A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that healthy children older than 1 year don’t need routine vitamin supplements. Children who have less healthy diets, get little physical activity and have higher obesity risks may be advised to take supplements, but parents should always consult a pediatrician first, since overdosing on certain vitamins can lead to illness or other health complications.
“Before deciding if your child needs supplements, you can start boosting your child’s diet by including two fruits and two vegetables a day,” says Tara Todd, RD, LD, registered pediatric dietitian at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Nutrients found in whole foods are much more beneficial than those found in multivitamins.”
If your child is not a big fan of raw fruits and veggies, try providing tasty dips, such as low-fat dressing or peanut butter, to make them more appetizing.
Simple Selections
The best way to boost your child’s nutrition is not through a supplement, but through healthy vitamin- and mineral-filled foods like whole-grain breads, fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, seeds, eggs and lean meats. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food pyramid guide offers these easy tips to help families incorporate more of these items:
- Eat lean proteins, including dry beans and peas.
- Get essential oils from fish, nuts and healthy liquid oils such as olive oil.
- Choose beverages and foods that don’t contain sweeteners among the first ingredients.