Dietary supplements for children: is it worth it and what risks

Part 1: Understanding of dietary supplements and their places in the children’s diet

1.1. What are dietary supplements? Definition and classification

Biologically active food additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or natural biologically active substances that are intended for direct intake with food or introduction into food products in order to enrich the diet with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes. It is important to understand that dietary supplements are Not drugs. They are designed to supplement the diet, and not treat diseases.

Classification of dietary supplements can be based on several criteria:

By composition:
- Nutricevtiki: Sources of basic dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, dietary fibers). For example, vitamin D3, fish oil, calcium.
- Parafarmetzetics: Contain substances that affect individual organs and systems of the body, but do not have a pronounced therapeutic effect. For example, drugs containing herbs extracts to maintain immunity, probiotics.
- Probiotics and prebiotics: They contain living microorganisms that are useful for intestinal microflora (probiotics), or substances that stimulate their growth (prebiotics).
By the form of release:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Powders
- Liquids (drops, syrups)
- Chewing sweets (pastry, marmalade)
For the purpose:
- To strengthen immunity
- To improve digestion
- To maintain the bone system
- To improve cognitive functions
- To replenish the deficiency of vitamins and minerals

1.2. Legal base of dietary supplement regulation: features in Russia and abroad

In Russia, the turnover of dietary supplements is regulated by the Federal Law of 02.01.2000 N 29-ФЗ “On the quality and safety of food products” and sanitary-epidemiological rules and standards of SanPiN 2.3.2.1290-03 “Hygienic requirements for the organization of the production and turnover of biologically active food additives (BADs).” According to these documents, dietary supplements are subject to state registration, which confirms their security and compliance with the established requirements. During registration, an examination of documentation, assessment of the composition and properties of the product, as well as toxicological studies are carried out.

However, it is important to note that, unlike drugs, dietary supplements do not undergo clinical trials confirming their effectiveness and safety. Responsibility for the correspondence of the product by the declared properties is borne by the manufacturer.

The regulation of dietary supplements in other countries may vary significantly. In the USA, for example, dietary supplements are regulated as food, and not as medicines, which means less stringent requirements for their registration and control. In Europe, there are also various approaches to the regulation of dietary supplements in different countries. Therefore, when choosing a dietary supplement, especially produced abroad, it is necessary to carefully study the information about the manufacturer and check the availability of certificates of conformity recognized in Russia.

1.3. Why do parents turn to dietary supplements for children? Common reasons and errors

Parents turn to dietary supplements for children for various reasons, often moved by good intentions, but sometimes under the influence of marketing tricks or insufficient awareness. The most common reasons:

Strengthening immunity: The desire to protect the child from frequent colds and infections, especially in the autumn-winter period. Many parents believe that dietary supplements with vitamin C, zinc, echinacea and other immunostimulating components can help strengthen the child’s immune system.
Filling up the deficiency of vitamins and minerals: The fears that the child does not receive enough vitamins and minerals with food, especially if he is picky in food or has restrictions in the diet. In this case, parents can consider dietary supplements with multivitamins or individual vitamins and minerals (vitamin D, iron, calcium).
Improving appetite: The hope that dietary supplements with enzymes or herbs stimulating appetite will help the child better eat and gain weight.
Normalization of digestion: Problems with digestion in a child (constipation, diarrhea, colic) can also be the reason for contacting dietary supplements with probiotics and prebiotics.
Improving cognitive functions: Parents can give children dietary supplements with omega-3 fatty acids, holin and other substances, which are believed to improve memory, attention and concentration.
Prevention of diseases: In some cases, parents can use dietary supplements to prevent specific diseases, for example, rickets (vitamin D) or anemia (iron).

However, it is important to understand that many of these reasons are based on errors:

Bades do not replace good nutrition: They only complement the diet, but cannot compensate for the lack of nutrients obtained from a variety of and balanced food.
“Immunity” is a complex system that cannot be “strengthened” with one tablet: Immunity depends on many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, nutrition and the environment. Attempts to “stimulate” immunity using dietary supplements can be ineffective, and in some cases even harmful.
The deficiency of vitamins and minerals should be diagnosed with a doctor: Before giving a child dietary supplements with vitamins and minerals, it is necessary to take tests and make sure that there is a real deficit. The uncontrolled intake of dietary supplements can lead to an overdose and undesirable side effects.
Bades are not a miraculous remedy for all diseases: They cannot cure diseases and should not be used instead of drugs prescribed by a doctor.

Part 2: Potential risks and negative consequences of the use of dietary supplements in children

2.1. Possible side effects and allergic reactions

The use of dietary supplements in children, like any other biologically active substances, is associated with certain risks. The most common side effects:

Allergic reactions: Bades may contain various ingredients that can cause allergies in sensitive children. Most often, allergies are caused by plant extracts, dyes, flavors and preservatives. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary from a slight rash and itching to severe anaphylactic reactions.
Digestive problems: Some dietary supplements can cause digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. This is especially true for dietary supplements with a high content of fiber, probiotics or enzymes.
Interaction with drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs, reducing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. For example, dietary supplements with vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants.
Overdose: The uncontrolled intake of dietary supplements can lead to an overdose of vitamins and minerals, which can be dangerous for the health of the child. For example, an overdose of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia and kidney damage.
Unwanted effects from the nervous system: Some dietary supplements, especially containing stimulants (for example, caffeine or guarana), can cause excitement, insomnia, anxiety and other undesirable effects from the nervous system.
Toxic effects: Some dietary supplements may contain toxic substances, especially if they are produced by unscrupulous manufacturers or have not passed proper quality control.

2.2. The risk of an overdose of vitamins and minerals: hypervitaminosis and hypermineralization

An overdose of vitamins and minerals (hypervitaminosis and hypermineralization) is a serious problem, especially in children, since their body is more sensitive to the toxic effects of high doses of biologically active substances.

Vitamin A: An overdose of vitamin A can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, hair loss, dry skin, pain in bones and joints, as well as to damage to the liver. In severe cases, hypervitaminosis A, leading to an increase in intracranial pressure and hydrocephalus, may develop.
Vitamin D: An overdose of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia (an increased content of calcium in the blood), which can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, pain in the bones, damage to the kidneys and heart.
Vitamin E: An overdose of vitamin E can lead to impaired blood coagulation, increased risk of bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness.
Vitamin C: An overdose of vitamin C can lead to digestive disorder (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting), the formation of kidney stones and a violation of the assimilation of some minerals (for example, copper).
Iron: An overdose of iron can lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, damage to the liver and heart. In severe cases, an overdose of iron can be fatal.
Calcium: An overdose of calcium can lead to hypercalcemia, constipation, the formation of kidney stones and a violation of the absorption of some minerals (for example, iron and zinc).
Zinc: An overdose of zinc can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, impaired copper absorption and reduction of immunity.

2.3. The effect of dietary supplements on the endocrine system: hormonal imbalance and premature puberty

Some dietary supplements can influence the endocrine system of the child, leading to hormonal imbalance and premature sexual maturation. In this respect, dietary supplements containing phytoestrogens (plant substances similar to female sex hormones) or other hormonally active components are especially dangerous.

Phytoestrogens: Phytoestrogens are contained in some herbs, such as soy, red clover and licorice. The use of dietary supplements with phytoestrogens can lead to premature sexual maturation in girls, violation of the menstrual cycle in adolescence and other hormonal disorders. In boys, phytoestrogens can cause gynecomastia (increase in the chest glands) and other feminizing effects.
Other hormone active components: Some dietary supplements may contain other hormonally active components that can affect the development and functioning of the endocrine system of the child. For example, some bodybuilding dietary supplements contain runners that can cause serious hormonal disorders.

2.4. Low quality and falsification of dietary supplements: danger to the child’s health

Unfortunately, the market of dietary supplements is not always in good faith. There is a risk of acquiring low -quality dietary supplements, falsified or contained by the ingredients that are not declared on the label. This is especially dangerous for children, since their body is more vulnerable to the effects of toxic substances.

Low quality: Some dietary supplements can use poor -quality raw materials, violate production technology or not comply with the requirements for storage and transportation of products. This can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of dietary supplements or to the appearance of toxic impurities in it.
Falsification: Falsified dietary supplements may contain the ingredients that are not declared on the label, including dangerous substances for health. For example, in dietary supplements for weight loss, prohibited drugs can be found, and in dietary supplements, sildenafil (Viagra) synthetic analogues (Viagra) can be found to increase potency.
Not declared ingredients: Some dietary supplements may contain ingredients not indicated on the label. This may be due to the dishonesty of the manufacturer, a violation of production technology or random pollution of products.

The acquisition of low -quality dietary supplements or falsified ones can lead to serious problems with the child’s health, including allergic reactions, poisoning, liver and kidney damage, hormonal disorders and other undesirable consequences.

Part 3: In what cases, dietary supplements can be justified for children?

3.1. Confirmed deficit of vitamins and minerals according to the results of analyzes

In some cases, dietary supplements can be justified for children, but only if there is a confirmed deficit of vitamins and minerals established by the doctor based on the results of the tests. It is important to understand that independent purpose of dietary supplements for children is unacceptable. Only a doctor can determine the need to accept dietary supplements, choose the optimal dosage and duration of the course of treatment.

Examples of situations where dietary supplements may be required:

Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D is necessary for the normal development of bones and teeth, as well as to maintain immunity. Vitamin D deficiency is often found in children, especially in the winter season and in regions with low solar activity. The doctor may prescribe vitamin D in the form of drops or tablets.
Iron deficiency: Iron is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, which transfers oxygen to cells of the body. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which manifests itself in the form of weakness, fatigue, pallor of the skin and a decrease in immunity. The doctor may prescribe an intake of iron -containing drugs.
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and hematopoiesis. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be found in children who are on a strict vegetarian diet or have problems with the absorption of vitamin B12. The doctor may prescribe vitamin B12 in the form of injections or tablets.
Iodine deficiency: Iodine is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency can lead to impaired mental development and other health problems. The doctor may recommend the use of iodized salt or taking iodine -containing drugs.

3.2. Limitations in nutrition: vegetarianism, allergies, special diets

Children with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarianism, allergies or special diets, may need additional dietary supplements to compensate for the lack of nutrients that they do not receive from food.

Vegetarianism: Vegetarian children can experience a deficiency of vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. The doctor may recommend taking dietary supplements containing these nutrients.
Allergies: Children with food allergies may experience a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, since they have to exclude certain products from the diet. The doctor may recommend taking dietary supplements containing the missing nutrients.
Special diets: Children who are on special diets for medical reasons (for example, with celiac disease, phenylketonuria or other diseases) may require additional intake of dietary supplements in order to compensate for the lack of nutrients that they do not receive with dietary food.

3.3. Periods of intensive growth and development, increased physical activity

During periods of intensive growth and development, as well as with increased physical exertion, the child’s need for vitamins and minerals increases. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a dietary supplement to satisfy these increased needs.

Intensive growth period: During periods of rapid growth (for example, in infancy and in adolescence), the child needs more vitamins and minerals to form bones, muscles and other tissues.
Increased physical activity: Children involved in sports or other types of physical activity need more energy and nutrients to maintain their performance and recovery after training.

3.4. Some diseases and conditions requiring additional support for the body

Some diseases and conditions may require additional support for the body using dietary supplements. For example, children with chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (inflammatory intestinal diseases, irritable intestine syndrome) can be useful for probiotics to restore normal intestinal microflora.

Part 4: How to choose the right dietary supplement for children?

4.1. Consultation with a doctor: a mandatory step before the use of dietary supplements

Before giving a child dietary supplement, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The doctor will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis, prescribe the necessary tests and determine the need to take dietary supplements, and also select the optimal drug, dosage and duration of the course of treatment.

Self -medication of dietary supplements can be dangerous to the health of the child!

4.2. Study of composition and certificates: what to pay attention to the label

When choosing a dietary supplement, you must carefully study the composition of the product indicated on the label. Pay attention to the following points:

The content of active substances: Make sure that the content of active substances corresponds to the needs of the child and does not exceed permissible norms.
The presence of allergens: Carefully study the list of ingredients for allergens, such as milk, eggs, soy, gluten, nuts and seafood.
Availability of artificial additives: Avoid dietary supplements containing artificial dyes, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners.
Availability of certificates: Check the availability of conformity certificates confirming the quality and safety of the product. In Russia, dietary supplements are subject to state registration, as evidenced by the relevant certificate.

4.3. Producer’s choice: reputation, reviews, quality control

When choosing a dietary supplement, give preference to manufacturers with a good reputation, positive reviews and strict quality control. Check information about the manufacturer on the Internet, read the reviews of other parents and make sure that the company has all the necessary licenses and certificates.

4.4. Release form and dosage: compliance with the age and needs of the child

When choosing a dietary supplement, take into account the age and needs of the child. For young children, it is better to choose dietary supplements in the form of drops or syrups, which are easy to dose and accept. For older children, you can choose dietary supplements in the form of tablets, capsules or chewing sweets. Strictly observe the recommended dosage indicated on the packaging or prescribed by a doctor.

Part 5: Alternative ways to maintain children’s health without dietary supplements

5.1. Full and balanced diet: the basis of the child’s health

The basis of the child’s health is a full and balanced diet. The child’s diet should include products from all main groups:

Fruits and vegetables: At least 5 servings per day.
Grain products: Whole grain bread, porridge, pasta from hard varieties of wheat.
Protein products: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts.
Dairy products: Milk, kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese.

Limit the consumption of sugar, salt and saturated fats. Avoid the use of fast food, carbonated drinks and other products containing many calories and few nutrients.

5.2. Day of the day and sufficient sleep: important factors for immunity and development

Compliance with the regime of the day and sufficient sleep are important factors to maintain immunity and normal development of the child. The child should go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on weekends. The duration of sleep should correspond to the age of the child.

5.3. Physical activity and walking in the fresh air: strengthening the body

Physical activity and walking in the fresh air contribute to strengthening the body and increasing immunity. The child must do physical exercises daily and spend time in the fresh air, regardless of the weather.

5.4. Hardening and prevention of diseases: a healthy lifestyle

Turning and prevention of diseases also play an important role in maintaining the health of the child. Teach the child to a contrasting soul, dousing with cold water and other hardening methods. In timely, take vaccinations and take other measures of the prevention of diseases.

Part 6: Conclusion (must be omitted)

(Lowered in accordance with the requirements of the task)