Proper nutrition is the main focus in building our children’s health and their comprehensive physical and mental development. Although we strive to provide a balanced diet rich in all necessary nutrients, daily challenges may make it difficult to achieve this permanently, and nutritional gaps may arise that require searching for supportive solutions. Here comes the role of nutritional supplements for children, which have become an option that many parents resort to to ensure that their children obtain essential vitamins and minerals. If you are looking for a nutritional supplement for children, follow with us this article provided by Al Mousa Hospital.

What is a nutritional supplement for children?

It is a product designed to supplement a child's diet, not to replace it, as this product contains vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids or other nutrients that the child may not obtain in sufficient quantities through food alone. 

Supplement for children comes in many forms Different types of medications, such as syrup, chewable tablets, or drops, are often flavored for children to make it easier to take.

What is the best nutritional supplement for children? 

There is no one best nutritional supplement for children that suits all children, because each child's needs vary based on his age, diet, and health condition. 

It is necessary to consult a pediatrician before starting to give any nutritional supplement to your child. However, there are some vitamins and minerals that are vital for children’s growth and development, and they include the following:

•  Vitamin D, necessary for absorbing calcium and building strong bones and teeth. 
• Iron, necessary for the formation of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body. 
• Omega 3 plays a vital role in the growth and development of the brain, eyes, and nervous system, and it also contributes to improving concentration, memory, and cognitive functions.
• Multivitamins, to provide a group of essential vitamins and minerals that the child may not get enough from his diet.
• Vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell production, nervous system health, and brain function.
• Vitamin C, boosts the child's immune system, helps absorb iron, and contributes to healthy skin and tissues.

Learn about: Types of nutritional supplements For men and children and its benefits

Types of nutritional supplements for children

Before recommending a nutritional supplement for children, we will explain to you that nutritional supplements are divided into many types based on the vitamins and minerals they contain, as well as their pharmaceutical forms in order to suit the different ages of children and ease of taking them. The most important types include the following:

• Multivitamins contain a group of vitamins such as A, C, D, E, B and minerals such as iron and zinc. They are useful for children who suffer from nutritional deficiencies or follow a limited diet.
• Vitamin D is recommended for infants, especially those who depend on breastfeeding and children with little exposure to the sun, because of its importance in absorbing calcium and strengthening bones and teeth.  
• Omega-3, usually extracted from fish oil or algae, is beneficial in supporting the development of the brain, eyes and nervous system.
• Probiotics, found in the form of drops, compresses or powders, are important in promoting gut health and immunity and are sometimes used after taking antibiotics. 
• Iron: It is recommended for breastfed infants after the age of 6 months or children with iron deficiency, as it is important to prevent anemia.
• Calcium is prescribed for children who do not consume sufficient amounts of milk and its products, as it is necessary to support the growth of bones and teeth.
• Zinc is prescribed in cases of chronic diarrhea or malnutrition, because it enhances immunity and helps in wound healing.
• Fiber supplements, sometimes prescribed by a doctor for children with chronic constipation.
• Special supplements that doctors prescribe for specific conditions, such as digestive enzymes for children with digestive disorders, and protein supplements for children with severe weight loss.  

What are the most important nutritional supplements for children? 

Choosing the most important nutritional supplement for children depends mainly on the child’s age, diet, and health condition, but in general, there are several very important and vital supplements for children, the most prominent of which are: 

• Vitamin D, to prevent rickets and delayed bone growth, is recommended for infants from the age of one day at a rate of 400 international units per day, and over the age of one year, 600 international units per day. 
• Iron, to prevent anemia and support the child’s mental and motor development. It is recommended for infants aged 6-12 months, 11 mg per day, especially if they depend on breastfeeding only. And for children from one to three years old, 7 mg per day. It should not be given to the child without consulting a doctor, because excess iron is dangerous.
• Calcium: Children aged one to three years need 700 mg daily, and children aged 4-8 years need 1000 mg daily.
• Omega-3, its dose varies depending on age, but ranges between 100-250 mg daily. 
• Multivitamins, essential to support children who do not eat a balanced diet or who suffer from a lack of appetite. The dosage varies depending on the product and age.
• Zinc: The dose varies depending on the age of the child, but in general it ranges between 3-5 mg daily. 

What are the diseases resulting from a lack of nutritional supplements in children?

Because children's bodies are in a phase of rapid growth and development, a deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals leads to a wide range of diseases and health problems whose severity and impact vary depending on the type of deficiency and how long it lasts. The most prominent diseases include the following:

Vitamin D deficiency diseases in children:

•  Rickets is known to be associated with vitamin D deficiency in children, as a result of weak and softened bones. 
• General muscle weakness, bone and joint pain. 
• Weak immune system and frequent infections. 
• And problems with the structure of the teeth, making them more susceptible to tooth decay.

Iron deficiency diseases in children

 Iron deficiency anemia is the most common and results in: 

• Extreme fatigue and lethargy. 
• Pale skin, lips and nails. 
• Poor concentration and academic achievement. 
• Slow growth and development. 
• The emergence of some behavioral problems such as irritability and irritability. 
• Weak immune system and frequent infections. 
• Desire to eat foreign substances such as ice or dirt. 
• In severe cases, it may lead to a rapid heartbeat or an enlarged heart.

Book your consultation now at Pediatric Center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency diseases:

•  Problems with cognitive and behavioral development, as it may affect memory, concentration, and learning ability. 
• It is associated with an increased risk of disorders such as ADHD.
• Vision problems, especially dry eyes and poor eyesight.
• Dry and irritated skin, hair loss, and brittle nails.
• Weak immunity and increased risk of infections and allergies.
• Mood swings,  depression and anxiety.

Vitamin A deficiency diseases:

• Night blindness, i.e. the inability to see well in dim light.
• Dry eyes, which can progress to corneal damage and vision loss in severe cases.
• Weakness of the immune system increases the risk of infections, especially respiratory infections and diarrhea.
• Delayed growth of the child.

Vitamin C deficiency diseases:

• Scurvy is currently a rare but serious disease that causes bleeding and swelling of the gums, slow wound healing, easy bruising, muscle and joint pain, and general weakness of the immune system.

B vitamin deficiency diseases 

Symptoms depend on the specific type of vitamin B, but in general they can include:

•  Vitamin B1 deficiency: Beriberi disease, which affects the nervous system, heart, and circulatory system.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: It causes megaloblastic anemia and affects the nervous system, which may lead to nerve weakness, walking difficulties, and a delay in the child’s cognitive development.
• Folic acid deficiency: causes anemia and affects growth and blood cell formation.

Calcium deficiency diseases:

•  Weak bones and increased risk of fractures.
• Delayed appearance of teeth and problems with their formation.

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Zinc deficiency diseases:

• Weak immune system.
• Delayed growth and short stature.
• Anorexia.
• Hair loss.
• dermatitis. 

Frequently asked questions 

What is the best nutritional supplement drink for children?

The best nutritional supplement for children depends on the child's basic needs and the symptoms he or she is experiencing, but these are some excellent options that are generally safe:

Best vitamins and minerals for kids

Upon your request, here is a list of the best vitamins and minerals mentioned, with their names written in Arabic where possible:

• The best multivitamin: PediaSure multivitamin syrup, Sambucol Kids immunity syrup, Centrum Kids syrup.
• The best vitamin D drink: Baby Vitamin D3 drops.
• The best iron syrup: Feroglobin B12 syrup, Floradix Kinder Vital syrup. 
• Best Omega-3 Syrup: Nordic Naturals DHA Seven Seas Kids Syrup.
• The best calcium syrup: Caltrate Kids syrup, Polybion Junior syrup.      

What is the name of a nutritional supplement that contains all the vitamins?

There is not just one nutritional supplement for children that contains all the vitamins in sufficient proportions, but there are some supplements that are closest to being comprehensive, including:

Best multivitamins for kids

• PediaSure multivitamin syrup contains 23 vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, E, and B.
• Centrum Kids syrup or tablets contain 18 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, calcium, iron and zinc.
• Flintstones Complete Chewable Vitamins contain  Vitamins A, C, D, E and B, plus calcium and iron.
• Smarty Pants Kids Complete Gelatin Tablets contain multivitamins, omega-3s and probiotics.
• Poly-V-Sol drops for infants, contains vitamins A, C, D, E, B.

What is the best nutritional supplement for children to gain weight and height?

You must choose safe products designed to support healthy growth without side effects while searching for a nutritional supplement for children to increase weight and height when the child is thin or suffering from malnutrition. The most prominent nutritional supplements for weight gain and nutritional compensation include the following:

• PediaSure Plus contains high-quality protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats, in addition to 27 vitamins and minerals, suitable for children from one to 10 years old. 
• Ensure Kids Health Nutrition is rich in calories and protein and is fortified with vitamins D, calcium and iron to support overall growth.
• Nutrin Junior, contains a combination of protein and healthy fats, and is especially suitable for children who suffer from severe weight loss.

In conclusion, it should be noted that any type of nutritional supplement for children is not a substitute for a balanced and healthy diet, but rather an auxiliary tool that can be used to fill potential nutritional gaps, and that the decision to give your child a nutritional supplement must be thoughtful and preferably made in consultation with a pediatrician or nutritionist.

The pediatric clinic at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital is considered one of the important departments that provides integrated health care for children of different age groups, starting from newborns to teenagers. The hospital focuses on providing high-quality medical services using the latest technologies and a specialized medical team.

Sources

Choosing a multivitamin and mineral supplement for children – nhs

Vitamins for children – nhs