Do Children Really Need Vitamins?

Do children really need vitamin supplements? Many parents do give their children vitamins on a "just in case" scenario. This way they feel more confident that the children are receiving the proper amount of needed vitamins even if they don't always eat properly. But is this the right thing to do?

Most nutritionists agree that children should receive the correct amount of vitamins from their food if they eat balanced and healthy meals. The proper servings of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats should provide the necessary amount of daily vitamins. But with today's active lifestyle, is it always possible for parents to provide that balanced amount? And what about the picky eaters? Do they receive the proper amount of vitamins?

As most parents today know, life is not as simple as it was years ago. Our children seem to be more involved in extracurricular activities which means more practices, games, and more fast food meals. Throw in a working mom who hurries straight from work to taxi her children to their activities and you have a family that depends on fast food a lot. It's not uncommon for families to arrive home in the evening after six or seven o'clock. Then there's homework to do, baths to get done, pets to be fed and exercised, and laundry to do. Cooking meals is often the last thing on mom's mind. It simply makes things a lot easier and faster to just order something.

So how do you make sure your children get all the vitamins they need if they are eating a lot of fast food? That's where the "just in case" vitamins come into play. Regardless of how much every parent would love to ensure that their child is sitting down to healthy, balanced meals, it just doesn't always happen. So don't let guilt cloud your mind. Instead, do the best you can and feed them as healthy as possible. Also, try to keep healthy snacks available, such as fruits and cut up vegetables. Make a serious effort to cut down on sodas, offering fruit juices, milk and water as alternatives.

Then talk to your child's doctor about starting a diet supplement for him if, and only if the doctor feels it is necessary. You should discuss the types of vitamins your child should take and the ones he should not. Certain vitamins or mineral supplements can actually be harmful to children. Too large a dose can also cause problems. That's why you should get your doctor's opinion on which vitamins to take and the amount.

So if you live the pretty normal, but hectic life of today's modern family or have an extremely picky eater, relax, or try to, anyway. Keep doing the best you can. That's what parenting is all about. And, just in case, if needed, vitamins can be a good way to supplement your child's diet and ensure that he gets the recommended amount.

Credits: pediatrics.about.com