Key Takeaway
Children's supplementsIt may not be necessary for every child. If a child eats a variety of foods, receives all five essential nutrients, and grows according to the standards, it is generally not necessary to supplement with additional vitamins.
However, in some cases, such as picky eaters, children who are selective about their food, or children with dietary restrictions, considering children's supplements or children's vitamins may help enhance nutrition. It is important to choose products that are suitable for their age, check the nutrient amounts on the label, and select products that meet safety standards to ensure that the use of vitamins to boost children's immunity is appropriate and aligns with daily nutrition.
Table of Content
- Check before you buy: Does your child really need children's supplements?
- Does your child eat a balanced diet with all five food groups?
- Are their weight and height within the normal range for their age?
- Is the energy consumption in daily life normal?
- Groups of children who may need to consider supplemental foods.
- What should I look for when buying children's supplements?
- The age of the child indicated on the label.
- Daily nutrient intake
- Sources and standards
- Ingredients in children's supplements that should be considered.
- Carnosine
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)
- Lutein
- Frequently Asked Questions about Children's Supplements (FAQs)
- Q: My child won't eat any vegetables. Should I give them vitamins instead?
- Q: When is the best time of day to give children immune-boosting vitamins?
- Q: If a child eats less during the start of the school term, should vitamins be given as a supplement?
On a busy weekday morning, some children may leave home while still chewing their food, or their lunch boxes may return with hardly any food missing. Small bags of snacks have unknowingly become the main meal. These scenes are common in many families in an era where life schedules are tighter than ever. However, at some point, various questions begin to form in the minds of parents.
"Will the baby get enough nutrients?"
"Will I grow well if I eat like this?"
"If you don't eat rice like this often, should we find something to supplement it?"
And that is where children's dietary supplements come into daily life, especially during the school opening period when children are more prone to illness, fatigue, and need to use both mental, physical, and emotional energy more than usual.
Check before you buy. Your child needs it.Children's supplementsIs that true?
Before deciding to buy children's supplements, the first thing to do is to assess the health and behavior of the child first.Actually, they need to strengthen their team.Children's vitaminsOr not?If you are still unsure or have concerns about your child's nutrition, consulting a doctor or a pediatric health expert will provide you with guidance that is more suitable for each developmental stage.
Does your child eat a balanced diet with all five food groups?
Children who eat a variety of foods, such as rice or flour, meat, eggs, milk, vegetables, fruits, etc., usually receive a fairly complete basic nutrition. If children regularly consume these foods, the chances of lacking essential nutrients will decrease. In many cases, adjusting eating behaviors, such as increasing fruits and vegetables or diversifying menus, can help children obtain sufficient nutrition without the need for additional children's vitamins.
Are their weight and height within the normal range for their age?
Growth is a good indicator of a child's health. If a child has an appropriate weight, continuous height growth, and shows no signs of malnutrition, this group of children generally receives sufficient nutrients from their main diet.
Is the energy consumption in daily life normal?
Children who are healthy tend to exhibit age-appropriate behaviors, such as playing mischievously as usual, having the energy to engage in various activities, and being able to focus and learn according to their developmental stage. If a child has good energy, is cheerful, and does not show any unusual signs of fatigue, it usually means that their body is receiving adequate nutrition.
A group of children who might need to consider this matter.Children's supplements
Although many children do not need to take children's supplements regularly, there are certain groups of children who may need to consider additional children's vitamin supplementation, such as
- The child is a picky eater and very selective about what he/she eats.For example, eating only rice and eggs, without consuming any vegetables or fruits, may result in insufficient intake of certain nutrients.
- The child is allergic to many foods.For example, being allergic to cow's milk, eggs, or seafood can lead to restrictions on consuming certain types of food.
- Children who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet.Avoiding certain animal foods may lead to a decrease in some nutrients, such as vitamin B12 or iron.
- Children with underlying medical conditionsOr if there are specific conditions, additional nutritional care may be required as advised by a doctor.
In summary, generally, healthy children who eat a variety of foods and grow according to standards do not need to take vitamins or supplements regularly. Therefore, before choosing to buy immune-boosting vitamins for children or vitamins to stimulate appetite in children, it is important to always assess the necessity for your child first.
If I want to buy it.Children's supplementsWhat should I look for?
If parents have considered that their child has a behavior of not eating rice or eating very little food, and are looking for additional help such as "supplements for children who do not eat rice," it may be another option. However, it is important to prioritize the selection of appropriate and safe products. It is advisable to consult a doctor or expert before starting to give supplements to the child.
The age of the child indicated on the label.
Each age group of children requires different amounts of nutrients. Before purchasing children's vitamins, it is important to check whether the product is suitable for your child's age and if there is a clear age indication on the label, such as for toddlers, school-age children, or older children. Choosing vitamins that match the age group will help ensure that children receive the appropriate amount of nutrients for their bodies.
Daily nutrient intake
Another thing to consider is the daily intake of nutrients, because although some vitamins are beneficial, excessive amounts may not be appropriate. Therefore, when choosing children's supplements, it is important to ensure that the nutrient amounts are suitable for the child's age, and they should always be taken according to the recommendations on the label.
Sources and standards
Product safety is another very important issue, especially for children. Before purchasing children's immune-boosting vitamins or appetite-stimulating vitamins, it is essential to check whether there is a registration number, whether it is produced in a standard factory, and whether the ingredient information is clear, to increase parents' confidence.
IngredientsChildren's supplementsThings to consider.
When choosing children's supplements or vitamins, many people often focus on the brand or product form, but what is equally important isNutritional components in the product.The role of those nutrients in the body. Understanding the nutrients found in children's supplements will help parents make more appropriate product choices for their child's age and nutrition.
Carnosine
Research in biochemistry has found that carnosine has several biological roles, one of which is acting as an antioxidant. Carnosine helps eliminate free radicals or substances that may cause damage to cells, such as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS), which are naturally occurring substances in the body resulting from metabolic processes and cellular stress. If present in large amounts, they can affect cells.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a role in the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain. Adequate intake of vitamin B12 is therefore important for the development of learning, memory, and bodily responses in children, which is a period when the brain is continuously developing.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that occurs naturally in many foods and is also used as an ingredient in various children's vitamin products and supplements. This is because Vitamin B6 plays a role in the normal functioning of the nervous system, and it also contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and is an important component of the brain. DHA plays a crucial role in brain development in children, supporting learning, memory, and the functioning of the nervous system during the growth period.
Lutein
Lutein is a substance in the carotenoid group found in green leafy vegetables and various foods. Lutein plays a role in the functioning of the eyes and is involved in processing information through vision, which is a crucial foundation for learning in children.
However, when it comes to taking care of children's nutrition in daily life, eating a variety of foods from all 5 food groups in appropriate proportions regularly remains the most important. But during certain periods of school life, when schedules are tight and both physical and mental energy are used more, many parents start looking for easy-to-manage supplement options that are uncomplicated and can realistically fit into daily routines.
One option that has gained more attention is “Chicken essence"Made from concentrated chicken soup extract, it contains carnosine and vitamin B12, which help support the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain. Currently available in various formulas, including those specifically developed for children, it has a pleasant taste that is easy to drink. You can choose the formula that suits different age groups and daily needs, and it can be consumed anytime and anywhere."Order productsYou can order online today!
Frequently asked questions aboutChildren's supplements (FAQs)
Q: My child won't eat any vegetables. What should I give them?Children's vitaminsIs a substitute possible?
A: If children do not eat vegetables or choose to eat certain foods, parents may look for children's supplements or vitamins to boost children's immunity as a nutritional aid at certain times. However, vitamins cannot replace all the nutrients from real food. Gradually training children to become familiar with vegetables or a variety of foods remains the most important method in the long term. If children have persistent picky eating behaviors or have an unbalanced nutritional status, it is advisable to consult a doctor or nutrition expert to assess the appropriateness.
Q: Should I give it?Immune booster vitamins for childrenWhat is the best time of day to visit?
A: Generally, children's immune-boosting vitamin supplements can be given after meals because the body absorbs nutrients better, and it also helps reduce the chances of stomach irritation. In cases where children have issues, some parents may choose to give vitamins after the meal that the child eats the most, such as breakfast or lunch. If there are any doubts about the type or amount of vitamins that are appropriate, it is advisable to consult a doctor or expert before starting to give them to the child.
Q: If a child eats less food during the start of the school term, should vitamins be given as a supplement?
A: At the beginning of the school term, many children may eat less due to changes in their activity schedules. Some parents start looking for children's supplements or vitamins to help stimulate their appetite as a short-term nutritional aid. However, the most important thing remains to provide a variety of meals that are age-appropriate, such as adding dishes that children like or making meals more colorful and appealing. Nevertheless, if a child is losing weight, feeling fatigued, or showing signs of malnutrition, they should be taken to a doctor for assessment and to develop an appropriate nutrition plan.
References
- EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). (2016). Dietary reference values for vitamin B6.EFSA Journal, 14(6), e04485.
- Hipkiss, A. R. (2009). Carnosine and its possible roles in nutrition and health.Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, 57, 87–154.
- Johnson, E. J. (2014). Role of lutein and zeaxanthin in visual and cognitive function throughout the lifespan.Nutrition Reviews, 72(9), 605–612.
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Omega-3 fatty acids fact sheet for health professionals.
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Vitamin B6 fact sheet for health professionals.
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2022). Vitamin B12 fact sheet for consumers.
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2020). Vitamin B12 fact sheet for health professionals.
