Multivitamins provide a mixture of both vitamins and minerals designed for different age groups. Children should eat balanced meals to maximize their health by providing them with all of the vitamins and minerals they need to remain healthy as they grow. It might be necessary at times, however, to supplement your child's diet by giving him multivitamins. Do this only with the approval of your child's pediatrician --- and give your child only multivitamins formulated for children, in the correct dosage.
Choking
Most adult multivitamin formulas come in tablet, capsule or pill form. Some adults find it hard swallowing large multivitamin tablets --- and since a child's trachea is much smaller, adult multivitamins are a choking hazard. Children's multivitamin formulas often come in chewable, gummy or liquid forms for easier swallowing, which help to minimize the risk of choking while still providing your child with essential vitamins and minerals.
Allergic Reaction
Many children's multivitamins are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Some adult multivitamin formulas, however, contain fish oil or milk, which can trigger an allergic reaction in children who have allergies to shellfish, fish or dairy. Symptoms of shellfish allergy, fish or milk allergy develop soon after ingesting products that contain these substances. Symptoms include hives, wheezing, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and lightheadedness.
Overdose
Vitamins and minerals have a recommended daily allowance, which is the dosing amount of each required to prevent deficiency and deliver health benefits. Children, adults and seniors have different recommended daily allowances of certain vitamins and minerals. Children require a smaller recommended daily allowance than adults, so taking an adult multivitamin can result in an overdose of multiple vitamins. Multiple-vitamin overdose can cause nerve damage, brittle bones, muscle or joint pain, even death.
Considerations
Make sure adult multivitamins are put out of reach of children, as they are often mistaken for candy. MayoClinic.com warns that multivitamins can interfere with certain medications --- one more reason to consult a physician before giving your child any multivitamin supplement.
Member Comments