4 potential risks when using nutritional supplements for children

Not regulated as a drug

Dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in the same way that drugs are. Regulations on how dietary supplements are manufactured are generally less stringent than those for drugs.

This means that their safety and effectiveness may not have been fully tested, especially in children, as very few trials have been done in this age group.

Illustration photo. (Photo source: Internet)

Risk of overdose

One of the most common risks of taking supplements is that your child will take too many vitamins, and in fact, many of your child's foods contain vitamins.

For example, breakfast cereals are fortified with minerals and nutrients. Children who eat these products and take supplements run the risk of getting too many vitamins, which can be toxic and interfere with metabolism and absorption of other nutrients.

Dangerous drug interactions

If your child is taking medication for a medical condition, a supplement may interact with the medication and cause side effects. For example, many people take vitamin C supplements to boost their child's immune system.

However, when children are taking antibiotics to treat an illness, especially betalactam antibiotics, they should not be used at the same time as vitamin C, because it reduces the effectiveness of the drug. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the doctor if using any dietary supplements.

Supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet

No matter how good a food supplement is, it cannot replace a diet. Eating is the best source of nutrition. It is more reasonable and scientific to supplement enough nutrients from natural foods, so pay attention to giving your child enough food during the day.

Develop children's eating habits without being picky, maintain a varied, comprehensive and balanced diet; increase reasonable intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, soybeans, dairy products, fish, eggs and other foods; limit foods high in fat, salt and sugar. This is the most scientific and natural way to take care of children's health.

If your child needs to take any vitamin or mineral supplements, consult your pediatrician or dietitian before taking them.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/4-nguy-co-tiem-an-khi-su-dung-thuc-pham-bo-sung-cho-tre.html