I’m writing this sitting on the plane on my way back to Melbourne after speaking at the Brisbane GP conference (GPCE). I was asked to speak on the topic of nutritional supplements for children. This is a topic that I am extremely passionate about as I believe that many Australians are being confused by misleading marketing.
Firstly, nutritional supplements only ‘supplement’ your children’s diet – not replace it. For example, according to current research an omega 3 fatty acid supplement should provide at least 600mg of DHA (the active ingredient in omega 3 supplements). Yet I’ve seen omega 3 supplements contain as little as 17mg! Your child would need to consume 35 per day to meet the recommended requirements! There is little point taking nutritional supplements if you’re not taking the correct dose. Furthermore, don’t be confused into thinking that if your child is taking a supplement that it doesn’t matter what they eat. It does. Supplement doses are the amounts recommended to supplement the diet, not the amounts needed in total.
I’m writing this sitting on the plane on my way back to Melbourne after speaking at the Brisbane GP conference (GPCE). I was asked to speak on the topic of nutritional supplements for children. This is a topic that I am extremely passionate about as I believe that many Australians are being confused by misleading marketing.
Firstly, nutritional supplements only ‘supplement’ your children’s diet – not replace it. For example, according to current research an omega 3 fatty acid supplement should provide at least 600mg of DHA (the active ingredient in omega 3 supplements). Yet I’ve seen omega 3 supplements contain as little as 17mg! Your child would need to consume 35 per day to meet the recommended requirements! There is little point taking nutritional supplements if you’re not taking the correct dose. Furthermore, don’t be confused into thinking that if your child is taking a supplement that it doesn’t matter what they eat. It does. Supplement doses are the amounts recommended to supplement the diet, not the amounts needed in total.
Secondly, nutritional supplements which haven’t been stored properly are like putting on stilletos to walk through mud. Gumboots and stilletos may both be shoes, but stilletos are not going to keep your feet warm and dry in the mud. Some nutrients, such as vitamin C, need special packaging to be protected from nature’s elements. Vitamin C will break down when exposed to light so vitamin C supplements need to be stored in opaque, well-sealed containers. Probiotics need to be kept in the fridge. Ensure that you read the label for storage instructions.
One more thing to look for when you’re purchasing nutritional supplements is the amount of sugar that they contain. Some nutritional supplements are more like lollies than supplments with some ‘gummies’ composed of over 50% sugar. This sends mixed messages to parents and children. Are they healthy? Or a treat food?
Instead of relying on nutritional supplements, try to ensure that your child has a nutritious diet. If your little one needs nutritional supplements, choose supplements which contain the right dose, are stored properly (both at home and at the place of purchase) and aren’t laden with sugar.
If you aren’t sure whether or not your child needs a particular nutriitonal supplement, ask a health professional who doesn’t have a vested interest such as a GP or an Accredited Practising Dietitian.
To do: Get out all of your children’s nutritional supplements and read the fine print. Is there anything that you should know?