Navigating the World of Kids' Nutrition Supplements: Necessary or Not?
Childhood has become a hotspot for marketing vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts, with manufacturers recognizing the youngest as a prime target demographic. According to nutritionist Anke Weißenborn from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 14-19% of kids between the ages of 12 and 17 regularly consume these supplements. For younger children, the percentage drops to less than 10%.
"Children's nutrition supplements receive considerable hype on social media and via influencers, often with unsubstantiated claims," says Angela Clausen of the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Center. This marketing often promotes the idea that kids require extra vitamins to conquer new challenges, such as starting school.
The Usefulness of Vitamin Supplements for Kids
Higher-income families frequently turn to these often pricey products, with the notion that they can only improve things further. For instance, Bears with Benefits kids' vitamins cost €166 per kilo, and Marlena Hien and Laurence Saunier, founders of the brand, explain their expensive product by using natural food coloring and avoiding synthetic fillers and chemicals.
However, the BfR remains skeptical toward kids’ vitamin supplements, with Weißenborn affirming that the division's research has not discovered any additional benefits for either children or adults. She advises against supplementing dietary intake with extra vitamins and minerals if a balanced diet provides adequate nutrients.
The Importance of a Balanced Diet
German children generally receive a sufficient nutritional intake from their regular diets, with only a few exceptions, such as vitamin D and iodine. Children may not meet the German Nutrition Society's repletion recommendations for these nutrients, but deficiencies are not as widespread as one might assume.
Metabolic diseases or certain growth phases may necessitate dietary supplements for specific nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and iron. However, a balanced diet is the ideal option for filling these gaps.
The Perils of Overdoing It
An excess of vitamins and minerals can be harmful in the long term and place unnecessary strain on the body, as Dr. Berthold Koletzko, pediatrician, and metabolism and nutrition expert at the Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital at the University of Munich, warns.
Excessive Vitamin D intake is particularly concerning, with high doses causing severe kidney dysfunction in some cases. Even seemingly harmless supplements adorned with colorful shapes can contain dangerous substances that damage health if ingested excessively.
Unclear Effects and Interactions
Another concern is the potentially harmful effects and interactions of the growing list of plant extracts, fatty acids, and other substances added to supplements, says Weißenborn. With no clear guidelines on dosage or proper education for parents, it is nearly impossible to know the safe limits.
Recent studies have shown that many children's supplements contain higher than recommended levels for adults, thereby posing potential harm. European regulatory bodies have yet to establish maximum level guidelines for the addition of micronutrients to food supplements, compounding the uncertainty for parents.
The more natural approach
A healthy diet is the most effective and efficient method of obtaining nutrients. Fiber, found abundantly in fresh foods, provides essential support to normal diets, and vitamin pills cannot substitute for balanced meals.
Advocates of children's supplements, such as Marlena Hien and Laurence Saunier, understand that not all children maintain a balanced diet, meaning that supplements may serve a valuable purpose. However, Angela Clausen of the Consumer Advice Center warns that these supplements give a misleading impression by implying that children simply need to consume a pill to conquer new challenges.
In conclusion, the BfR advises against relying on vitamin supplements, as children generally receive adequate nutrients from their diets. Consulting a pediatrician or doctor to identify potential deficiencies is recommended before starting any supplement regimen. While there is merit in some specific situations, such as picky eaters or children with medical conditions, approach supplements with caution and seek professional advice.
