When cold and flu season hits parents may be tempted to give their children a daily multivitamin to boost their immune system, but that may not be the best idea. Not all children need the extra nutrients that a multivitamin supplies and, in some cases, the additional vitamins and minerals can actually make a child sick. So, when should you give your child a multivitamin and when shouldn’t you?
Do All Children Need a Daily Multivitamin?
Jay L. Hoecker, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic says that all children do not need to take a daily multivitamin. Children who are in good health, who eat a balanced diet and who are growing at the proper rate do not need to take a multivitamin. The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees that in most cases additional supplementation of vitamins and minerals is not necessary. Children generally get enough vitamins and minerals from the foods they eat. Adding a multivitamin to their diet not only wastes money, but may cause health problems. Some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and D and the mineral iron, store excess amounts in the body to be used at a later date. If a child is getting enough of these nutrients through his diet and also taking additional nutrients from a multivitamin, the excess could become toxic in his system.
What about picky eaters? Parents tend to worry when their child eats a limited amount of foods, but in most cases this isn’t a problem. Young children need less food than you may think to get enough vitamins and minerals. As long as the child is eating some dairy products, fortified breakfast cereals, fruits and vegetables, she will probably be getting enough nutrients.
When Should Children Take a Multivitamin?
According to Hoecker, children who generally eat a poor diet or who are not growing at a healthy rate may need to take a daily multivitamin. Sadly, the children who need multivitamins the most are usually the ones who do not get them – usually due to the cost of multivitamins. Only 28 percent of children who actually need a multivitamin get them. Hoecker states that in the following situations it may be necessary for children to take a daily multivitamin:
- When a child isn't growing at a normal rate
- If a child/teen has an eating disorder
- If a child isn't getting proper nutrition
- If a child has a chronic disease that requires special nutrition
- When a child has food allergies that limit his choices of food
- If a child is on a restricted diet
- If a child is on a vegan diet
If in doubt, ask your family doctor if your child should be taking a daily multivitamin.
What About During Cold and Flu Season?
If you are worried about cold and flu season, it is best to build up your child’s defenses by feeding him foods rich in vitamins and minerals instead of using a multivitamin. Foods to increase in your child’s diet include:
- Foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, orange juice, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, potatoes and tomato soup.
- Foods that contain vitamin E such as peanut butter, peanuts, almonds and mangos.
- Foods that have vitamin A like carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, peaches and oatmeal.
- Foods containing zinc such as lean meats, fish, poultry, milk and whole grains.
A healthy diet helps keep children’s immune systems strong so they are better able to fight off colds and flu.
For most children, a daily multivitamin is not necessary if they are eating properly and are relatively healthy. However, if a child is in poor health or cannot eat properly, then a multivitamin may be the answer. Always talk to your family doctor first before giving your child any supplements, including a daily multivitamin.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic “Multivitamins: Do young children need them?” Retrieved September 28, 2010.
American Academy of Pediatrics “ Where We Stand: Vitamins ” Retrieved September 28, 2010.
Science Daily “Vitamin Use is Highest in Kids Who Don’t Need Them, Study Finds” Retrieved September 27, 2010.
Deanna Lynn Sletten - Deanna Lynn Sletten has been a freelance writer for newspapers, regional magazines and websites for 20 years. She specializes in the ...
