Bad for children: is it worth it to give?
Navigation in the difficult world of children’s additives: a balanced look at the benefit, risks and alternatives.
Parents who seek to provide their children with optimal health and development often encounter a kaleidoscope of information about food additives (BAD). Bright packages, promises of strengthening immunity, improving cognitive functions and solving problems with appetite, attract attention and give rise to a logical question: is it worth giving dietary supplements to children? The answer to this question is far from unambiguous and requires a thorough consideration of many factors.
I. What are dietary supplements and how do they differ from drugs?
Bades are concentrated sources of food substances, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics, prebiotics, plant extracts and other substances designed to supplement the diet. It is important to understand the fundamental difference between dietary supplements and drugs:
- Regulation: Medicines undergo strict control and clinical trials confirming their effectiveness and safety for the declared goals. The dietary supplements, in most countries, are regulated less rigidly and do not require mandatory confirmation of effectiveness. Responsibility for safety and compliance with the declared composition lies, first of all, on the manufacturer.
- Target: Medicines are intended for the treatment, prevention or relief of symptoms of diseases. Bades, in turn, are positioned as an addition to the diet to maintain health and replenish the deficiency of nutrients. They are not intended for the treatment of diseases.
- Marking: Medicines contain clear information about the indications, contraindications, side effects and dosage. The marking of dietary supplements should contain information about the composition, method of application, contraindications (if there) and warnings. However, the quality and reliability of this information can vary.
II. When can diet be useful for children?
In certain situations, the intake of dietary supplements can be justified and recommended by the doctor:
- Nutrient deficiency: A deficiency of specific vitamins or minerals, such as vitamin D (especially in regions with a lack of sunlight), iron (with anemia), vitamin B12 (among vegetarians and vegans), calcium (with insufficient dairy products), confirmed by laboratory analyzes.
- Power restrictions: Children with allergies, intolerance to certain products, vegetarians or vegans, children with electoral appetite may have a lack of certain nutrients that must be replenished using additives.
- Chronic diseases: Children with chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, inflammatory intestinal diseases, may have disorders of the absorption of nutrients and need an additional technique of vitamins and minerals.
- Reception of some drugs: Some drugs can affect the absorption or excretion of nutrients, which may require correction of the diet and administration of dietary supplements under the supervision of a doctor.
- Premature birth: Premature children often need additional use of vitamins and minerals necessary for growth and development.
III. The risks associated with the reception of dietary supplements by children.
An uncontrolled intake of dietary supplements can pose a serious threat to the health of the child:
- Overdose: Many dietary supplements, especially vitamins and minerals, can be toxic in large doses. An overdose can lead to serious side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, impaired liver and kidney function, and in severe cases to a coma and death.
- Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. This is especially dangerous for children taking medications on an ongoing basis.
- Dubious quality: Not all dietary supplements presented on the market correspond to the declared composition and quality. Some products may contain impurities, toxic substances or not declared ingredients.
- Masks of serious diseases: Reception of dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of serious diseases, postponing timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Negative effect on the intestinal microbiota: An uncontrolled intake of probiotics can disrupt the balance of intestinal microflora, especially in children with a weakened immune system.
- Addiction: Some dietary supplements containing plant components can cause addiction and dependence.
- Economic burden: Regular intake of dietary supplements can be financially burdensome for the family, especially if they do not bring real benefits.
- Lack of clinical data: The effectiveness of many dietary supplements has not been proven in clinical research, especially in children. Often, marketing promises are not true.
IV. What dietary supplements are most often given to children and for what?
Consider the most common groups of dietary supplements that parents give to their children:
- Vitamin D: It is prescribed for the prevention of rickets, strengthening bones and teeth, maintaining immunity. The dosage and the need to take vitamin D should be determined by the doctor, especially depending on the age of the child, the region of residence and lifestyle.
- Vitamin C: Used to strengthen immunity and prevention of colds. However, excessive use of vitamin C can cause digestive disorders.
- Multivitamins: Contain a complex of vitamins and minerals. Recommended only in cases of confirmed deficit or with a limited diet.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: They are considered useful for the development of brain, vision and cardiovascular system. Contained in fish oil, linseed oil, walnuts.
- Probiotics: They contain living microorganisms, which are believed to improve digestion and strengthen immunity. They are used for dysbiosis, after taking antibiotics, with colic in infants.
- Calcium: It is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth. Especially important in the period of active growth.
- Iron: It is prescribed for anemia. Iron deficiency can lead to a delay in development, fatigue and a decrease in immunity.
- Syrups to improve appetite: Often contain plant extracts, vitamins and minerals. However, the effectiveness of these syrups is not proven, and they may contain components that cause allergies.
- Plant preparations (for example, echinacea): Used to strengthen immunity and prevention of colds. However, the safety and effectiveness of many plant drugs in children have not been studied.
V. How to choose the right dietary supplement for children?
If the doctor recommended the intake of dietary supplement, you must carefully approach his choice:
- Consultation with a doctor: Before giving a child any dietary supplements, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician. He will conduct an examination, assess the state of health of the child, identify possible deficits and select the optimal dosage and form of the drug.
- The selection of the manufacturer: Give preference to well -known and trusted manufacturers with a good reputation in the market. Study reviews about the company’s products.
- Composition: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement. Make sure that it does not contain harmful additives, artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives.
- Certification: Make sure the dietary supplement has a certificate of conformity.
- Output form: Choose a release form convenient for a child (syrup, chewing tablets, capsules).
- Dosage: Strictly follow the recommended dosage. Do not exceed it yourself to avoid overdose and side effects.
- Age restrictions: Pay attention to the age limits indicated on the packaging.
- Storage conditions: Follow the storage conditions indicated on the packaging.
- Individual tolerance: Follow the reaction of the child to dietary supplements. When allergic reactions or other side effects appear, stop taking and consult a doctor.
VI. Badam alternatives: balanced diet as a basis for health.
In most cases, the need for vitamins and minerals can be satisfied using a balanced and diverse nutrition. It is important that the child’s diet includes:
- A variety of fruits and vegetables: Sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
- Grain products: Sources of carbohydrates, fiber and vitamins of group B.
- Protein products: Sources of protein, iron and vitamin B12.
- Dairy products: Sources of calcium, vitamin D and protein.
- Useful fats: Sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
Parents should strive to ensure that the child’s diet is as diverse as possible and includes all the necessary nutrients. In this case, the need for dietary supplements can disappear by itself.
VII. Myths and misconceptions about dietary supplements for children.
There are many myths and misconceptions about dietary supplements that mislead parents:
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Myth: Bades are natural and safe products.
Reality: Natural origin does not guarantee security. Many plant drugs can cause allergic reactions and other side effects.
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Myth: Bades strengthen immunity and protect against diseases.
Reality: Strengthening immunity is a comprehensive process depending on many factors, such as a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, sufficient sleep and physical activity. Bades can be useful only in cases of confirmed deficiency of nutrients.
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Myth: Bades improve appetite and help gain weight.
Reality: The causes of poor appetite can be different (psychological, physiological). Bades do not solve the problem of poor appetite. It is important to identify and eliminate the cause of poor appetite.
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Myth: Bads help improve memory and concentration.
Reality: Improving memory and concentration of attention is a comprehensive process that depends on many factors, such as a healthy lifestyle, sufficient sleep, physical activity and cognitive training. Bades can only be useful in cases of confirmed deficiency of nutrients necessary for the brain.
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Myth: All children need vitamins and minerals.
Reality: Most healthy children who receive a balanced diet do not need additional intake of vitamins and minerals.
VIII. The role of the doctor in making a decision on the administration of dietary supplements.
The pediatrician plays a key role in making a decision on making dietary supplements. He:
- He conducts an examination of the child, evaluates his state of health and reveals possible deficits.
- It collects an anamnesis, clarifies the diet and lifestyle of the child.
- Prescribes the necessary laboratory tests to confirm the deficiency of nutrients.
- He selects the optimal dosage and form of dietary supplements, given the age, weight and state of the child’s health.
- It controls the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplement.
- Gives recommendations on a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Dad self -medication can be dangerous to the health of the child.
IX. Legal aspects of the use of dietary supplements.
In different countries, there are different rules and requirements for the production, sale and labeling of dietary supplements. It is important to know that:
- Bades are not drugs and do not pass strict control, like medicines.
- Responsibility for safety and compliance with the declared composition lies with the manufacturer.
- The marking of dietary supplements should contain information about the composition, method of application, contraindications and warnings.
- Manufacturers do not have the right to declare that dietary supplements are treating or preventing diseases.
X. Conclusion: informed solution is the key to the child’s health.
The question of the need to receive dietary supplements with children requires a balanced and informed approach. Before giving a child any additives, it is necessary to consult a doctor, carefully study the composition and quality of the product, observe the recommended dosage and monitor the reaction of the child. In most cases, the need for vitamins and minerals can be satisfied using a balanced and diverse nutrition. The child’s health is the most valuable, and decisions regarding his health are necessary with special responsibility.