Kid-Safe Supplements

I am often asked by parents what nutritional supplements they should give to their children to keep them healthy. It has been my experience that as a child reaches school age, parents become increasingly concerned about eating habits and proper nutrition--and with good reason.

Recent studies on the nutritional status of America's children indicate that most children have multiple nutritional deficiencies. One of the ways to compensate for these deficiencies is through supplementation. Nutritional supplementation can help prevent illness and maximize your child's health.

Keep in mind that supplements are designed to complement a healthy diet, not replace it. A nutrition-oriented physician can help design a diet and supplement program that is specific to your child's nutritional needs. But the following are a few general guidelines for supplementation that any parent can put to use:

MULTIVITAMIN & MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS
By the time a child is one year of age, he should be on a multivitamin/mineral formula. This provides a broad spectrum of nutritional support. Look for a children's formula that is:

• free of preservatives;

• contains no fillers or artificial dyes;

• does not contain any added sugar--including sugar substitutes like aspartame and saccharine, which are present in many over-the-counter kids' supplements.

Most quality health food stores carry quality vitamins specifically formulated for kids that are sweetened with fruit juice. You can generally choose between chewable or liquid forms.

Angela Stengler is a licensed naturopathic physician based in San Diego, California. Women's and children's health are the focus of the practice run by her and her husband, Dr. Mark Stengler. For more information, check her Web site, The Natural Physician.