Does your child need vitamins or supplements?

Healthy food choices are best for children

Vitamins and minerals help children grow, build strong bones and keep their bodies working as they should, but for most kids, the best place to get those nutrients is food. Foods also give children more than vitamins. They provide protein, fiber, healthy fats and energy that growing bodies need.

Try to offer a mix of foods throughout the day, including:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Beans and lentils
• Milk, yogurt and other dairy foods
• Eggs, meat, fish and other sources of protein

For some families, it may be easier to think of colors as you're building your child's plate.

Why might my child need a vitamin?

There are some cases when food alone may not provide enough of a certain vitamin or mineral your child needs. A pediatrician may recommend a vitamin or supplement if a child:

• Eats only a small number of foods
• Has low levels of a certain vitamin or mineral
• Follows a diet that leaves out certain food groups
• Has a health condition that makes it harder to absorb nutrients
• Has had certain types of intestinal surgery

If a child eats only a few types of foods, their pediatrician can look at their diet, growth and health to see if extra nutrition may be needed.

"When food choices become significantly restricted, a multivitamin or targeted nutritional supplementation may be appropriate after evaluation by their pediatrician," Dr. Palkamsetti says.

The important thing to remember is that every child is different. A vitamin that helps one child may not be needed by another.

Babies may need extra vitamin D

Babies have special nutrition needs during their first year of life. Breast milk provides many of the nutrients babies need but usually does not provide enough vitamin D. Babies who drink breast milk may need a vitamin D supplement starting soon after birth. Babies who drink enough formula with added vitamin D may not need an extra supplement. Vitamin D is important because it helps the body build strong bones.

Your baby's pediatrician can tell you if a supplement is needed and how much to give.

What about iron?

Iron is another important nutrient for babies and children that makes healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Babies are botn with SOME iron stored in their bodies but as they grow, they need new sources of iron.

Around six months of age, babies begin to need iron from foods or other sources. Iron-rich foods can include:

• Iron-fortified baby cereal
• Meat
• Beans
• Lentils
• Other iron-rich foods recommended for babies

Because feeding can be different for every baby, talk with your pediatrician before starting any iron supplement.

More vitamins are not always better

It can be tempting to think that if one vitamin is good, a little extra must be even better. That is not always true. Children can get too much of some vitamins and minerals. They may also get the same nutrient from more than one product without parents realizing it.

Before giving your child a vitamin or supplement:

• Choose a product made for your child's age
• Read and follow the directions on the label
• Do NOT give more than the recommended amount
• Tell your pediatrician about all vitamins and supplements your child takes
• Ask your pediatrician before giving supplements to a baby or young child
• Keep all vitamins safely stored away from children

Gummy vitamins need special care. They may look and taste like candy but they should always be treated like medicine or another supplement. Always store them where children cannot reach and only give teh amount listed on the label or recommended by your child's doctor.

Talk with your pediatrician first

There is no single vitamin plan that is right for every child. Some children may need extra vitamin D, iron or another nutrient. Others can get what they need through a healthy ddiet. 

Your pediatrician can look at the full picture (including your child's age, growth, health and eating habits) before recommending a supplement. If you have any questions about what your child eats or whether they need a daily vitamin, bring it up at their next visit. A simple conversation with your child's pediatrician can help you make the best choice for your child.

Watch: vitamins and supplements for children

Dr. Sireesha Palkamsetti recently spoke with ABC30 Action News about vitamins and supplements for children, including when they may be helpful and how families can build healthy eating habits at home.