also are more vulnerable to toxicity, since it takes less of a given vitamin or mineral to reach toxic levels in a child. Only give your children multivitamins designed for their age in the proper doses. Bell-Wilson and Kuzemchak point out that many nutritional values listed on bottles of children's multivitamins fall well below 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance. This is normal. Though the multivitamins are intended for children, the nutritional label is based on an adult's diet.
Safety
If your child takes regular medications, consult a medical professional before starting her on multivitamins. Some vitamins and minerals interact badly with medications. Keep all supplements, including multivitamins, tightly capped and out of your children's reach. If you think your child has taken excessive amounts of vitamins or minerals, immediately call her doctor or Poison Control Center. Never depend on multivitamins to replace proper nutrition through a healthy, balanced diet.
References
- IDEA Health and Fitness Association: Multiple Answers About Multivitamins
- Mayo Clinic Expert Answers: Multivitamins--Do Young Children Need Them?
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health: Iron Deficiency Anemia
- National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet--Iron
Member Comments