Raise Awareness on Kid’s Vitamins What to Look For In Children’s Vitamins

Recently in the news was a story about a particular kid’s vitamin manufacturer who was found to be making false claims about the amount of DHA that their product contained.  DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found abundantly in a variety of fish including salmon, mackerel, and sardines.  Consumption of this fatty acid is particularly important to pregnant women as they help aid in the formation of cell membranes in unborn children.  This recent issue brings up the subject of what to look for in a kid’s vitamin and should your child even take a vitamin.

Vitamins are Meant to Serve as a Supplement, Not a Meal Replacement

We as parents can agree that our kids go through phases in which they become picky about what they eat.  Many kids will gravitate towards hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, chicken nuggets, and French fries.  But what do these eating habits mean for the child’s health?  Eating foods such as those listed can lead the child towards becoming deficient in certain vitamins and minerals.  These vitamins and minerals serve an important purpose during these early years as they help contribute to the healthy development of bones, brain cells, eyesight, etc.  But before buying vitamins, a parent needs to attempt to have the child consume foods that are abundant in these vitamins and minerals.  Vitamins are meant to be a SUPPLEMENT, not a meal replacement.  If your child tends to eat a decent variety of foods including fresh fruits and vegetables, chances are that they probably don’t necessarily need a vitamin supplement.  However, with picky eaters and kids who may be more prone to certain childhood illnesses, a vitamin can be beneficial. 

A Few Important Vitamins and Minerals that should be in a Child’s Supplement

-        Calcium- this helps to develop strong bones and teeth. This can also be found in dairy products including milk and cheese.

-        Magnesium- along with calcium also helps with bone development as well as strengthening the immune system.  Magnesium is also found in whole grains, potatoes, and dairy products.

-        Vitamin C- This is a powerful antioxidant that helps with the immune system and normal growth.  This vitamin is found in citrus fruits such as oranges, as well as broccoli.

-        Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)- These fatty acids are considered “good” fats and have numerous health benefits including improved neurological and cardiovascular health.

Again, this is just a short list of a variety of vitamins and minerals that should be contained within a child’s vitamin.  Remember that this is not an all-inclusive list and before buying a vitamin please consult with Dr. Kmett or your family physician.  Try and develop good eating habits in your kids at a young age and they will grow up to healthier and happier adults!

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Dr. Aaron Kmett believes in offering patients the most effective and up to date treatments possible by utilizing a variety of chiropractic and soft tissue techniques along with rehabilitation and nutrition. Dr. Kmett graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Penn State and received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic, Florida Campus in Port Orange, FL. While attending Palmer, he completed training in Graston Technique®, Cox Flexion-Distraction, Activator Methods, and Pediatrics. Dr. Kmett is certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and is licensed as aChiropractor with Physical Therapy Privileges in Maryland and Pennsylvania.