Kids and Vitamins

Research published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine has stirred up the question of whether the “right” children are supplementing with vitamins. A total of 10,828 children from the ages of 2 to 17 years were assessed in a secondary analysis of nationally representative data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Approximately, 34 percent used vitamin and mineral supplements in the past month, with underweight subjects reporting greater intake. Among the factors associated with greater use of the products: younger age, non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, being born in the United States, higher milk intake, lower total fat and cholesterol intake, higher dietary fiber intake, higher income, greater food security, lower media/computer use, greater physical activity, lower body mass index, health insurance coverage, better health care access and better self-reported health. The supplements used contributed significantly to total daily dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals.

The researchers concluded: “A large number of U.S. children and adolescents use vitamin and mineral supplements, which for most may not be medically indicated. Such supplements contribute significantly to total dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals and studies of nutrition should include their assessment. Since vitamin and mineral supplement users report greater health care access, health care providers may be in a position to provide screening and counseling regarding dietary adequacy and indications for supplement use.”

Bonnie - I love how the American Academy of Pediatrics and media portray this study as the kids using vitamins don't need them. This could not be farther from the truth.

It comes as no surprise that those individuals who use vitamin and mineral supplements also engage in other healthy behaviors, such as trying to eat a well-balanced diet and being physically active. Vitamin supplements are one component of a total health package and cannot be teased out of the overall wellness equation. It is also important to point out that the researchers rely on data from the NHANES, but fail to point out that other data from the same survey show that many Americans, including children and adolescents, fail to consume recommended amounts of vitamins E, C and A, as well as calcium and magnesium. A daily multivitamin affordably and safely helps fill these nutrient gaps. In addition, many kids who are more affluent and who are exposed to healthier behaviors do not always follow through and have diets just as deplorable as lower income kids.

The supplement industry agrees with the authors that the underserved population could benefit from a multivitamin. In addition, the dietary supplement industry has long lobbied for legislation to include multivitamins with folic acid in the Food Stamp Provision of the Farm Bill, as well as passage of bills that allow purchase of supplements through flexible spending accounts or health spending accounts, to ensure that all consumers have access to vitamins that can positively impact their overall health and wellness.