Children's Health and Supplements

by Jon Fiume
October 17, 2005

Supplementation for children is not too often considered, with the exception of the ever popular Flinstones® or a fluoride rinse recommended by your dentist. However, there are many categories of supplements that are kid friendly and have a positive impact.

First and foremost, a chewable multivitamin is crucial for children today. As with adults, and via observation, many children today are not consuming a healthy diet. And although not a replacement for eating right, a multivitamin may help to avoid nutritional deficiencies. There are, of course, many differences among the children's multivitamins being offered today. Flinstones®, Bugs Bunny®, and other mass market brands unfortunately contain many unnecessary chemicals, including artificial colorings and flavorings. These potentially harmful chemicals do nothing to add to the nutritional value of the product or to benefit the health of the child. Chewable multivitamins without the added artificial colorings and flavorings fare much better and are often more complete than some of the mass market brands. In addition, a child with attention deficit disorder may have sensitivities to these chemicals, thus making it best to avoid them all together.

And speaking of the wonderful world of artificial sweeteners, and Nutrasweet® in particular, the consumption of soda pop today by children is staggering. We have all heard, grown up with, or experienced the reality of pop vending machines in our schools. With the excuse that the school district is able to receive placement funds from the corporate giants, and as well as the worn out thoughts that "we cannot change anyone," or "they will find it somewhere anyway," consumption has increased 3 fold in the past 20 years. The result is the increased consumption of calories contributing to the increased rate of obesity in children, as well as the presence of osteoporosis or the increased risk there of, later in life. Simply put, the high amount of phosphoric acid in these products leaches calcium from the bones. In addition, the decreased consumption of calcium and calcium-containing foods does nothing but add to the risk. Therefore, calcium supplementation is crucial for teenagers, who are still undergoing bone development. At that age, an inexpensive form of calcium, such as a calcium carbonate, is adequate .

As mentioned in last month's column, acidophilus is just as important for children as it is for adults. How often has your child been on multiple rounds of antibiotics? Unfortunately, when this occurs, the good intestinal bacteria have been completely wiped out from the antibiotic with no opportunity to replenish itself. When good bacteria are present, the immune system is strengthened, B vitamins are produced, and many of the side effects of the antibiotics are diminished. Remember to separate the acidophilus from the antibiotic by at least 2 hours.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the importance of essential fatty acids for children. These good fats are lacking in the diet of all, and up to 90% of children are deficient. Their importance in the diet is immense, from strengthening the immune system to improving symptoms of attention deficit disorder. Docosahexaenoic acid, one omega 3 fatty acid in particular, helps with the brain's ability to concentrate. In fact, this essential fatty acid is now being added to infant formulas in the United States in order to assist with brain development. In addition, there have been studies of women consuming essential fatty acids during the last trimester of pregnancy. Their babies endure less ear infections and therefore have stronger immune systems. Obtaining omega 3's in the diet of a child can be tricky, since many of the primary food sources consist of cold water fish. However, other considerations include flavored flax seed oil, flavored chewables, and other flavored packets that can mask the fish taste.

These are just some of the basics available, but ones that can make an incredible difference in the health of a child. Consider them as just that - supplements - and not a replacement for setting good examples, teaching good eating habits, and exploring the healthy food diversity that surrounds us.

This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of your current healthcare program or advice from you healthcare professionals.