Kids Vitamins Containing Vitamin D May Be Beneficial for Overweight and Obese Children

In a study published in Pediatrics, research has shown that overweight and obese children and teens are at higher risk of having low vitamin D levels than those with healthy weights. Because this vitamin is vital for bone growth during both childhood and adolescence, many pediatricians are now recommending testing for overweight and obese children to screen for vitamin D deficiency and recommending kids vitamins as a preventative health strategy.

The study looked at more than 12,000 children and teens ranging in age from six to 18. Approximately 21 percent of the health weight study participants were deficient in vitamin D. This percent jumped to 29 percent in overweight children, 35 percent in obese children, and nearly 50 percent in those who were classified as severely obese.

Vitamin D deficiency rates were also noted to be higher in Latinos and African-Americans. In severely obese African-American children, the percentage was a whopping 87 percent. With such high numbers in overweight and obese children, specialty weight management clinics are now routinely checking vitamin D levels.

The Benefits of Kids Multi-vitamins
While the vitamin D found in kids multi-vitamins can help support bone development, it is also beneficial in helping to stave off certain chronic conditions that have been linked to vitamin D deficiency including high blood pressure, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Drinking vitamin D-fortified milk can also help provide ample amounts of the vitamin. However, for children who are battling weight issues, the extra calories may not fit into a calorie-restricted diet. 

Parents who are concerned about vitamin D deficiency in their children should talk to their pediatrician about taking supplements such as kids multi-vitamins.

Taking Children’s Multi-Vitamins with Food vs. without Food

How your child takes multi-vitamins can make a substantial difference in absorption of nutrients. As well, timing can greatly impact how your child feels after taking any type of nutritional supplement. If you’ve wondered about how to administer children’s multi-vitamins, keep reading!

Nearly all formulas of multi-vitamins for children contain both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins, like A, D, E and K, need to be taken with food to be absorbed. In contrast, water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B complex vitamins don’t need to be taken with meals. Because multi-vitamins contain both types of vitamins, they can be taken with meals. However, it’s not a good idea to take them with dairy products as they can block absorption.

Reducing Side Effects from Children’s Multi-Vitamins
Many children will complain of “tummy pain” or nausea after taking children’s multi-vitamins. Just like adults, these supplements can upset children’s stomachs. To reduce uncomfortable symptoms, the best strategy is to take supplements with or immediately after a meal. It’s also important to remember not to give doses higher than what is recommended, as too much of certain vitamins can cause a variety of toxicity symptoms. As well, certain medications, including antibiotics, can also interact with multi-vitamins for children. This is why it’s very important to tell your pediatrician about any supplement that you’re giving your child.

Get into a Routine
Helping children get into the habit of taking vitamins is not always easy. One of the best ways to encourage them to take their daily supplement is to administer them at the same time each day. For example, routinely giving your child their supplement with breakfast can make it much easier to remember, and it becomes part of the regular morning routine.

Taken at the right time, children’s multi-vitamins offer substantial health benefits for many kids. Talk to your pediatrician to learn more about the specific supplement needs of your child.

Protecting the Skin While Getting Enough Vitamin D with Kid’s Vitamin D3 Supplements

Sunlight, along with fortified milk and orange juice, is a primary source of vitamin D in children. However, with 3.5 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers and approximately 73,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed each year in the United States, protection from the sun is necessary for children. One alternative to ensuring your child obtains sufficient vitamin D is to give him or her a kid’s vitamin D3 supplement.

This time of year, there are plenty of opportunities for active kids to enjoy the great outdoors. Yet, the risk of skin cancer is real and increasing. Because of this, pediatricians and dermatologists highly recommend high-SPF sunscreens are used whenever children are exposed to natural sunlight. While sunscreens can greatly reduce the risk of skin cancer, they also prevent the body from producing sufficient vitamin D.

Children who have little exposure to the sun are at a greater risk of vitamin D deficiency. With deficiency comes the possibility of certain bone diseases, as well as a higher risk of other conditions including diabetes, certain cancers and even depression.

Consulting with your pediatrician about balancing sun protection and vitamin D is a smart idea. A simple blood test can be given to determine a deficiency. If your child has been identified as having a vitamin D deficiency, a kid’s vitamin D3 supplement may be recommended.

Choosing the Right Vitamin D3 for Kids
Not all supplements are created equal. Because of this, it’s important to carefully read the label of any kid’s vitamin D3 supplement you might purchase for your children. The best contain the bioavailable active form of the vitamin to support optimal growth and long-term health. Look for natural flavored supplements that conform to standards for purity, including California’s Proposition 65.

Simply buying the lowest price supplement on the market is not always the best strategy. Many have incorrect dosages, as well as artificial flavors and colors. With a little research, you can identify the brands that offer the best value and the best quality.

As with nearly everything in life, balance is needed in obtaining vitamin D. While sunlight is a great source of the vitamin, it is also risky. With moderation and a strategy for enabling your child to obtain sufficient vitamin D3, you can help prevent many illnesses.

Why Doctors Recommend Children’s Multivitamins

It’s a simple fact that all children need vitamins and minerals for healthy growth and development. This includes vitamin C, D, iron, calcium, and folic acid. Of course, not children can obtain sufficient levels of these nutrients through their diet. When this occurs, pediatricians will recommend children’s multivitamins to ensure that a child consistently gets enough nutrients.

So, what are the specific situations that would warrant a pediatrician to recommend children’s multivitamins? The following are some of the most common reasons:

Picky Eating – Children who have limited diets because of food preferences and aversions may need a well-balanced formula of children’s multivitamins that contain all essential and non-essential vitamins, as well as minerals.

Vegan or Vegetarian Diet – May need supplementation of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, calcium and zinc if they are not consuming enough fortified foods.

Milk Allergies – Children with allergies and intolerances to milk are often deficient in vitamin D and calcium.

Too Much Junk Food – Chips, cookies, sodas, and fast food are low in nutrients. Kids that eat diets primarily consisting of junk or fast food can benefit from a children’s multivitamin and mineral supplement

Certain Medical Conditions – Children diagnosed with certain conditions such as cystic fibrosis, autism, epilepsy, diabetes, short bowel syndrome, and malabsorption may need additional supplementation.

What to Look for in Children’s Vitamins
Not all multivitamins have the same number of vitamins and minerals as others. Because of this, it’s important to closely read labels. The best supplement will be the one that has only the specific vitamins and minerals your child needs.

Other nutrients such as fish oil and probiotics are also commonly found in children’s vitamins. Your doctor can tell you if these are beneficial for your child. With the right brand and formula, your child can get the additional nutrition required for good health. Start by talking to your family doctor or your child’s pediatrician and choose a formula based on his or her recommendation of what is best for your child.