Should you supplement your child's
diet with vitamins or do you encourage
natural nutritious food?
It is essential that children receive a balanced diet for optimal growth and overall health.
Nowadays as consumers, we have to take note and be aware of food products which either
purport that they contain natural goodness or that are fortified with goodness. The two can
mean very different things. There are also some food products which do not provide any
nutritional value whatsoever. It is also important to note that children rely solely on their
parents or caregivers to chose and provide them with the best food. To make up for
deficiencies in diet, there are also food supplements, in the form of capsules or liquid. But
the question is whether or not you believe your child needs these dietary supplements. You commonly see children’s supplements for vitamin C, vitamin B complex, Taurine and others, but how far do you feel children should depend on these supplements for their nutritional intake.
A Parent’s Guide
Here is a rough guide, by the American Academy of Pediatrics for parents, on when to give your child supplements:-
1. Vitamin B12 supplements should be given to children who’s only source of food is vegetables
2. Multivitamin supplements should be given to children who have poor appetites and do not eat properly. (it is important to note that supplement dosages should not be more than what is recommended by (RDA)
Healthy Food
It cannot be emphasized enough that parents should always scrutinize food labels before buying food products, be it for their children or even themselves. This way parents know how much vitamins and minerals their child is receiving when consuming that particular food product.
It is even better if parents are able to buy fresh ingredients in order to prepare homemade food for children. The following are essential vitamins and minerals for children to grow healthy and strong:-
Type of vitamin: Vitamin A
Function: Eye formation
Source: Carrots, eggs and margarine
Type of vitamin: Vitamin B1
Function : Eye formation
Source: Wheat, beef and milk
Type of vitamin: Vitamin B2
Function: An important source of energy
Source: Milk, beef and fish
Type of vitamin : Vitamin C
Function: Increases the body’s resistance towards disease and infections
Source: Green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits
Type of mineral: Calcium
Function: Healthy formation of teeth and bones
Source: Milk, cheese and other dairy products
Type of mineral: Iron
Function: Formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells
Source: Fish, egg and chicken
Food pyramid
The food pyramid tells us all, what we need to know about the 5 main food groups. Children need to consume a certain amount from each of the 5 food groups, for a healthy body and mind.
The book entitled ’A balanced diet for children between 1 – 6 years’ says that your child’s diet does not need to be supplemented with vitamins and minerals, if he/ she also has a varied diet, consisting of sufficient amounts from each food group.
The book also has tips on how to avoid your child from becoming malnourished or too skinny. They are:-
1. Know your child’s weight and try and achieve a suitable body weight for their age group.
2. Provide your child with a varied diet
3. Ensure that your child eats all their main meals
4. Provide your child with foods of high caloric value (i.e: fried foods) until they achieve their optimal body weight
5. In between meal times, ensure that your child snacks on healthy foods (i.e : fruits and biscuits)
Reminder
If you are concerned about your child’s diet and would like to give them dietary supplements, always consult a doctor or pharmacist beforehand. That is unknown to us, certain supplements may have adverse side effects.
References:
a. Ministry of Health Malaysia
b. American Academy of Pediatrics
c. ‘Panduan Pemakanan pra-Sekolah’ (‘A Guide to a pre-schooler’s diet’) , Nor Hashimah Binti hashim dan Aminah Binti Ayob
d. ‘Pemakanan Seimbang untuk kanak-kanak 1-6 tahun’ (’A balanced diet for children between 1 – 6 years’), Health Department, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur .
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