The topic of whether kids need dietary supplements is one that sparks debates and discussions among caregivers, educators, and healthcare providers alike.
Are supplements an essential tool to bridge potential nutrient gaps in a child’s diet, or are they merely a well-intentioned concept that may not live up to their promises?
We sat down with Nazatul Amira Hamzah from Primabumi Sdn Bhd, a qualified pharmacist with 10 years of pharmaceutical experience, to learn more about supplements for children and what parents need to know.
Q1: What are dietary supplements?
Dietary supplements are like special health boosters you can take in different forms, such as pills, liquids, powders, gummies, or drinks.
People of all ages, from babies to seniors, can use them.
These supplements are meant to give your body extra vitamins and minerals when you might not be getting enough from your regular food.
But remember, they’re not a replacement for the important nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and work properly.
Q2: Many mothers I know recommend I give some dietary supplements to my child. Is it really necessary to do so?
It depends on each child.
Some loving parents think giving vitamins to kids is good, but it’s not always needed if your child eats a healthy diet and isn’t missing any important nutrients.
Teaching them to eat well and having a variety of foods is more important than using pills for a fast solution.
But if you’re really worried about your child’s nutrition, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor who can help you pick the right vitamins for your child.
Q3: Are dietary supplements safe for my child?
Products that have been officially approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) should be okay to use if you follow the recommended instructions.
But just like medicines and other health stuff, dietary supplements can have some risks.
So, parents should be careful and keep an eye on their kids when they’re taking these supplements to make sure it’s safe for them.
Q4: Are there any specific rules I need to follow if I’m giving dietary supplements to my child?
Always follow the instructions on product label.
For instance, if you’re giving your 3-year-old a multivitamin syrup and it says to give them 5 ml once a day, make sure you do exactly that.
Don’t give them more or less.
Giving too little means they won’t get all the benefits.
However, giving too much can be harmful and cause problems.
For instance, having too many vitamins or minerals in their body can be toxic and mess with their electrolytes.
Q5: My child is suffering from occasional constipation and skin allergies. Can I give them dietary supplements to treat these?
Unlike medicines and surgeries that have lots of proof to support their effectiveness, dietary supplements don’t have that same kind of proof to back up any claims they make about treating illnesses.
They’re not medicine. So, they shouldn’t be used to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases.
Basically, dietary supplements are more like helpers than cures.
But, giving your child a good probiotic can be a useful way to boost their immune system and help with their digestion.
This can be especially handy if they have issues like skin allergies or constipation.
Keep in mind that different probiotic products have different types of good bacteria, and they might offer various health benefits.
To figure out which one is best for your child, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Q6: What are the most common reasons for giving dietary supplements to kids?
Lots of parents consider giving their kids dietary supplements for different reasons:
- Boosting immunity: Some want to make sure their children are less likely to get sick, like catching colds
- Increasing appetite: Others use supplements to help their kids eat better and get enough nutrition
- Growing strong: Some parents want their children to have healthy bones and muscles as they grow up
- Smarter minds: Some think supplements can help their kids’ brains work better, making it easier for them to learn and remember things
- Digestive help: For certain tummy troubles like constipation, diarrhoea, or feeling bloated, supplements can come in handy
- Protecting eyes: There are also parents who want to shield their kids’ eyes from the potentially harmful blue light from screens like phones and computers
Q7: Can you share some examples of products that are popularly used for the above purposes?
Here are some common supplements and what they can do for your child’s health:
- Immunity Boosters: These can help your child stay healthy and fight off illnesses. Examples include cod liver oil (rich in vitamins A and D), vitamin C, zinc, black elderberry, and probiotics.
- Appetite Enhancers: If your child needs a little help with their eating habits, supplements like lysine, multivitamins, and vitamin B complex can come in handy.
- Growth Promoters: To ensure your child grows strong and healthy, consider supplements like calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, probiotics, and multivitamins.
- Brain Support: Some supplements can support your child’s brain development and function. These include omega-3 (especially DHA), iodine, taurine, and probiotics.
- Digestion Helpers: For digestive issues like tummy discomfort, probiotics and digestive enzymes can be beneficial.
- Eye Protection: To protect your child’s eyes from the potential harm of screens, you can look into supplements containing lutein, zeaxanthin, DHA, bilberry extract, copper, and zinc.
Q8: How long should I continue giving dietary supplements to my child?
When you’re giving your child a supplement, it’s usually a good idea to keep it up for 3 to 6 months.
This way, your child’s body has enough time to get the most out of the vitamins and minerals.
But if you ever need to stop the supplement, it’s usually not a big deal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Q9: Can dietary supplements cause allergies?
Certainly, any health products can sometimes cause allergies.
This can be due to either the main active ingredient itself or other extra ingredients that are used to make the supplement.
These extras include stuff like fillers, preservatives, colours, sweeteners and flavours.
That’s why it’s really important to keep an eye on how your child reacts when they try something new.
Especially when it comes to things like medicine, food and of course, supplements.
If you notice things like swelling, fever, rashes on the skin, or trouble breathing, stop giving it to them right away.
Q10: What aspects should I look at when choosing a dietary supplement for my child?
Here’s some simple advice for choosing and giving dietary supplements to your child:
Know What Your Child Needs: Talk to your doctor to figure out what kind of supplements your child might need based on their dietary issues. Make sure the product you choose has the vitamins, minerals, or herbs your child needs and that these benefits are supported by scientific research.
Choose the Right Form: Think about what kind of supplement form your child will like best—like chewable tablets, gummies, liquids, or powders. It’s important that they enjoy taking it regularly.
Look for Natural Ingredients: Supplements made from natural sources are usually easier for the body to use, so try to go for those. This helps your child absorb nutrients better and get rid of waste efficiently.
Check for Allergies: Some supplements come in different flavours and colours. Before you buy one, make sure your child isn’t allergic or sensitive to any of the listed ingredients.
Don’t Assume Sugar-Free is Always Better: While sugar-free might seem healthier, some supplements use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. For example, aspartame is used in many products. If your child can’t digest this because of a condition like phenylketonuria, it can be a problem. Too much sugar substitute can also cause issues for both kids and adults. Always follow the recommended dose.
Keep Your Child Hydrated: Make sure your child drinks enough water. This is important to balance their blood and prevent too many nutrients from building up in their body, which can be harmful.
Ask for Expert Advice: If you’re ever unsure or have questions, talk to your doctor. Your child’s health is the most important thing, and there’s no substitute for expert advice.
Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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