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ADDITIONAL VITAMINS AND MINERALS SUPPLEMENTS FOR KIDS, WHEN TO?
Vitamins and minerals are some of the most important elements needed for the body development of children. Children that have normal heath, are breastfed and eat well will not lack of vitamins and minerals. However, in some cases such as premature birth, twins, children growing too fast, meal quality is not guaranteed, lack of breastfeeding, malnutrition, prolonged diarrhea, absorption disorders, liver and bile diseases ... will be deficient in vitamins and minerals. When the body is deficient in vitamins and minerals, children will grow slowly, suffer from a number of diseases such as: vitamin A deficiency causing eye diseases, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections; Vitamin B1 deficiency which is prone to edema, inflammation of nerves, heart failure; lack of vitamin C easily causes bleeding under the skin and mucous membranes, reduces the body's resistance to diseases, especially bacterial infections; Vitamin K deficiency is prone to hemorrhage, especially hemorrhage of the brain, meninges, vitamin D and calcium deficiency will lead to rickets; zinc deficiency is susceptible to skin diseases; Lack of fluorosis is prone to dental diseases, iron deficiency leads to anemia….
If your child unfortunately falls into the group of children who are at risk of vitamin and mineral deficiency, then supplementing these substances for them is essential. In addition, if you suspect that the diet is inadequate, even healthy children should take vitamins and minerals. But it must be very cautious for childrens to take vitamin and mineral supplements, as they also have as many unwanted side effects as any medicine.
What reasons lead to the risk of vitamins and minerals deficiency?
Due to lack of supply:
_ Meeting with children living in economically difficult families, the children's meals are not of a guarantee quality.
_ Due to eating moldy rice or for a long time lack of Vitamin B1. Vegetables are left to wilt or refrigerated for too long. Due to improper food preparation such as reheating too many times. Due to excessive dietary practices or lack of breastfeeding for the baby ...
Due to several diseases: Children suffering from malnutrition, prolonged diarrhea, absorption disorders, liver and bile diseases ... are often deficient in vitamins and minerals. Children with malaria can cause Vitamin B1 deficiency and Vitamin B1 deficiency can complicate malaria.
Other causes: Can be seen at premature babies, twins, babies growing up too fast due to the vitamin requirement is too high for our daily supply.
What is the appropriate dosage for vitamin and mineral supplements when giving to children?
The supplemental dose should always be lower than the daily need. Unless a child is sick due to a lack of those vitamins and minerals, higher doses may be required, in this case must be taken as directed by the pediatric doctor. Therefore, parents need to know about the daily need of these vitamins and minerals.
Single vitamin and micronutrient preparations often have very high content, such as Vitamin B12 of 5,000-10,000mcg (800-1,600% higher than daily requirement), Vitamin C 1,000mg, Zinc element 100mg (330 times higher -660% of daily needs) ... when using, it is necessary to consult and strictly comply with the prescription of medical physicians.
Parents when using vitamins and minerals in combination (multi-vitamins, multi-minerals ...) must clearly distinguish the formula for children under 1 year old and under 4 years old.
Vitamins are readily available elements in food (vegetables, fruits, grains, meat, fish ...), so if you use high-quality food, have no diets, no disturbed absorption in the digestive tract. It means there is no lack in those nutrients, therefore need to take supplements.
What should be noted when supplementing vitamins and minerals for children with medicines?
Give the child medication as prescribed by the doctor to avoid complications from overdosing. This is of utmost importance. Lack of vitamins and minerals is not good for health, but if excess, it is equally dangerous. In case children need to take long-term pills, use high doses or use preparations with too many vitamins and minerals in one pill, consult a pediatrician physician.
Children should use liquid as an oral solution because it is easy to drink and absorb.
Using vitamin supplements does not replace food, but still must eat a balanced diet of food groups.
Dr. Lê Thị Hải - Health & Life Specialties Article no.1 2012
Amvipharm Editing team
(Referred from the National Institution of Nutrition - Ministry of Health)
