YES - Supplementation of Children

YES - Supplementation of Children

Supplementation has become an accepted practice among populations of economically stable countries. The increase in supplementation has taken place for a host of different reasons. A major increase has been observed in the supplementation of children. Such supplements such as Flintstone vitamins became a part of many children’s daily routines. Many parents felt that this was a necessary part for the child to be healthy. The study conducted showed, however, that the reasons the parents choose to supplement were dispersed and often not specific. A study was performed to examine the effects of supplementation on overall health. The criterion used to judge overall health was the number of school days missed due to illness. Parents’ self-reported data showed that children who received supplementation missed more days of school than children who did not receive supplementation. In addition, among the population who gave children supplements, parents overwhelmingly reported that they supplemented in order to cure deficiencies. There is now a false pretense among parents that supplementation is necessary and children are malnourished. So much of what children eat today, especially American children, is fortified. Very few children in America actually have vitamin deficiencies. Accepting this fact, then children are being over-supplemented, which is dangerous. Most supplements provided to kids are a part of a clever marketing scheme that is centered around falsities.