Research shows that children who take vitamins rarely need them, and those that do need them, don’t take them.
Apparently, researchers are suprised by this. I am suprised they are suprised.
According to the New York Times, lead author Dr. Ulfat Shaikh, a pediatrician at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, said she thought that parents would use vitamins to supplement a diet lacking in nutrients, but in fact, they found the opposite.
Um, duh. I don’t think I’ve said that since 3rd grade but, duh.
Vitamins are meant to supplement nutrients that are lacking in the diet. Parents who are conscientious enough to make sure their kids eat their vitamins are also going to be conscientious enough to make sure their kids eat a healthy diet. Those parents who do not watch their children’s nutrition of course aren’t going to be find any need to have their kids take vitamins.
If kids are eating healthy, or anyone is eating healthy for that matter, there is no need for vitamins- you are receiving everything you need from your food, which is the best source. Its probably not going to be dangerous to take these vitamins, as most of the excess is lost through sweat and urination, but sometimes large amounts of vitamins can make you sick. But, usually its just expensive overkill.
If you aren’t eating a healthy diet, that’s when vitamins are necessary. They pick up the slack where your food leaves off, but not entirely. Food is always the best source of vitamins and minerals because they come in a package with other vitamins necessary for your body to absorb them properly- as opposed to getting them individually through pills.
It is also important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend supplements for children over the age of one, who eat a varied diet.
Vitamins are generally for children who have illnesses, chronic deficiencies, eating disorders, are over weight or have allergies that prevent them from getting the vitamins they need from their food.
Care about your kids. Make sure they eat a healthy diet, and don’t give them vitamins unless they need them.
Comments
World Vitamins Online
August 7th, 2009 - 6:34:03 AM
I do not find this that surprising if you consider that children not getting a diet high in nutrition may be because of financial restraints in their families. If you can not afford to give your children a proper diet then you can probably not afford vitamins either.