By Laura Shelby, Sam Houston State University Dietetic Intern
Is my kid eating a healthy diet? Should I be giving him a multivitamin just in case? These are questions I remember asking my child’s pediatrician. Before I went back to school to study dietetics, I became a parent, and I looked to my child’s pediatrician for answers whenever I had questions about my child’s diet. The answer I was given fell directly in line with the statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics1, “The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that healthy children receiving a normal, well-balanced diet do not need vitamin supplementation over and above the recommended dietary allowances.”
While this answer shows that a multivitamin should not take the place of food, it does not give a clear answer. I was left feeling like I was back at square-one, wondering what is a normal, well-balanced diet? How do I know if I am giving my child a well-balanced diet? I also thought, I cannot be the only parent that feels this way. Having had this experience, I am glad to be able to share what I have learned as a dietetic intern.
Let me start off by saying, there is nothing wrong with going to your child’s pediatrician for advice on your child’s diet. Your child’s pediatrician is the first-line expert on all things regarding your child’s health and should be the first person you go to with questions about your child’s health. However, it is also OK to do your own research when the answers you are given confuse you.
The answer to whether your child should be taking a multivitamin starts with defining what a normal, well-balanced diet is. A normal, well-balanced diet includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.2-3 This diet not only provides the amounts of vitamins and minerals your child needs, but it also provides fiber and supports healthy growth.2-3
Planning well-balanced meals for your child may seem overwhelming at times, especially if you are worried about their nutrition. Luckily, I have a few easy tips that can simplify meal planning. Try to include more than one color of food on the plate. Also, try to fill half the plate with fruits and vegetables. Include a lean source of protein, a carbohydrate (whole grains are preferable), and a low-fat dairy source. Choosemyplate.gov is a great resource if you are still feeling overwhelmed. This picture is also a helpful guide:
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
If you are thinking, I already do all these things, but I still think my kid needs a multivitamin, here are some signs that can tell you if it is time to take your child to the doctor4:
- If they are constipated or have changes in how often they have bowel movements
- If they are pale or tired all the time
- If they have cavities or tooth decay
- If they are not growing like they are supposed to
- If they have changes in sleep patterns
- If they are having trouble focusing
If you see any of these signs in your child, talk to their pediatrician.
The bottom line is if your child is not eating or drinking a well-balanced diet or if they show any of the signs listed above, giving them a multivitamin may be warranted. However, you should always talk to either your child’s pediatrician or a registered dietitian before giving them any vitamins.
References
1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Where We Stand: Vitamins. HealthyChildren.org. Published July 11, 2014. Accessed July 9, 2021.
2. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements – Multivitamin/mineral Supplements. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Published March 22, 2021. Accessed July 9, 2021.
3. Klemm S. Vitamins Minerals and Supplements Do You Need to Take Them. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published July 6, 2020. Accessed July 9, 2021.
4. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Accessed July 15, 2021.