Bades: risks for children and adolescents

Bades: risks for children and adolescents – extensive analysis and recommendations

Section 1: Definition and classification of dietary supplements

The dietary supplements, or biologically active additives, are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances intended for direct intake with food or introduction into food products. They are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. Their goal is to supplement the diet with individual substances or complexes of substances to maintain or improve the general state of health.

1.1. Legal status and regulation of dietary supplements

Unlike drugs, dietary supplements in most countries, including the countries of the post -Soviet space, are regulated by the legislation on food products, and not on pharmaceuticals. This means that the requirements for their production, quality control and marking are less strict than for drugs.

In Russia, for example, dietary supplements are subject to state registration in Rospotrebnadzor. During registration, the safety of products, compliance with the requirements for the composition and marking are evaluated, and data on its biological activity are provided. However, clinical trials similar to that are carried out for drugs, as a rule, are not required.

This less strict control creates risks for consumers, especially for children and adolescents, whose body is in the stage of active growth and development.

1.2. Classification of dietary supplements in composition and action

Bad can be classified according to various signs:

• By composition:

  • Vitamin-mineral complexes: Contain vitamins and minerals in various combinations and dosages.
  • Plant dietary supplements: They are made on the basis of extracts, tinctures or powders of medicinal plants.
  • Probiotics and prebiotics: Contain living microorganisms (probiotics) or substances that contribute to their growth (prebiotics).
  • Amino acids: Contain separate amino acids or their complexes.
  • Fatty acids: Contain omega-3, omega-6 and other polyunsaturated fatty acids.
  • Enzymes: Contain digestive enzymes.
  • Other dietary supplements: This category includes dietary supplements containing other biologically active substances, such as chondroitin, glucosamine, coenzyme Q10 and others.

• According to the alleged action:

  • To increase immunity: Contain vitamins, minerals and plant components that are considered to strengthen the immune system.
  • To improve digestion: Contain probiotics, prebiotics and enzymes.
  • To maintain the health of bones and joints: Contain calcium, vitamin D, chondroitin and glucosamine.
  • To improve cognitive functions: Contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins of group B and plant components, such as ginkgo biloba.
  • To increase energy and endurance: Contain vitamins of group B, L-carnitine and plant extracts, such as guarana and ginseng.
  • To control weight: They contain substances that are claimed to reduce appetite, accelerate metabolism or block fat absorption.

1.3. Marketing and promotion of dietary supplements

Dad manufacturers are actively using advertising and marketing to promote their products. Often, tempting slogans are used, promises of quick and effective solution to health problems, as well as mentioning “naturalness” and “safety” of dietary supplements.

Particular attention is paid to the target audience, including children and adolescents. Bad for children are often produced in the form of chewing tablets, syrups or sweets with an attractive taste and design, which makes them more attractive for this age group.

It is important to understand that advertising of dietary supplements does not always reflect the real efficiency and safety of products. Often in advertising the beneficial properties of dietary supplements are exaggerated and possible side effects and contraindications are silent.

Section 2: Features of the child and adolescence and risks of dietary supplements

The children’s and adolescence is in the stage of intensive growth and development, which makes it especially susceptible to the effects of various factors, including the components of dietary supplements.

2.1. Physiological features

• Active growth and development of organs and systems: During childhood and adolescence, the active formation and maturation of all organs and systems occurs, including nervous, immune, endocrine and digestive systems.
• The instability of the hormonal background: In adolescence, significant hormonal changes occur, which can affect metabolism and susceptibility to various substances.
• High sensitivity to the effects of external factors: The children and adolescence is more sensitive to the effects of toxins, allergens and other harmful substances than the body of an adult.
• Features of metabolism: Metabolism in children and adolescents differs from adult metabolism, which can affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of dietary supplements.

2.2. Risks associated with the reception of dietary supplements in childhood and adolescence

• An overdose of vitamins and minerals: Reception of dietary supplements containing high doses of vitamins and minerals can lead to an overdose that can cause various side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache and others. In some cases, an overdose of vitamins and minerals can be life -threatening.
• Interaction with drugs: Some components of dietary supplements can interact with drugs that a child or teenager takes, changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects.
• Allergic reactions: Bades can contain allergens, such as plant extracts, dyes and flavors that can cause allergic reactions in children and adolescents prone to allergies. Allergic reactions can appear in the form of a skin rash, itching, urticaria, Quincke’s edema and anaphylactic shock.
• Pollution with toxic substances: Some dietary supplements can be contaminated with toxic substances such as heavy metals, pesticides and other harmful impurities. This is especially true for dietary supplements produced in violation of technological processes or from poor -quality raw materials.
• Inaccurate information about the composition and dosage: Bades labels do not always indicate reliable information about the composition and dosage of components. This can lead to the fact that a child or a teenager will receive an irregular dose of active substances, which can be ineffective or even dangerous to health.
• Masks of symptoms of diseases: Reception of dietary supplements can mask the symptoms of diseases, which can lead to late diagnosis and treatment. For example, the use of dietary supplements containing iron can mask the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, which can lead to an aggravation of the disease.
• Formation of irregular food habits: Passion for dietary supplements can lead to the formation of improper food habits when a child or a teenager relies on dietary supplements to obtain the necessary nutrients, instead of eating healthy and balanced food.
• The risk of side effects of plant components: Many plant dietary supplements contain active substances that can have a strong effect on the body. In children and adolescents whose organs and systems are not yet fully formed, these substances can cause unpredictable side effects. For example, dietary supplements with echinacea, often used to “strengthen immunity” can cause allergic reactions and even autoimmune diseases. Dietary supplements with ginseng can cause insomnia, irritability and an increase in blood pressure.

2.3. Specific risks in adolescence

In adolescence, specific risks arise associated with the reception of dietary supplements, due to the desire for self -improvement and influence of fashion.

• Using dietary supplements for weight loss: Teenagers, especially girls, often use dietary supplements for weight loss, without thinking about possible health consequences. Many dietary supplements for weight loss contain substances that can cause dehydration, heart rhythm disturbances and other serious side effects.
• The use of dietary supplements for building muscle mass: Teenagers often use dietary supplements to increase muscle mass, such as creatine and protein cocktails. Although creatine is considered relatively safe, its use in adolescence requires caution and consultation with a doctor. Protein cocktails may contain high doses of protein, which can be loaded on the kidneys and liver.
• Using dietary supplement to improve sports results: Teenagers involved in sports often use dietary supplements to improve sports results, such as energy and vitamin-mineral complexes. Energy can contain high doses of caffeine and other stimulants that can cause insomnia, anxiety and heart rhythm.

Section 3: The most common dietary supplements used by children and adolescents, and risks associated with them

Consider the most common types of dietary supplements that are often used by children and adolescents, and in detail analyze the risks associated with them.

3.1. Vitamin-mineral complexes

Vitamin-mineral complexes is one of the most popular types of dietary supplements used by children and adolescents. They are often advertised as a means to maintain immunity, improve growth and development, increase energy and improve cognitive functions.

• Risks associated with an overdose: An overdose of vitamins and minerals can be toxic for the body.

  • Vitamin A: An overdose of vitamin A (retinol) can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, bones and joints, hair loss, dry skin and mucous membranes, as well as congenital defects in the fetus during pregnancy.
  • Vitamin D: An overdose of vitamin D (calciferol) can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache, loss of appetite, constipation, polyuria, hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium) and calcification of soft tissues.
  • Vitamin C: An overdose of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and the formation of kidney stones.
  • Iron: An overdose of iron can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, as well as more serious consequences, such as damage to the liver, kidneys and heart. Acute overdose of iron can be fatal.
  • Calcium: An overdose of calcium can cause constipation, the formation of kidney stones and hypercalcemia.

• Risks associated with interaction with drugs: Vitamin-mineral complexes can interact with some drugs.

  • Vitamin K: Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants (drugs that thin blood), such as warfarin.
  • Iron: Iron can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline.

• The need for vitamin-mineral complexes: In most cases, children and adolescents who feed on healthy and balanced food do not need additional intake of vitamin-mineral complexes. Reception of vitamin-mineral complexes can be justified in the following cases:

  • Malnutrition: If a child or teenager eats irregularly or consumes few fruits, vegetables and other healthy products.
  • Certain diseases: In some diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and celiac disease, the absorption of vitamins and minerals may be disturbed.
  • Taking certain drugs: Some drugs can reduce the level of vitamins and minerals in the body.
  • Vegetarianism or veganism: Vegetarians and vegans can experience a deficiency of some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron and calcium.

3.2. Probiotics and prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics are dietary supplements that contain living microorganisms (probiotics) or substances that contribute to their growth (prebiotics). They are often used to improve digestion, strengthen immunity and treatment of diarrhea.

• Risks associated with the use of probiotics:

  • Infections: In children with weakened immunity, probiotics can cause infections.
  • Allergic reactions: Probiotics may contain allergens, such as dairy products.
  • Gas formation and bloating: At the beginning of the intake of probiotics, some children may have gas formation and bloating.

• Risks associated with the use of prebiotics:

  • Gas formation and bloating: Prebiotics can cause gas formation and bloating, especially when consumed in large quantities.

• The need for probiotics and prebiotics: In most cases, children and adolescents do not need additional intake of probiotics and prebiotics. Reception of probiotics and prebiotics can be justified in the following cases:

  • Reception of antibiotics: Antibiotics can destroy beneficial bacteria in the intestines, which can lead to diarrhea and other digestive problems. Taking probiotics during and after taking antibiotics can help restore the balance of intestinal microflora.
  • Diarrhea: Probiotics can help reduce the duration of diarrhea caused by various reasons.
  • Irritable intestine syndrome (SRK): Probiotics can help alleviate the symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating and stool violation.

3.3. Plant dietary supplements

Plant dietary supplements are made on the basis of extracts, tinctures or powders of medicinal plants. They are often used to treat various diseases and conditions, such as colds, insomnia, anxiety and depression.

• Risks associated with the use of plant dietary supplements:

  • Insufficient knowledge: Many plant dietary supplements have not been sufficiently studied, and their effectiveness and safety are not proven by scientific research.
  • Interaction with drugs: Plant dietary supplements can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects.
  • Allergic reactions: Plant dietary supplements may contain allergens that can cause allergic reactions.
  • Pollution with toxic substances: Plant dietary supplements can be polluted by toxic substances such as heavy metals and pesticides.
  • Inaccurate information about the composition and dosage: The labels of plant dietary supplements do not always indicate reliable information about the composition and dosage of components.

• The most common plant dietary supplements used by children and adolescents, and risks associated with them:

  • SOUTINATEA: Used to “strengthen immunity”. It can cause allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases.
  • Ginseng: Used to increase energy and improve cognitive functions. It can cause insomnia, irritability and an increase in blood pressure.
  • St. John’s wort: Used to treat depression. It can interact with many drugs, including antidepressants, contraceptive tablets and anticoagulants.
  • Valerian: Used to treat insomnia and anxiety. It can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
  • Chamomile: Used to treat colic in infants and improve sleep. It can cause allergic reactions.

3.4. Bad for weight loss

Dietary supplements for weight loss are often used by adolescents, especially girls striving for an ideal figure. These dietary supplements promise a quick and easy weight loss without the need to observe a diet and sports.

• Risks associated with the use of dietary supplements for weight loss:

  • Efficiency is not proven: The effectiveness of most dietary supplements for weight loss has not been proved by scientific research.
  • Serious side effects: Many dietary supplements for weight loss contain substances that can cause serious side effects, such as dehydration, heart rate, increasing blood pressure, damage to the liver and kidneys.
  • Development of eating disorders: The use of dietary supplements for weight loss can contribute to the development of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.
  • Interaction with drugs: Dietary dietary supplements can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or enhancing side effects.
  • Hiding dangerous ingredients: Some dietary supplements may contain dangerous ingredients, such as sibutramine and phenylpropanolamine, which were prohibited for use due to serious side effects.

• Examples of dangerous ingredients in dietary supplements for weight loss:

  • Sibutramine: The stimulator of the central nervous system, which can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances and strokes.
  • Phenylpropanolamine: SympatomyMettic, which can cause an increase in blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks.
  • Hay: A laxative that can cause dehydration, electrolyte disorders and intestinal damage.
  • Diuretics: They can cause dehydration, electrolyte disorders and a decrease in blood pressure.

3.5. Dietary supplements for building muscle mass

Dietary supplements for building muscle mass are often used by teenagers-boys striving for athletic figure. These dietary supplements promise a rapid increase in muscle mass and an increase in force.

• Risks associated with the use of dietary supplements for building muscle mass:

  • Insufficient knowledge: The effectiveness and safety of many dietary supplements for building muscle masses are not proven by scientific research.
  • Side effects: Some dietary supplements for increasing muscle mass can cause side effects, such as acne, hair loss, gynecomastia (increase in the chest glands in men), aggressiveness and liver damage.
  • Interaction with drugs: Dietary supplements for increasing muscle mass can interact with drugs, changing their effectiveness or enhancing side effects.
  • Hiding dangerous ingredients: Some dietary supplements for building muscle mass may contain dangerous ingredients, such as anabolic steroids that can cause serious side effects, including damage to the liver, heart and reproductive system.

• The most common dietary supplements for increasing muscle mass and associated risks:

  • Creatine: It is relatively safe with proper use, but can cause dehydration and gastrointestinal disorders. Application in adolescence requires consultation with a doctor.
  • Protein cocktails: May contain high doses of protein, which can provide a load on the kidneys and liver.
  • Amino acids with an extensive chain (BCAA): Efficiency is not proven, can cause gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Anabolic steroid: Dangerous for health, can cause serious side effects, including damage to the liver, heart and reproductive system.

Section 4: Recommendations for parents and adolescents

In the light of the above risks, parents and adolescents need to approach the choice and use of dietary supplements with maximum caution.

4.1. Recommendations for parents

• Consult a doctor: Before giving a child or a teenager any dietary supplements, be sure to consult a pediatrician or a teenager. The doctor will be able to assess the state of health of the child, determine if he has a shortage of any nutrients, and recommend suitable dietary supplements in the necessary dosages.
• Learn the information: Carefully study the information about dietary supplements before buying them. Read the labels, pay attention to the composition, dosage, contraindications and possible side effects. Do not believe blind advertising and tempting promises.
• Choose trusted manufacturers: Buy dietary supplements only from trusted manufacturers who have a good reputation and comply with quality standards.
• Keep dietary supplements in no way for children: Keep dietary supplements in no way for children to avoid accidental reception.
• Discuss with your child nutrition and health issues: Discuss with your child a healthy diet and lifestyle. Explain to him that dietary supplements are not a replacement for good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
• Be attentive to signs of side effects: Be attentive to signs of side effects after taking dietary supplements. If you notice any unusual symptoms, immediately stop taking the dietary supplement and consult a doctor.
• Remember that healthy diet is the best source of nutrients: Try to provide a child or teenager with a healthy and balanced diet, which includes a variety of foods from all food groups. This is the best way to get the necessary nutrients for growth and development.

4.2. Recommendations for adolescents

• Do not self -medicate: Do not self -medicate and do not take dietary supplements without consulting a doctor.
• Do not believe advertising: Do not believe advertising and tempting promises of dietary supplements. Remember that advertising often exaggerates the beneficial properties of dietary supplements and is silent about possible risks.
• Learn the information: Study information about dietary supplements before taking them. Read the labels, pay attention to the composition, dosage, contraindications and possible side effects.
• Do not take dietary supplements for losing weight or building muscle mass without consulting a doctor: The use of dietary supplements for weight loss or increasing muscle mass without consulting a doctor can be dangerous to health.
• Observe a healthy lifestyle: Observe a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises and sufficient sleep. This is the best way to maintain your health and good health.
• Turn to adults for help: If you have questions or doubts about the admission of dietary supplements, seek help from parents, a doctor or other trusted adults.

Section 5: Alternative approaches to maintaining the health of children and adolescents

Instead of relying on dietary supplements, parents and adolescents should focus on alternative approaches to maintaining health, which are safer and more effective.

5.1. Healthy diet

Healthy nutrition is the basis of health and well -being. It includes the use of various products from all food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, grain products, protein products and dairy products.

• The basic principles of healthy diet:

  • Variety: Use a variety of foods from all food groups.
  • Moderation: Do not overeat and do not use too many calories.
  • Balance: Follow the balance between the consumption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
  • Regularity: Eat regularly, do not skip food meals.
  • Limitation: Limit the consumption of sugar, salt, saturated fats and trans fats.

• Healthy nutrition recommendations for children and adolescents:

  • Eat fruits and vegetables daily: Try to use at least five portions of fruits and vegetables per day.
  • Choose whole grain products: Choose whole grain products, such as whole grain bread, macarone made of solid wheat and brown rice.
  • Use protein products: Use protein products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes and nuts.
  • Choose low -fat dairy products: Choose dairy products with low fat, such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
  • Limit the consumption of sweet drinks: Limit the consumption of sweet drinks, such as carbonated drinks, juices and sports drinks.
  • Prepare food at home: Prepare food at home to control the ingredients and the size of portions.
  • Read the labels: Read the labels on products to find out their composition and food value.

5.2. Regular physical exercises

Regular physical exercises are important for the health and well -being of children and adolescents. They help maintain healthy weight, strengthen bones and muscles, improve mood and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

• Recommendations for physical activity for children and adolescents:
  • At least 60 minutes of moderate or intensive physical activity per day: Include at least 60 minutes of moderate or intensive physical activity in your daily routine, such as walking, running, swimming, cycling or playing sports.
  • Strengthening exercises at least three times a week: Include strengthening exercises in your daily routine, such as push -ups, pull -ups and squats, at least three times a week.
  • Limit the time spent in front of the screen: Limit the time spent in front of the screen of the TV, computer and smartphone.

5.3. A sufficient dream

A sufficient dream is important for the health and well -being of children and adolescents. It helps to improve mood, concentration and academic performance.

• Recommendations for the duration of sleep for children and adolescents:

  • Younger schoolchildren (6-12 years old): 9-11 hours of sleep at night.
  • Teenagers (13-18 years old): 8-10 hours of sleep at night.

• Sleep advice:

  • Observe sleep mode: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
  • Create a relaxing atmosphere before going to bed: Create a relaxing atmosphere before bedtime, for example, take a warm bath, read a book or listen to calm music.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime: Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
  • Limit the time spent in front of the screen before bedtime: Limit the time spent in front of the screen of the TV, computer and smartphone before bedtime.

Section 6: The role of medical workers in the prevention of improper use of dietary supplements

Medical workers, such as pediatricians, teenage doctors, nurses and pharmacists, play an important role in preventing the improper use of dietary supplements with children and adolescents.

6.1. Training and counseling

Medical workers must provide children, adolescents and their parents with information about the risks and advantages of dietary supplements. They must explain that dietary supplements are not a replacement for full nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, and that their use should be justified and agreed with the doctor.

Medical workers should also advise children, adolescents and their parents on healthy diet, physical activity and sufficient sleep. They must help them develop individual plans for a healthy lifestyle that correspond to their needs and capabilities.

6.2. Screening for a predisposition to the use of dietary supplements

Medical workers must screening children and adolescents for a predisposition to the use of dietary supplements. They should pay attention to risk factors, such as:

• Low level of awareness of healthy diet and lifestyle.
  • Incorrect food habits.
  • Insufficient physical activity.
  • Dissatisfaction with its appearance.
  • The influence of peers and advertising.

6.3. Identification and treatment of problems associated with the use of dietary supplements

Medical workers must identify and treat problems associated with the use of dietary supplements by children and adolescents. They should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of side effects of dietary supplements, as well as with the methods of their treatment.

Medical workers must also send children and adolescents with food disorders to mental health specialists.

6.4. Conducting research

Medical workers must participate in research on the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements in children and adolescents. These studies will help to get more reliable information about the risks and advantages of dietary supplements and develop more effective strategies to prevent their improper use.

Section 7: future directions of research and regulation

Further research is needed for a better understanding of the influence of dietary supplements on the health of children and adolescents.

• Clinical tests of dietary supplements for children and adolescents: Clinical tests of dietary supplements, designed specifically for children and adolescents, are needed to determine their effectiveness and safety. These tests should be ethically justified and carried out in compliance with all the necessary precautions.
• Studies of the long -term consequences of admission of dietary supplements: Studies are needed that will study the long -term consequences of taking dietary supplements in childhood and adolescence. These studies will help determine how the intake of dietary supplements can affect health in the future.
• Development of more stringent rules for regulating dietary supplements: It is necessary to develop more stringent rules for regulating dietary supplements that will guarantee their safety and efficiency. These rules should include requirements for the quality of raw materials, production, labeling and advertising of dietary supplements.
• Improving public awareness of risks and advantages of dietary supplements: It is necessary to increase the public’s awareness of the risks and advantages of dietary supplements so that people can make reasonable decisions about their use.

By focusing on these areas, we can better protect the health of children and adolescents from the potential risks associated with dietary supplements. It’s crucial to prioritize a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sufficient sleep as the foundation for good health, rather than relying on unregulated or poorly understood supplements. Continued research and stricter regulations are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of this vulnerable population.