Myth: Children Need To Take Multivitamins Daily

It has been estimated that multivitamins are given daily to 25-50% of children in the United States. This is generally not necessary for most children with an average diet, even if your child is a picky eater. Some children (namely ones that have a poor or restricted diet, liver disease, or other chronic medical problems — especially those that lead to fat malabsorption, such as cystic fibrosis) may need vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies. Preterm infants and children who are exclusively breastfed, with either very dark skin or limited exposure to sunlight, may also need vitamin supplements.

Although you are free to give your child an age-appropriate multivitamin if you or your local pediatrician feels that your child needs one, it is probably better to try and reach their daily requirements or recommended daily allowance by providing them with a well balanced diet and healthy foods. Pediatricians agree that consuming a diet with at least the minimum number of servings suggested by the “Food Guide Pyramid” will provide your child with the recommended amounts of most vitamins and minerals they need to maintain their health.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the proper nutrition of your child, you should give your local pediatrics office a call.

About author MacKoul Pediatrics

MacKoul Pediatrics is an amazing local pediatrics office in Cape Coral, FL where caring, compassionate doctors and nurses work with you to keep your children as healthy as possible. MacKoul cares for children from birth to college age, from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and beyond.