Bad for children: can you give and which?
I. Introduction: Complex issue of child health
Food additives (dietary supplements) for children is a topic that causes acute discussions among parents, doctors and nutritionists. On the one hand, the market offers a wide range of products promising to strengthen immunity, improve appetite, increase the concentration and general state of health of the child. On the other hand, there are serious fears regarding the safety, efficiency and advisability of using dietary supplements in childhood. The decision on the use of dietary supplements should be balanced, based on the individual needs of the child and must be agreed with a qualified doctor. This article will provide detailed information about dietary supplements for children, covering various aspects, including their classification, indications, contraindications, potential risks and benefits, as well as recommendations for choosing and application.
II. What is dietary supplements and how do they differ from drugs?
Bades are concentrates of biologically active substances intended for direct consumption with food or introduction to food. They are not drugs and are not intended for the treatment of diseases. The main difference between dietary supplements and drugs is to regulate them and goals. Medicines are held strict clinical trials to prove effectiveness and safety before being approved for use. Bades are regulated as food products, and manufacturers are not required to prove their effectiveness or safety to the same extent as for drugs.
Bades may contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics, prebiotics, plant extracts and other substances. They can be represented in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, liquids and chewing sweets.
III. Classification of dietary supplements for children
Bad for children can be classified according to various criteria, including:
- By composition:
- Vitamin complexes: contain one or more vitamins (for example, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamins of group B).
- Mineral complexes: contain one or more minerals (for example, calcium, iron, zinc).
- Vitamin-mineral complexes: contain a combination of vitamins and minerals.
- Probiotics: contain live microorganisms that are useful for intestinal microflora.
- Prebiotics: contain substances that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: contain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are important for the development of the brain and vision.
- Plant extracts: contain extracts of medicinal plants (for example, echinacea, chamomile).
- Amino acids: contain amino acids necessary for the construction of proteins.
- By the form of release:
- Tablets: A solid form requiring swallowing or chewing.
- Capsules: A solid form containing powder or liquid inside the gelatin membrane.
- Powders: A dry form that must be dissolved in water or other liquid.
- Liquids: solutions or suspensions ready for use.
- Chewing sweets (pastry, marmalade): A form intended for chewing, often with the addition of flavors.
- By purpose:
- To strengthen immunity: contain vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, echinacea.
- To improve appetite: Contain vitamins of group B, iron, plant extracts.
- To improve digestion: Contain probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes.
- To maintain the health of bones and teeth: Contain calcium, vitamin D.
- To improve brain and vision: contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins of group B.
- To increase energy and concentration: Contain vitamins of group B, iron, ginseng.
IV. Indications for the use of dietary supplements in children
Despite the fact that dietary supplements are not medicines, in some cases their use can be justified and even necessary. It is important to emphasize that the decision to take dietary supplements should be made only by a doctor after a thorough assessment of the state of health of the child and the exclusion of other possible causes of malaise. The main indications for the use of dietary supplements in children include:
- Nutrient deficiency:
- Vitamin D: Prevention and treatment of rickets, especially in children living in regions with a lack of sunlight.
- Iron: Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia, especially in premature children and children with poor nutrition.
- Calcium: Maintaining the health of bones and teeth, especially during periods of active growth.
- Vitamin B12: Prevention and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in children on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Support for the development of brain and vision, especially in children with insufficient fish consumption.
- Digestive disorders:
- Intestinal dysbiosis: Restoration of normal microflora after taking antibiotics or infections.
- What: relief of the symptoms of colic in infants.
- Constipation: Normalization of the stool and the improvement of intestinal motility.
- Reduced immunity:
- Frequent colds: Strengthening the immune system and reducing the frequency of diseases.
- The period of adaptation to kindergarten or school: Support for immunity during a period of increased load.
- Increased physical and mental stress:
- Sports: Providing the body with the necessary nutrients to maintain high activity.
- Intensive training: Improving concentration and memory.
- Chronic diseases:
- Allergies: Reducing inflammation and improving the condition of the skin.
- Atopic dermatitis: relief of itching and inflammation.
- MukoviScidoz: Support for digestion and improving the absorption of nutrients.
- Unstable nutrition:
- Limited diet: Filling up the lack of necessary nutrients during selective nutrition.
- Vegetarian or vegan diet: Providing the body with vitamin B12, iron, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Rehabilitation after illness:
- Recovery after infectious diseases: Strengthening immunity and restoring forces.
- Rehabilitation after operations: Acceleration of healing and restoration of body functions.
V. Contraindications to the use of dietary supplements in children
Despite potential benefits, dietary supplements have a number of contraindications, in the presence of which their use is not recommended or requires special caution:
- Individual intolerance to components: Allergic reactions to separate dieters in Bad.
- Acute diseases: The use of dietary supplements can be contraindicated in acute infectious diseases or exacerbation of chronic diseases.
- Kidney and liver diseases: Some dietary supplements can provide an additional load on these organs, which can be undesirable for their diseases.
- Thyroid diseases: Some dietary supplements may contain iodine, which can be contraindicated in certain diseases of the thyroid gland.
- Oncological diseases: The use of dietary supplements in cancer should be strictly agreed with the oncologist.
- Taking drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or enhancing side effects.
- Age: Some dietary supplements are not intended for use in children of a certain age. It is always necessary to carefully study the instructions for use and follow the recommendations of the manufacturer.
VI. Potential risks and side effects of dietary supplements in children
Uncontrolled or unreasonable use of dietary supplements in children can lead to a number of risks and side effects:
- Allergic reactions: The most common side effect, manifested in the form of a skin rash, itching, urticaria, Quincke’s edema or anaphylactic shock.
- Overdose: Exceeding the recommended dose can lead to toxic effects, especially when using vitamins and minerals. For example, an overdose of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, and an overdose of iron-an disorder of the gastrointestinal tract and liver damage.
- Interaction with drugs: Some dietary supplements can change the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, which can lead to a decrease in their effectiveness or enhance side effects.
- Inaccurate information on the label: The content of active substances in dietary supplements may not correspond to the stated label, which can lead to inefficiency or even harm to health.
- Pollution: Bades can be polluted by heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria or other toxic substances.
- False Hope: Parents can rely on dietary supplements as a means of treating diseases, postponing a doctor and missing time for timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Addiction: Long -term use of some dietary supplements can lead to addiction and dependence.
- Indigestion: Some dietary supplements can cause an disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
- Masks of serious diseases: The use of dietary supplements can temporarily alleviate the symptoms of the disease, masking it and making it difficult to diagnosis.
VII. Choosing a dietary supplement for a child: what to pay attention to
The choice of dietary supplement for a child is a responsible process that requires an attentive approach and consult a doctor. When choosing a dietary supplement, the following factors should be taken into account:
- Consultation with a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplement, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician or children’s nutritionist. The doctor will evaluate the state of health of the child, determine the presence of indications for the use of dietary supplements and will help choose the right product.
- Composition: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement. Make sure that it contains the necessary nutrients in the optimal dosage for a child of this age. Avoid dietary supplements with excessive content of vitamins and minerals, as well as artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives.
- Output form: Select the output form that will be most convenient for the child. For babies, liquid forms or powders that can be added to food or drink are better suited. For older children, you can use tablets, capsules or chewing sweets.
- Manufacturer: Give preference to the dietary supplements of well -known and trusted manufacturers who have a good reputation and conduct quality control of their products.
- Certification: Make sure that the dietary supplement has a certificate of conformity issued by the authorized body.
- Reviews: Read the reviews of other parents about this diet. However, remember that reviews can be subjective and do not always reflect the real picture.
- Price: Do not choose dietary supplements only by price. The quality and safety of the product is more important than its cost.
- Best before date: Pay attention to the shelf life of the dietary supplement. Do not use expired products.
- Package: Check the integrity of the packaging. Do not use dietary supplements if the packaging is damaged.
- Instructions for use: Carefully study the instructions for the use of dietary supplements before starting it. Strictly observe the recommended dosage and the method of use.
VIII. Recommendations for the use of dietary supplements in children
To minimize risks and get the maximum benefit from the use of dietary supplements in children, the following recommendations should be followed:
- Apply only as prescribed by a doctor: Do not self -medicate. Only a doctor can determine the need to use a dietary supplement and choose a suitable product.
- Strictly observe the dosage: Do not exceed the recommended dosage specified in the instructions for use.
- Apply in accordance with the instructions: Follow the method of application specified in the instructions. Some dietary supplements should be taken during meals, others should be on an empty stomach.
- Combine with full nutrition: Bades are not a replacement for good nutrition. They should only be used as an addition to a balanced diet.
- Follow the reaction of the child: Carefully observe the state of health of the child during the use of Bad. When any side effects appear, stop taking immediately and consult a doctor.
- Store inaccessible places for children: Keep dietary supplements in a place inaccessible to children to avoid accidental overdose.
- Do not use several dietary supplements at the same time: The simultaneous use of several dietary supplements can increase the risk of overdose and interaction between them.
- Inform the doctor about the admission of dietary supplements: When going to a doctor for any reason, be sure to report what dietary supplements the child takes.
- Do not use dietary supplements for the treatment of diseases: Bades are not intended for the treatment of diseases. If there are any diseases, you must consult a doctor to prescribe the appropriate treatment.
- Do not replace dietary supplements with drugs: Do not replace drugs with dietary supplements without consulting a doctor.
IX. Review of popular dietary supplements for children
The dietary supplement market for children offers a wide range of products, each of which is designed to solve certain problems. Below is a brief overview of some popular dietary supplements for children:
- Vitamin D: It is necessary for the prevention and treatment of rickets, maintaining the health of bones and teeth, as well as strengthening immunity. It is especially important for children living in regions with a lack of sunlight. Available in the form of drops, tablets and chewing sweets.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Important for the development of the brain and vision, improve cognitive functions and reduce inflammation. Recommended for children with insufficient fish consumption. Available in the form of capsules, chewing sweets and liquids with a fruit taste.
- Probiotics: contain live microorganisms that are useful for intestinal microflora. It is recommended to restore microflora after taking antibiotics, with dysbiosis, colic and constipation. Available in the form of drops, powders, capsules and chewing tablets.
- Vitamin C: Strengthens the immunity, protects the cells from damage by free radicals and helps to absorb iron. Recommended for the prevention and treatment of colds. Available in the form of chewing tablets, powders and hissing tablets.
- Calcium: It is necessary to maintain the health of bones and teeth, especially during periods of active growth. It is recommended for children with insufficient dairy products. Available in the form of chewing tablets, syrup and powders.
- Iron: It is necessary for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. It is recommended for premature children, children with poor food and teenage girls during menstruation. Available in the form of drops, syrup and chewing tablets.
- Iodine: It is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and brain development. It is recommended for children living in regions with iodine deficiency. Available in the form of tablets and drops.
- Zinc: Strengthens immunity, promotes healing of wounds and supports skin health. It is recommended for children with frequent colds and skin problems. Available in the form of tablets, syrup and loafers.
- B vitamins B: It is necessary for the normal operation of the nervous system, energy exchange and health of the skin. Recommended for children with increased physical and mental stress, as well as with unbalanced nutrition. Available in the form of tablets, syrup and chewing sweets.
- SOUTINATEA: It has an immunostimulating effect and helps to fight colds. It is recommended to strengthen immunity in a period of increased incidence. Available in the form of drops, tablets and syrup.
X. Alternatives Badam: a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition
It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not a panacea and cannot replace a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition. In most cases, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low -fat meat and fish provides the child with all the necessary nutrients. Badam alternatives include:
- Balanced nutrition: Providing the child with a diverse and full -fledged diet, rich fruits, vegetables, proteins and carbohydrates.
- Regular physical exercises: Maintaining the physical activity of the child, which helps to strengthen immunity and improve the general state of health.
- Sufficient sleep: Providing the child with enough sleep, which is necessary to restore strength and normal operation of the immune system.
- Walks in the fresh air: Staying in the fresh air contributes to the production of vitamin D and strengthen immunity.
- Compliance with hygiene rules: Regular hand washing and compliance with other hygiene rules helps prevent the spread of infections.
- Refusal of bad habits: Exclusion of passive smoking and restriction of sugar and processed products.
- Reducing stress: The creation of a favorable psychological atmosphere in the family and a decrease in stress in a child.
- Consultations with a nutritionist: Appeal to a children’s nutritionist to develop an individual food plan that takes into account the needs of the child.
In conclusion, dietary supplements for children can be useful in certain situations, but their use should be justified, agreed with the doctor and based on the individual needs of the child. A healthy lifestyle and good nutrition are the basis of the child’s health, and dietary supplements should be considered only as an addition to them. It is important to remember that the best way to provide the child with the necessary nutrients is a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.