If you are considering adding a supplement to your child’s diet, try substituting other foods with similar nutrients, first.
If you are considering adding a supplement to your child’s diet, try substituting other foods with similar nutrients, first.
Whether you hope to make meal times a little easier or just want to be sure that your child is receiving adequate nutrition, adding a multivitamin to your child’s regimen requires careful consideration. Mineral deficiencies are quite rare in the US, but some studies do show that many children are not taking in the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for nutrients like fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. Even with that data, many physicians are hesitant to start young ones on a supplement, and instead favor a food first approach that adds nutrients through fortified foods, like milk, yogurt, or cereals that contain added vitamins and minerals. However, there are some signs that indicate that a supplement may be the right choice for your child.
Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, September 2020
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