Bledidoc Answers

When should I give vitamin supplements to my child?

It has been estimated that one –third of children over 2 years are given multivitamins, However, according to the American academy of pediatrics, healthy children receiving a normal well-balanced diet, do not need vitamin supplements. The only exception is vitamin D, AAP is currently recommending a daily dose 600 IU per day for toddlers.¹

This is because many vitamins can be stored in the body, and many foods these days are fortified: Classic examples are vitamin D fortified milk, and Iron fortified cereals.

However, vitamin D, Iron and Calcium are the most likely to be missing from a child’s diet. So, AAP also recommends screening for Iron deficiency, Kids with an Iron deficiency can be given 3 to 6 mg/kg of elemental Iron per day. This should be taken with some source of vitamin C, which serves as a cotransporter.²

Some growing up milks are also a good source of Iron and vitamin C as well as vitamin D. They are adapted to the child’s daily recommended allowance unlike adult milk.

Dr. Kawthar Alamiddine

Neonatologist

References:

1- Kazal LA Jr. Prevention of iron deficiency in infants and toddlers. Am Fam Physician.2002; 66:1217-1224.

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