Bad for children: is it worth it to give?

Bad for children: is it worth it to give? Comprehensive analysis

Dietary supplements, or biologically active additives, have become an integral part of the consumer market. The promises of strengthening immunity, improving cognitive functions and general health attract many parents who seek to provide their children the best. However, the question of the feasibility and safety of admission of dietary supplements by children remains the subject of lively discussions among doctors, nutritionists and parents. In this comprehensive analysis, we will consider various aspects of the use of dietary supplements in childhood, including their composition, estimated effects, potential risks and legal aspects, as well as give practical recommendations for parents who decide on the inclusion of dietary supplements in the child’s diet.

1. What are dietary supplements and how do they differ from drugs?

The key difference between dietary supplements and drugs lies in their regulatory status and, therefore, in the requirements for their production, quality control and evidence and evidence base.

• Medicines: They are subject to strict verification and regulation by authorized bodies (for example, FDA in the USA, EMA in Europe, Roszdravnadzor in Russia). Manufacturers are required to present the results of clinical studies confirming the effectiveness and safety of the drug for the declared purposes. Medicines are designed for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of diseases. Their composition is precisely determined, and the dosage is strictly controlled.

• Bad: Regulated less strictly. Manufacturers are not required to provide evidence of clinical efficiency to obtain permission to sell. Bades are positioned as additives to the diet designed to replenish the deficiency of certain substances or maintain the normal functioning of the body. Their composition can be less accurately determined, and the dosage can vary widely. It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not intended for the treatment of diseases.

2. Types of dietary supplements intended for children:

The dietary supplement market for children offers a wide range of products classified according to various criteria, such as the composition, form of release and the alleged action.

• Vitamins: The most common category of dietary supplements for children. Often contain vitamin D (for the health of bones and immunity), vitamin C (to strengthen immunity), B vitamins (for the nervous system and metabolism) and vitamin A (for vision and growth).
• Minerals: Include iron (for the prevention of anemia), calcium (for the health of bones and teeth), zinc (for immunity and growth) and iodine (for the thyroid gland).
• Probiotics and prebiotics: They contain living microorganisms useful for intestinal microflora (probiotics), or substances that contribute to their growth (prebiotics). Used to improve digestion and strengthen immunity.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Contained in fish oil and other sources. They are considered useful for the development of brain, vision and cardiovascular system.
• Plant extracts: They include echinacea extracts (to strengthen immunity), chamomile (to calm), valerian (for sleep) and other herbs.
• Amino acids: Used to maintain growth and development, especially in children with insufficient nutrition.
• Mixtures: Combinations of various vitamins, minerals and other substances.

3. When dietary supplements can be useful for children?

In some situations, the reception of dietary supplements can be justified and even necessary for children. However, the decision on the appointment of dietary supplements should be made by a doctor on the basis of assessing the state of health of the child and test results.

• Nutrient deficiency: If the child has a deficiency of certain vitamins or minerals (for example, vitamin D, iron, iodine), the doctor may prescribe a dietary supplement to make up for this deficit. This is especially true for children who are artificial feeding, premature babies, children with a limited diet (for example, vegetarians or children with food allergies).
• Diseases affecting the absorption of nutrients: Some diseases, such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis and short intestine syndrome, can disrupt the absorption of nutrients from food. In such cases, the intake of dietary supplements may be necessary to maintain the normal health of the child.
• Intensive growth and development: During periods of intensive growth and development (for example, in infancy and adolescence), the child’s need for certain nutrients can be increased. In some cases, even with a balanced diet, the doctor may recommend a dietary supplement to ensure optimal growth and development.
• Taking certain drugs: Some drugs can affect the absorption or excretion of nutrients from the body. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe dietary supplements to compensate for these losses.
• Prevention of rickets: In regions with insufficient solar lighting, especially in winter, children are recommended to take vitamin D for the prevention of rickets.

4. Potential risks and side effects of dietary supplements in children:

Despite the potential benefit, the intake of dietary supplements is associated with certain risks and side effects. It is important to consider these risks when making a decision on the inclusion of dietary supplements in the child’s diet.

• Overdose: Exceeding the recommended dose of dietary supplements can lead to undesirable side effects. Some vitamins and minerals (for example, vitamin A, vitamin D, iron) can be toxic in large doses. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and more serious health problems.
• Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or enhancing their side effects. It is important to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements that the child accepts in order to avoid undesirable interactions.
• Allergic reactions: Bades may contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions in some children. Symptoms of allergies can include leather rash, itching, edema, difficulty breathing and anaphylactic shock.
• Poor product: The market of dietary supplements is not always well regulated, so there is a risk of acquiring low -quality products containing harmful impurities or inappropriate number of declared ingredients.
• False hopes: Bades are not a medicine and cannot cure diseases. Parents should understand that dietary supplements are only an addition to the diet and should not replace full nutrition and treatment prescribed by a doctor.
• Lack of evidence: The effectiveness of many dietary supplements for children has not been proved by clinical research. Often manufacturers use marketing tricks and statements not backed up by scientific data to attract customers.

5. Criteria for choosing a dietary supplement for a child:

If the doctor recommended dietary supplement for a child, it is important to carefully approach the choice of the product.

• Consultation with a doctor: Before giving a child any dietary supplement, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The doctor will evaluate the state of health of the child, determine the need to receive dietary supplements and select the most suitable product.
• The selection of the manufacturer: You should choose dietary supplements from well -known and respected manufacturers with a good reputation in the market. Make sure that the manufacturer complies with quality standards and provides information about the composition of the product.
• Product composition: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement. Make sure that it does not contain ingredients that the child may have an allergy. Pay attention to the dosage of active substances and make sure that it corresponds to the age and needs of the child.
• Output form: Choose a dietary supplement release form that will be convenient for a child. For young children, liquid forms or chewing tablets are preferable.
• Certification: Make sure that the dietary supplement is certified by the relevant authorities (for example, Roszdravnadzor in Russia). The presence of a certificate confirms that the product has undergone quality and safety.
• Reviews: Read other parents’ reviews about the product. However, it should be remembered that reviews can be subjective and not always reflect the real picture.
• Price: High price is not always high. Compare the prices of similar products from different manufacturers and select the best option.
• Best before date: Check the expiration date of the product before buying. Do not use dietary supplements with an expired shelf life.

6. Rules for taking dietary supplements by children:

Reception of dietary supplements should be carried out in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations and instructions for use.

• Strictly compliance with the dosage: Do not exceed the recommended dose of dietary supplements. An overdose can be dangerous to the health of the child.
• Regularity of reception: Take the dietary supplement regularly in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations. Passing the administration can reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
• Reception during eating: Some dietary supplements are recommended to be taken while eating to improve absorption.
• Storage: Keep dietary supplements in no way for children, far from sunlight and moisture.
• Observation of the reaction of the child: Carefully observe the reaction of the child to the dietary supplement. When any side effects appear, you should stop taking and consult a doctor.
• Do not combine with other dietary supplements: Do not give the child a few dietary supplements at the same time, without consulting a doctor. A combination of various dietary supplements can lead to undesirable interactions.

7. Alternatives of Badam: good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle:

In most cases, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are the best alternative to keeping the health of the child.

• A variety of diet: Provide the child with a diverse diet that includes fruits, vegetables, cereals, meat, fish, dairy products and other healthy products.
• Sufficient water consumption: Make sure that the child drinks enough water during the day.
• Physical activity: Provide the child with sufficient physical activity. Regular sports or active games help strengthen health and immunity.
• Day of the day: Observe the daily routine that includes a sufficient amount of sleep and rest. The lack of sleep can negatively affect the health and immunity of the child.
• Fresh air: Try to ensure that the child spends enough time in the fresh air.
• Limiting the use of harmful products: Limit the use of sweet carbonated drinks, fast food and other harmful products.
• Preventive examinations: Regularly visit a doctor for preventive examinations and timely identification of possible health problems.

8. Legal aspects of the turnover of dietary supplements:

In Russia, the turnover of dietary supplements is regulated by the Federal Law “On the quality and safety of food products” and other regulatory acts.

• State registration: All dietary supplements intended for implementation in Russia must undergo state registration.
• Marking requirements: Bad marking should contain information about the composition of the product, its purpose, method of application, contraindications and expiration date.
• Quality control: Quality control of dietary supplements is carried out by authorized bodies (for example, Rospotrebnadzor).
• Responsibility for violation of requirements: For violation of the requirements for the production and circulation of dietary supplements, administrative and criminal liability is provided.

9. Bades and marketing: how to recognize unfair advertising:

The dietary supplement market is characterized by aggressive marketing policy, often using false information and manipulating parents.

• Critical attitude to advertising: Treat the advertising of dietary supplements from a critical point of view. Do not trust loud promises and statements about the miraculous properties of the product.
• Information verification: Check information about dietary supplements in independent sources, such as scientific articles and expert reviews.
• Beware of unrealistic promises: If advertising promises a quick and guaranteed result, most likely it is not true.
• Pay attention to sources of information: Trust information received from doctors and other qualified specialists.
• Avoid shopping in doubtful places: Buy dietary supplements only in pharmacies and other trusted retail outlets.

10. Research and scientific data on dietary supplements for children:

Scientific data on the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements for children are often contradictory. Some studies show positive results, while others do not reveal a significant effect or detect potential risks.

• Vitamin D: The effectiveness of vitamin D for the prevention of rickets and maintaining bone health in children is proved.
• Iron: The effectiveness of iron preparations for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children has been proven.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Some studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can be useful for the development of brain and vision in children, but additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
• Probiotics: Some studies show that probiotics can be useful for improving digestion and strengthening of immunity in children, but additional studies are needed to determine optimal strains and dosages.
• Other dietary supplements: The effectiveness and safety of many other dietary supplements for children has not been proven by clinical research.

In conclusion, the decision to take dietary supplements by the child should be made individually, on the basis of assessing the state of health of the child and the recommendations of the doctor. It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not a medicine and should not replace full nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. A critical approach to advertising and choosing a product, as well as strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations will help to avoid potential risks and get the maximum benefit from the intake of dietary supplements.