Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Children need vitamins and minerals like A, B, C, D, E, and K for growth and development—but these should come from a varied diet, not from supplements.
Healthy, balanced meals should be the main source of vitamins for kids—many common foods like cereal and bread are fortified to provide essential nutrients.
Despite claims that supplements improve immunity or boost growth, there’s little solid evidence to support their use for healthy children with balanced diets.
Whole foods provide vitamins with other essential nutrients (like fibre and healthy fats) that supplements can’t replicate, offering better absorption and health benefits.
Taking too many fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) can cause toxicity, while water-soluble ones like vitamin C may lead to side effects like diarrhoea.
Children’s supplements are often flavoured to taste better, but these added sugars and artificial ingredients can undermine healthy eating habits and promote unhealthy cravings.
Relying on supplements for picky eaters may teach kids to use pills as a substitute for a nutritious diet, which can lead to poor long-term habits.
Instead of supplements, parents can help their kids embrace healthy eating by offering colourful, familiar foods and making gradual healthy swaps.
Supplements may be necessary for children with diagnosed deficiencies or medical conditions—but for most, a balanced diet is enough.