A member asked:
Are dietary supplements advised for children ?
6 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
Dr. Scott Katzanswered
Pediatrics 28 years experience
Yes: The american academy of pediatrics recommends multivitamins with iron for most children and recently increased the recommendation for vitamin d to 400 iu/day for all age groups. Vitamin d can prevent and also treat rickets, a disease that causes softening of the bones. Children under 2 years should take liquid vitamins, over 2 should take chewables. Gummy vitamins are never recommended.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Lisa Robertsanswered
Pediatrics 25 years experience
Yes: It depends. If your baby is breast feeding, he should be taking vitamin d supplements (400 iu per day). If you are anemic and breastfeeding, you may consider a supplement with both vitamin d and iron in it. For children on a strictly vegetarian diet, a B12 vitamin supplement is wise. An older child on a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, & meats likely does not need extra vitamins.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Josephine Ruiz-healyanswered
Pediatrics 41 years experience
Yes: Frequently childrens diets are deficient in many nutrients.
Different ages have different guidelines. It also depends on where you live.
Always discuss it over with your doctor, vitamin intake should be monitored to make sure your child is getting what he or she needs.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Kevin Windischanswered
Pediatrics 27 years experience
Yes: Excusively breast fed infants are recommended to take 400 international units of vitamin d daily. This can be in the form of d-visol or poly-visol.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 35 years experience
Yes: Children commonly take a multi-vitamin each day, to help ensure that they get the recommended daily amount of some important vitamins. If they live in an area without fluoridated water, they can take a daily Fluoride supplement (if older than 6 months). Other supplements are seldom used, unless prescribed by the doctor for specific reasons.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Cory Annisanswered
Internal Medicine and Pediatrics 31 years experience
Yes: Vitamin d is recommended for infants who are exclusively breastfed. Iron is recommended if your tot's hemoglobin level is too low at the 12 month check up. For a healthy, normally developing kid who's being offered a variety of healthy food, little else is needed. However, things like lactose intolerance, certain medical conditions & food allergies might make supplementation necessary. Ask your md.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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