Children & Supplements – Too Much of a Good Thing?
by Derek Burreson
The following article in Natural Products Insider as published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine brings up the question about children and supplementation and the benefits of taking a daily multivitamin. There are many discussions about children and supplements but the fact remains that vitamins, minerals, nutrients and essential fatty acids are important building blocks to a child’s development. This of course goes hand-in-hand with a balanced diet and adequate physical activity. Kids can be picky eaters so how can a parent help to ensure your kids are getting enough nutrients? A good multi may help fill the bill but remember they are called “supplements” and not “replacements”. This goes for adults as well. You cannot achieve optimal health while consuming an unhealthy diet. Balance is the key but it also helps to set a good example for your kids. As we advance in age our nutritional needs become greater especially since we may not be absorbing many of the nutrients we are ingesting. Our bodies will start to send us warning signs that we may be deficient in certain nutrients so it’s important to heed these signals and not just mask symptoms. A balanced diet, physical activity and proper supplementation to cover nutritional shortfalls is not only good for kids but adults as well.
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