Meeting the nutritional needs of kids to optimize their learning and activities. A healthy and fit child is the hope of all parents. Complete nutrition intake and having regular eating patterns are important factors so children can become healthy. A child’s nutritional needs are divided into two. The first is macro nutritional needs, consisting of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. While the second is micro-nutrient needs consisting of vitamins and minerals.

Often, due to the fear that children may not get enough nutrition from foods, parents decide to give them vitamins or supplements. Not all children need supplements or additional food. If the macro and micro nutritional needs are meet then it’s enough. When a child’s nutritional needs have been fulfilled, it can be seen from their age, and for school-age children it can be seen through body mass index. In addition, children who are adequately nourished also have well-built postures, an indication of good bone growth.

If the supplement does not suit the needs of the kid, undesirable side-effects may appear such as nausea and abdominal cramps. Usually, children who need supplements are children who are picky eaters, which makes it difficult to consume foods with balanced nutrition. Children who have chronic diseases will also need supplements. Basically children need vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin D, calcium, and quite a high iron intake. Parents can provide supplements that contain these vitamins and minerals.

There are various types of food supplements for kids available around us. Here are some tips to choose the right ones:

1. Know Your Needs
Prior to giving your children a supplement, know their needs first. For children who are susceptible to disease. give supplements that contain vitamin C.

2. Pay Attention to Types
Make sure the supplements are given according to the age of the child. It is not recommended to give supplements that can be consumed by all ages.

3. Read Product Description
Before buying supplements, pay attention to the information written on its packaging. Read carefully, understand what ingredients the use for the supplement and each dose ratio. Consult your doctor to avoid consuming food supplements that are not properly dosed.

4. Starting from Small Dosage
When giving supplements, start with a low dose first. Let the child’s body adjust to the supplement. Low-dose administration also avoids vitamins being buried in body fat, which can cause toxic effects or poisoning, commonly called hypervitaminosis.

5. Consult Your Physician
Undoubtedly, it is very important to consult a doctor before giving supplements to children. There are several types of supplements with ingredients that can inhibit the digestive process. These things must be watched out for, thus it is very important to consult your pediatrician.