When a Vitamin Supplement May Help
Kids and teens need vitamins and minerals to keep their body healthy. For example, vitamin D keeps their teeth and bones strong,3 and vitamin C helps them heal and fight off infections.4
Healthy snacks and meals are the best way for children and adolescents to receive all the vital nutrients they need.1 If your child has a well-balanced diet based on the Food Guide Pyramid recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, then he or she may not need a supplement.2
If your child has an alternative diet such as vegetarianism or veganism, a vitamin supplement may be a consideration. Before deciding, be sure to consult with your child’s doctor. Follow label instructions about serving size and dosage instructions. Stick to dosage recommendations to avoid problems.1,4
1 “Vitamins and Minerals: What You Should Know.” American Academy of Family Physicians, December 2006. www.familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/otc-center/otc-medicines/863.html Accessed 2008.
2 “Chapter 2: Adequate Nutrients Within Calorie Needs.” Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. U.S. Department of Agriculture, July 9, 2008. www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/chapter2.htm#table1 Accessed 2008.
3 “Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D.” National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, April 18, 2008. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp Accessed 2008.
4 “Vitamin C.” American Cancer Society, June 19, 2007. www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Vitamin_C.asp Accessed 2008.