Given the fact that most of the American diet today consists of a burger or hotdog and fries, it is easy to get worried about whether our bodies are getting the right amount of nutrition and vitamin intake. Most recent surveys show that we have a right to be worried because the fast and convenient foods that we stuff into our bodies are severely lacking in these very important dietary attributes. As a result, most of us, the health conscious ones at least, will make it a point to take a few vitamin supplements to help balance their nutritional intake. This is an important part of leading a healthy life as well as enhancing the body’s ability to prevent the development of a number of medical complications. Children normally do follow a somewhat similar diet regime as adults. The medical fraternity however, is still not sure whether children would need to boost their vitamin intake with the help of supplements citing that there are no obvious signs of deficiencies faced in children. However, one must keep in mind that this is a general observation and the situation will change substantially from one child to another depending on factors such as medical history, natural body strength as well as nutritional intake. Given the fact that children tend to grow rather rapidly around the ages of about 7 to their early teens, their bodies do require a good supply of vitamins and minerals. Studies have also shown that a number of children today suffer from deficiencies of zinc and iron, especially with teenage girls requiring an extra amount of iron than boys.
Before deciding to get your child to take additional supplements, it is important to consult your family doctor about any risks that may be involved. If the family doctor does see some complications arising out of this method, you can still make sure that your child gets the required nutrients and vitamins through the foods that he/she consumes. Special stress should be placed on a diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables – although getting your child to actually eat a meal like this could be a whole other task on its own! The correct amount of vitamin and mineral intake for children should not be underestimated because of the fact that it plays a very vital role in the overall physical development of their bodies – such as contributing significantly in the development of connective tissues, bones and healing of wounds.
answered by M W