What are dietary supplements and why do children need them?

Dietary dietary supplements, or biologically active additives to food, are concentrates of natural or natural biologically active substances that are intended for direct intake or introduction into food products in order to enrich the diet with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes.

Dietary supplements may be necessary in situations when:

• The diet is inferior. Modern children often consume an insufficient amount of fruits, vegetables and other useful products.
• There are increased needs for nutrients. This applies to periods of intensive growth, increased physical or mental stress, as well as periods of recovery after illness.
• There are specific health states. For example, allergies, food intolerance, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Accommodation in environmentally unfavorable areas.
• During the seasonal decrease in immunity.

It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not medicines, but food additives. They are not intended for the treatment of diseases, but can help maintain health and make up for the deficiency of the necessary substances.

Classification of dietary supplements for children

Bad for children can be classified according to various criteria:

• By composition:
  • Vitamin complexes: Contain various vitamins (A, C, D, E, B-bands, etc.)
  • Mineral complexes: Contain minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, etc.)
  • Vitamin-mineral complexes: Contain a combination of vitamins and minerals.
  • Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PNS): Important for the development of the brain and vision.
  • Probiotics and prebiotics: Support intestinal health.
  • Amino acids: Necessary for growth and development.
  • Plant extracts: Can have various useful properties (immunomodulating, antioxidant, etc.)
  • Mushroom -based dietary supplements: Used to maintain immunity.
• By the form of release:
  • Liquid forms: Drops, syrups, solutions (convenient for young children).
  • Solid forms: Tablets, capsules, chewing loafs (suitable for older children).
  • Powders: For breeding in water or adding to food.
• In age category:
  • For babies (from 0 to 1 year).
  • For children from 1 year to 3 years.
  • For children from 3 years to 7 years.
  • For children over 7 years old.
• By purpose:
  • To strengthen immunity.
  • To improve brain function.
  • To maintain the health of bones and teeth.
  • To improve digestion.
  • To make up for a deficiency of vitamins and minerals.

The most important dietary supplement for children and their functions

Not all dietary supplements are equally important for children. The most important and their main functions are listed below:

• Vitamin D:
  • Functions: It is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, the formation of bones and teeth, and strengthen immunity.
  • Indications for use: Prevention of rickets, vitamin D deficiency, accommodation in regions with a lack of sunlight.
  • Recommendations: It is recommended to take vitamin D all year round, especially in the autumn-winter period. The dosage must be selected individually, after consulting a doctor.
• Omega-3 PNSK:
  • Functions: It is necessary for the development of the brain and vision, improve cognitive functions, and maintain health of the cardiovascular system.
  • Indications for use: Insufficient fish consumption, learning problems, hyperactivity, attention deficit.
  • Recommendations: Choose dietary supplements with a high content of DHA (non -zahexaenic acid) and EPA (eicopascentenic acid). Fish fat, not plant sources are preferable.
• Probiotics:
  • Functions: They support a healthy intestinal microflora, improve digestion, and strengthen immunity.
  • Indications for use: Dysbiosis, taking antibiotics, digestive disorders (diarrhea, constipation, bloating).
  • Recommendations: Choose dietary supplements containing several types of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium). Pay attention to the amount of bacteria in one dose (some kind of colony -forming units).
• Calcium:
  • Functions: It is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth, maintaining the health of the nervous system and muscles.
  • Indications for use: The period of intensive growth, insufficient consumption of dairy products, calcium deficiency.
  • Recommendations: It is better absorbed in combination with vitamin D. It is important to ensure sufficient calcium consumption from food products.
• Iron:
  • Functions: It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, the transfer of oxygen in the blood, maintaining energy and immunity.
  • Indications for use: Anemia, fatigue, pallor of the skin, decreased immunity.
  • Recommendations: It is better absorbed in combination with vitamin C. It should be avoided by simultaneous intake with dairy products and tea, as they can reduce iron absorption.
• Iodine:
  • Functions: It is necessary for the normal function of the thyroid gland, regulation of metabolism, brain development.
  • Indications for use: Accommodation in regions with iodine deficiency, thyroid disease.
  • Recommendations: Use iodized salt for cooking. Additional intake of iodine must be agreed with the doctor.
• Zinc:
  • Functions: It is necessary for growth and development, maintaining immunity, healing of wounds, normal functioning of the senses (taste, sense of smell).
  • Indications for use: Frequent colds, slow healing of wounds, problems with appetite, growth retardation.
  • Recommendations: Zinc is better absorbed on an empty stomach. Simultaneous administration with iron and calcium should be avoided.
• Vitamin C:
  • Functions: Strengthens immunity, is an antioxidant, participates in the synthesis of collagen, improves iron absorption.
  • Indications for use: Frequent colds, fatigue, bleeding gums.
  • Recommendations: Vitamin C is better absorbed in small doses during the day. Contained in large quantities in fresh fruits and vegetables.

The choice of dietary supplements for children: what to pay attention to?

The choice of dietary supplements for children is a responsible process that requires an attentive approach. It is important to consider the following factors:

• Child’s age: The dosage and composition of the dietary supplement must correspond to the age category of the child.
• Individual needs: To take into account the characteristics of the child’s health, the presence of chronic diseases, allergies and food intolerance.
• Composition: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement, paying attention to the presence of allergens, artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives. Give preference to natural components.
• Output form: Choose a form of release convenient for a child (drops, syrup, tablets, chewing pastries).
• Manufacturer: Give preference to proven and reliable manufacturers with a good reputation.
• Certification: Make sure of quality certificates and compliance with safety requirements.
• Reviews: To study the reviews of other parents and specialists.
• Consultation with a doctor: Be sure to consult with a pediatrician or a children’s doctor before starting dietary supplements.

Important! Do not purchase dietary supplements from dubious sellers or in unverified online stores. This can be dangerous for the health of the child.

How to give dietary supplements to children?

The correct use of dietary supplements is the key to their effectiveness and safety. Follow the following recommendations:

• Strictly observe the dosage specified in the instructions or prescribed by a doctor. Exceeding the dosage can lead to undesirable side effects.
• Give dietary supplements in accordance with recommendations for the reception time (before, during or after eating). Some dietary supplements are better absorbed on an empty stomach, others with food.
• Do not mix a few dietary supplements at the same time without consulting a doctor. Some substances can interact with each other, reducing effectiveness or causing side effects.
• Keep dietary supplements in no way for children, in accordance with the storage conditions indicated on the packaging.
• Follow the reaction of the child to the dietary supplement. When allergic reactions, digestive disorders or other undesirable symptoms appear, it is necessary to stop taking and see a doctor.

Remember! Bades are not replacing a full and balanced diet. They should only be used as an addition to the diet.

Contraindications to the use of dietary supplements in children

Despite their safety, dietary supplements have a number of contraindications:

• Individual intolerance to dietary supplements.
• Allergic reactions.
• Acute diseases.
• Chronic diseases in the exacerbation stage.
• Diseases of the kidneys and liver in the stage of decompensation.
• Blood coagulation (for dietary supplements containing vitamin K).
• Hypervitaminosis (excess of vitamins in the body).

Important! Before taking dietary supplements, it is necessary to exclude the presence of contraindications in a child.

Myths and misconceptions about dietary supplements for children

Around the dietary supplements there are many myths and errors that can mislead parents:

• Myth: Bades are medicines.
  • Reality: Bades are food additives, not medicines. They are not intended for the treatment of diseases, but can help maintain health and make up for the deficiency of the necessary substances.
• Myth: Bades are necessary for all children.
  • Reality: Dietary supplements are necessary only for children who have a deficiency of certain substances or increased needs for them. Most children who receive a full and balanced diet do not need additional additives.
• Myth: The more vitamins, the better.
  • Reality: Excess of vitamins can be harmful to health and lead to hypervitaminosis. It is important to follow the recommended dosages.
• Myth: Bades are absolutely safe.
  • Reality: Bades can cause side effects and contraindications. Before starting, you need to consult a doctor and make sure there are no contraindications.
• Myth: Bades are expensive.
  • Reality: There are both expensive and affordable dietary supplements. It is important to choose dietary supplements corresponding to the needs of the child and the financial capabilities of the family.

Important! Do not believe everything that they write on the Internet or speak in advertising. Trust the verified sources of information and consult with specialists.

Recommendations of doctors for the use of dietary supplements for children

Many doctors recommend the use of dietary supplements for children in certain situations. Here are some general recommendations:

• Pediatricians: Vitamin D is recommended for the prevention of rickets and strengthening immunity, especially in the autumn-winter period. Probiotics can also be recommended to maintain intestinal health and improve digestion.
• Gastroenterologists: Probiotics and prebiotics are recommended to normalize intestinal microflora for dysbiosis, after taking antibiotics and in digestive disorders.
• Immunologists: Vitamin C, zinc and other immunomodulating substances are recommended to strengthen immunity and prevent frequent colds.
• Neurologists: Omega-3 PNSK is recommended to improve cognitive functions and brain development.
• Endocrinologists: IDOD is recommended for the normal function of the thyroid gland.

Important! Specific recommendations for the use of dietary supplements should give a doctor based on the individual characteristics of the child and examination results.

List of the most popular and effective dietary supplements for children (with reservations)

Attention! This list is informational in nature and is not a guide to action. Before using any dietary supplement, you need to consult a doctor!

Examples of popular dietary supplements (without specifying specific brands, as this can be regarded as advertising):

• Vitamin D3 in drops: For the prevention of rickets and strengthening immunity in children of all ages.
• Omega-3 PNGK in the form of chewing capsules or syrup: To improve cognitive functions and brain development in children over 3 years old.
• Probiotics in drops or powder: To normalize intestinal microflora in children of all ages.
• Vitamin-mineral complex in the form of chewing tablets: To replenish the deficiency of vitamins and minerals in children over 3 years old.
• Calcium in the form of syrup or chewing tablets: To maintain the health of bones and teeth in children during intensive growth.
• Iron in the form of syrup or drops: For the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children.
• Iodine in the form of drops: For the prevention of iodine deficiency in children living in regions with iodine deficiency.

Important! When choosing a dietary supplement, pay attention to the composition, dosage and form of release. Give preference to trusted manufacturers and consult a doctor.

Food products as an alternative to dietary supplements

In most cases, a deficiency of vitamins and minerals can be replenished using properly balanced nutrition. Here are some recommendations:

• Vitamin D: Bold fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), egg yolk, mushrooms, enriched products (milk, juices).
• Omega-3 PNSK: Fat fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), linen seed, walnuts.
• Calcium: Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), green leafy vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), enriched products (juices, flakes).
• Iron: Red meat, poultry, fish, legumes (beans, lentils), green leafy vegetables (spinach).
• Iodine: Iodized salt, seafood, sea cabbage.
• Zinc: Red meat, poultry, seafood, legumes, nuts.
• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), vegetables (pepper, broccoli).

Important! Try to provide your child with a variety and balanced diet, including all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Dietary supplement legislation for children in Russia

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. Bades must comply with safety and quality requirements established by the technical regulations of the Customs Union.

Before issuing dietary supplements, dietary supplements are subject to state registration. In the process of registration, an examination of documentation is carried out and conformity assessment of safety and quality requirements.

The following information should indicate on the Bad label:

• The name of the dietary supplement.
• Composition.
• The form of release.
• Scope.
• Recommendations for use.
• Contraindications.
• Storage conditions.
• Best before date.
• Name and address of the manufacturer.
• Information about state registration.

Important! Before purchasing dietary supplements, make sure that there is information about state registration on the label.

The future of dietary supplements for children: trends and prospects

The development of science and technology opens up new opportunities in the development of dietary supplements for children. It is expected that in the future they will appear:

• Personalized dietary supplements: Designed taking into account the individual needs and genetic characteristics of the child.
• Bades with improved bioavailability: Providing more efficient absorption of nutrients.
• Bades with innovative forms of release: More convenient and attractive for children (for example, chewing sweets, gels).
• Bades based on new sources of nutrients: For example, from algae, insects or mushrooms.
• Bades with proven effectiveness: Confirmed by clinical research.

Important! Follow new developments in the field of dietary supplements and consult your doctor before using new products.