Supplements…Do Kids Need Them?

Check first…

Talk to your child’s health care provider before you give your child a vitamin or mineral supplement – or take one yourself. That way you won’t put your child or yourself at risk. A vitamin or mineral supplement may not be necessary, or safe either. Children with a food allergy and those who are vegetarians might need a vitamin or mineral supplement.

If your child’s health professional recommends a supplement:

• Get what’s advised. One with enough vitamins and minerals, not too much. That may be a supplement for children, not adults.

• Give only the dose directed by your doctor or health care provider. Giving your child more is not better. More can be dangerous!

• Know the amount of nutrients taken daily from vitamin or mineral supplements. Combine that with the amount from enriched or fortified foods.

• Teach your child that supplements are not candy – even if the names, shapes, and colors are fun.

• Store all supplements out of reach. Keep them in a container with a childproof cap. Reminder: An adult iron supplement can be poisonous for your child!

Find out more from: Tips For The Savvy Supplement User: Making Informed Decisions and Evaluating Information, at the Food and Drug Administration webpage at www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-savvy.html

Read Supplement Facts!

Serving size. It’s really the dose. If your child’s doctor advises a supplement, be sure to ask about the type to buy and amount to give.

Other ingredients. Supplements may have other ingredients, such as a coloring or flavoring. A list is on the bottom of the label.

If you take a dietary supplement, check to make sure you choose a vitamin or mineral supplement. Be cautious about other supplements and herbal products.

Use Supplement Facts to:

• Know the nutrition in one serving, or tablet.
• Pick the supplement advised for your child.
• Give your child the amount recommended by your doctor.

Nibbles for Health Nutrition Newsletter for Parents of Young Children, USDA, Food and Nutrition Service