Children’s vitamins come in many shapes and forms:  animals, liquid drops, chewable, lollipops, gumballs, gummies and yes…even some in your kid’s favorite superheroes, all marketed for your little ones.  So what do parents need to know about vitamins? 

Remember Lucille Ball’s hysterical skit: “- Vitamins, meat, vegetables and minerals”?  Well, as usual, Lucy was extremely funny; but very misguided!

(Click on Vitameatavegamin to view the Lucy episode)
Courtesy of Lucylibrary.com

Vitamins and minerals are substances that are found in the foods you eat. Children need them so they can grow and develop properly. We spoke with Dr. Kenneth Bernstein, Medical Director of Camarena Health Centers in Madera about why your child’s diet is key.  “Vitamins are important to children.  The thing to recognize is that if a child has a normal healthy balanced diet, in theory they don’t have to supplement with any kind of vitamins. However, the problem is with the diets that children have today; fast food.  It’s a good idea to supplement with a decent balanced multiple vitamin.”

We asked Dr. Bernstein about a few of the most common vitamin myths:

Myth:  If my child takes vitamins, they don’t have to eat very much.
Dr. Bernstein says, “Food is your fuel for life so, you still eat a balanced diet and supplement with vitamins.”

Myth:  Vitamins will provide extra energy for children with poor appetites.
Dr. Bernstein says, “Basically, once again, it goes back to a balanced diet. The vitamins supplement your diet; not take the place.”

Myth:  Organic vitamins from nature are better than synthetic.
Dr. Bernstein says, “Realistically, the body can’t determine if the chemical came from an organic form or non organic.”

Dr. Bernstein cautions parents that these products may be a fun and easy way to encourage your child to take their vitamins but, when a child takes more than one, it can be harmful, even life-threatening.You can overdose on vitamins with iron. “That’s why it’s actually important to recognize the fact that vitamins are put in a tasty form and in different shapes and colors and stuff so kids have to realize that a vitamin is a medicine.”

Dr. Bernstein says fluoride is important. Fluoride in the vitamins strengthens tooth enamel, which helps prevent dental cavities. If the water is not fluorinated then discuss it with your dentist but if the water is fluorinated you’re fine.

Dr Bernstein shares some good advice for parents and for Lucy! “Know the supplement you’re taking. Basically usually anything that’s been on the market has some FDA approval.  However I think it behooves everybody to read the labels and take those that are an acceptable standard of vitamin in quantity.”And as for breastfeeding mothers, eating a reasonably-well balanced diet will fit the bill for your infant.

If you are concerned about the nutrients in your child’s diet, your best bet is to see your child’s pediatrician.

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