In today’s world, people are becoming increasingly invested in their health. More spinning classes are being attended, more spinach smoothies are being sipped, and more supplements are being bought.

It’s clear that supplements are very popular, and we know that they can contribute to our health. But there are also mixed messages about how useful they actually are, whether they are really necessary, and whether we should be giving them to our preschool kids.

As a parent, we know that you want to be well-informed on the best choices to make when it comes to your preschool child’s nutrition, so we’re here to set the record straight on supplements, and the role they should play in their diet, and yours!

But first, let’s find out a bit more about supplements and their role in health.

What are supplements and what is their role in health?

Dietary supplements are products taken orally that contain a ‘dietary ingredient’ designed to supplement (not substitute for) healthy foods. It’s widely assumed by the general public that we all need dietary supplements to be healthy. Understandably so, as they’re advertised so much. But the truth is, supplements aren’t usually necessary, if you’re healthy and you are willing to eat a balanced, varied diet. The general rule of thumb to follow is food first, supplements second!

While many people will go out and buy supplements after seeing adverts or after receiving recommendations from friends, others are actually advised by a doctor to take them for specific health problems such as filling dietary gaps, preventing nutrient deficiencies or depression, or postmenopausal symptoms.

So now we know the basics, how do we apply this knowledge to our kids?

What role should supplements play in my child’s health?

The advice on supplements and their role in a child’s diet differs between expert sources. For example, in the UK, the NHS recommends that children aged 6 months to 5 years are given a healthy amount of vitamin supplements containing vitamins C, A, and D daily. They also suggest that Vitamins B and E should also play a key role in your child’s diet.

However, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics points out that if you are filling your preschool child’s plate with a healthy variety of nutrient-rich foods from each food group, then they won’t need a nutrient supplement as well. They suggest that well-chosen meals and snacks will supply your child with all the vitamins and other nutrients they need to grow into healthy, happy individuals.

If your child has a feeding problem that happens to last for several weeks, then it may be recommended to add a certain vitamin to their diet, to fill any nutritional gaps. For example, if your child is short on Vitamin D, perhaps due to a milk allergy, then a vitamin D supplement may be a good option!

Ultimately, if after reading this you’re still on the fence about whether or not to give your child a supplement along with their normal diet, talk to a paediatrician, who can give you official medical advice.

Top Tip: Nutrient supplements can be used safely if the total intake from your food and drink choices plus supplements does not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) in the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs).

Does my child need supplements?

There are so many on the market but what do kids really need? Unii knows.