As the new school term begins, children’s immune systems are put to the test. With the arrival of shorter days and colder temperatures, kids are exposed to more viruses and spend less time outdoors. This is often the time parents consider enhancing their children’s health through supplements, especially after a summer of travel and festivities. But is it truly necessary to invest in these supplements, or should parents encourage a more adventurous approach to their children’s diet?
To shed light on this topic, we consulted Bahee Van De Bor, a registered pediatric dietitian with 18 years of experience in guiding parents on children’s nutrition. Here’s what she had to say about ensuring children receive the essential nutrients they need and whether supplements are required.
Do Children Really Need Supplements?
The necessity of supplements for children largely depends on their diet. According to Van De Bor, “Aside from vitamin D, most children who consume a varied and balanced diet should obtain all the required nutrients from their food. However, if a child is particularly picky with their food choices, they may lack certain nutrients like B vitamins, calcium, or iron.”
In such cases, supplements might be beneficial, but it’s crucial to consult a registered pediatric dietitian. They can evaluate your child’s specific nutritional needs and determine if supplements are necessary.
How Do Nutritional Needs Evolve with Age?
As children grow, their protein and energy needs per kilogram of body weight decrease, although the total amount required daily increases. Fortunately, most children can naturally meet these requirements through a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, dairy or fortified plant-based alternatives, as well as meat, chicken, and fish.
Key nutrients such as B vitamins, calcium, iron, and zinc become more significant at various developmental stages: around age four, seven years old when they start school, and eleven years old when they enter secondary school. Growth spurts typically increase appetite, helping children meet these needs naturally. However, if a child is ill or a particularly picky eater, consulting a specialist dietitian may help determine if a multivitamin is necessary.
Is Vitamin D Hard for Children to Obtain?
Vitamin D, primarily sourced from sunlight, can be challenging to obtain, especially when children are indoors during the shorter, darker days of autumn. Van De Bor recommends starting a daily vitamin D supplement of 10mcg as we move into autumn. “For children under five, this supplement should be taken year-round,” she explains. “There isn’t enough sunlight in the UK to fulfill our vitamin D needs through diet alone.”
In winter, everyone, including children, can benefit from a vitamin D boost. Additionally, if children are lacking in B vitamins or vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, supplementing these nutrients may support their immune system.
Recommended Supplements
For parents considering supplements, Myvitamins offers a convenient option with their kids’ multivitamin gummies. Priced at £6.24 for a 30-gummy pack, these gummies provide the recommended 10mcg of vitamin D. They are strawberry-flavored and easy to chew, making them a suitable choice for even the fussiest eaters.
In addition to vitamin D, these gummies contain a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals, including B6 and B12 for energy and red blood cell formation, vitamin A for normal vision, and vitamin C to support immune function.