Do Our Children Need Nutritional Supplements?

The medical community itself is divided on the subject of whether our children need nutritional supplements. On one side, feeding children from the "pyramid" the daily requirement of servings of each should suffice. Unfortunately, on the other side is the reality check that even adults don't adhere to this, much less their children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that " diet based on the Food Guide Pyramid provides adequate amounts of all the vitamins a child needs." But then they go on to say there are situations which make vitamin supplements necessary, such as picky eaters or one with a poor diet. So the Mayo Clinic responds that even if a child is a picky eater, it doesn't necessarily mean they will develop nutritional deficiencies. But then even THEY go on to say that if the child regularly omits a particular food group from his/her diet, such as fruit, or green or yellow vegetables or even dairy products--they may need supplementation. I really have to ask myself what child they are actually talking about.

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Dr. Don Colbert, author of "The Seven Pillars of Health" believes that supplements are necessary for good health in our children, however, he recommends
whole-food based nutrients that have all the enzymes and micro-nutrients there to work together synergistically. This brings up the distinction between a synthetic based vitamin versus food based vitamin. Look at it this way: a synthetic vitamin can only stimulate the cell, not feed it. Author Judith De Cava, in her book "The Real Truth About Vitamins and Antioxidants" promotes the use of whole food supplements when choosing vitamins. She concludes that only a small amount of natural vitamin complexes and organic micro-nutrients are required to accomplish many big biochemical jobs!

Whatever you choose, make sure there is enough Vitamin D accessible for absorption. A vitamin D deficiency can impair a child's bone development. The AAP recommends 400 international units (IUs) of vitamin D a day for all breast-fed and partially breast-fed infants and all children who consume less than 32 ounces of vitamin-D fortified formula or milk a day. The other important nutrients for children are the omega-3 fatty acids (EFAs)They are essential for proper nervous system and brain function.

Also, look for a supplement that includes lactoferrin (that part of breast milk that offers infants a degree of immunity) to better help them build their immune system and avoid some of the common colds, etc. as in Shaklee's brand new product called Incredivites.

Just a word on helping your little ones take the supplements. First off, best advice I've seen is to treat the supplements the same as you would an antibiotic if the child is sick. In other words, this is not a choice, let's see how we can get them down. Second piece of advice is don't try to hide them. If you do that, and they find out, it's natural they will start avoiding that food. Other than that, there are many ways to get them in them before they can actually swallow "pills". They can be crushed and added to applesauce or any fruit puree. The multi vitamins can be in a chewable form, which makes it easy. Also important to add a high quality protein drink at the same time, which gives them the amino acids necessary to make the vitamins work. If you're still having trouble, use the concept of "first.....then" and use something they really look forward to. The big thing is, it's important to be firm and consistent.

If your children consume sodas on a regular basis, it is also important to give them a good source of calcium and magnesium. Sodas contain phosphorous, and the body will absorb phosphorous first. Not to mention the fact that sodas contain on average 16 t. of sugar, and diet sodas are bad no matter how you look at them (studies show they actually make you gain weight).