Are nutritional supplements useful for children?
During the flu season at the latest, many parents ask themselves how they can strengthen their children's defences. On average, almost one in ten children opt for dietary supplements. According to a German study, around 7 per cent of children up to the age of 6 regularly take such supplements. Among 6 to 17-year-olds, the figure is as high as 15 per cent.
Food supplements are no substitute for a healthy and balanced diet.
I'll be honest with you: Given the marketing surrounding such supplements, I would have expected higher figures. After all, the supplements, which are often disguised as jelly babies, promise optimum fulfilment of requirements without the need for stressful discussions about vegetables at the family dinner table. But they are no substitute for a healthy and balanced diet, because vegetables and fruit, for example, contain many other important substances such as phytochemicals that we absolutely need.
When are vitamin supplements useful for children?
Certain nutritional supplements are given to infants as standard. Vitamin D and vitamin K, for example, have been proven to play a significant role in the healthy development of our little ones. With a few exceptions, such as vitamin D in the winter months, supplementation is not recommended for older children. In most cases, a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruit, vegetables, wholemeal products and sufficient protein covers all the necessary nutrients. This does not apply to chronically ill children or children with medically necessary nutritional requirements.
Before administering supplements, consult your trusted paediatrician.
The choice of the right preparation and the dosage are always the responsibility of the healthcare professional treating you. However, supplements can also be useful for a short time in other situations. These include phases of rapid growth or a very unbalanced diet in children who absolutely refuse to eat anything other than pasta, for example. And here too, always consult your trusted paediatrician before giving supplements.
Correct dosing is essential
However, if you decide to take a dietary supplement on your own, always choose it according to your age. This is because the potentially harmful amount of substances is often calculated per kilogramme of body weight. Accordingly, a safe dose for an adult can already be problematic for children. The following therefore applies: Supplements for adults are absolutely taboo for children. You should also avoid overdosing on age-appropriate supplements. This is because fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K in particular can be stored in the body if taken in excess. In the long term, this can have a negative effect on our health.
Vitamins from food - the better choice for children
A conscious approach to nutrition is the best protection against deficiency symptoms and strengthens the immune system in a natural way. Children who regularly eat fresh fruit and vegetables, wholemeal products and dairy products are generally well nourished. And a balanced diet is not only important for nutrient coverage. It also lays the foundation for many behavioural patterns that accompany us into adulthood. These include skills such as self-awareness, self-care and discipline - all of which promote a healthy lifestyle and a positive relationship with one's own body.
8 tips for everyday life
- Children often prefer to eat vegetables when they are presented in a creative way. Cut them into fun shapes and provide tasty dips such as hummus or yoghurt sauces.
- A colourful selection not only motivates people to eat, but also helps them to absorb a wide range of vitamins and minerals. This is because different colours indicate different nutrients.
- Always have a selection of healthy snacks to hand, such as sliced fruit, nuts or wholemeal crackers. These will ensure that your child gets valuable nutrients between meals.
- Involve your child in the food shopping process. Let them help decide which fruit and vegetables they want to try. This increases the likelihood that they will try new foods.
- Make sure your child gets enough sunlight to maintain their vitamin D levels.
- Set a good example and try to get the nutrients they need from their diet. Question your current dosage if you do take supplements.
- Supplements can inhibit the effect of medication or even lead to undesirable complications. Mention them when obtaining medication.
- Detailed nutrition and nutrient recommendations for each age group can be found on the website of the Swiss Society for Nutrition: www.sge-ssn.ch
