The Necessity of Multivitamins for Children: Health Benefits, Research, and Expert Opinions

Abstract

This research project investigates whether or not vitamins and supplements are necessary for children to be healthy. It will explore the different opinions of various sources, including medical professionals, regarding the efficacy and need of multivitamins and supplements for children. The sources used in this essay include articles from various credible medical sources and interviews with a pediatrician and a nutritionist. It will examine influences on individuals’ readiness to purchase vitamins, including advertising efforts and the belief that vitamins are trendy. Additionally, this project will address whether multivitamins have a placebo effect and whether they make individuals feel healthier psychologically or physically.

Introduction

Children’s health is a major concern for parents, caregivers, and medical professionals. One factor contributing to children’s health is their diet, which may not always provide all the necessary nutrients for growth and development (1). It has led to the widespread use of multivitamins and supplements for children, assuming they provide additional nutrients missing in their diets. However, there is debate about whether or not these supplements are necessary for children’s health. This project examines the necessity of multivitamins and supplements for children’s health by exploring different opinions from credible sources, evaluating factors influencing people’s willingness to buy vitamins, and addressing the placebo effect of multivitamins.

Evaluation of the Sources Discussion

The sources used in this research project are credible and reliable. The articles are from well-known and established medical websites such as the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and the Cleveland Clinic. Peer-reviewed and published journals from scholarly sources such as Google Scholar, subject to rigorous editorial processes, have been used. The sources are recent and help improve the credibility of the information collected. The interviews with a pediatrician and a nutritionist provide firsthand expert opinions and insights on the subject, making them valuable sources to include in this project.

Differences in Uses of Multivitamins in London, United Kingdom (UK)

The vitamins and minerals in a multivitamin are carefully balanced to ensure optimal health. Many individuals in London, UK, use multivitamins to improve and sustain their health (1). However, there are differences in the uses of multivitamins in the UK based on various factors.

In the UK, one of the most important considerations in deciding whether or not to take a multivitamin is the user’s age. Since they need more nutrients to be healthy, older adults take multivitamins more often than younger people. Folic acid supplements are recommended for pregnant women in the UK to reduce the risk of neural tube abnormalities.

Lifestyle has a role in whether or not people in the UK take multivitamins. Supplemental vitamin D is recommended to avoid vitamin D insufficiency in exclusively breastfed infants (2). In addition, children who do not eat enough fruits and vegetables may benefit from taking multivitamins to ensure they obtain the recommended daily allowance. In addition, those who get minimal sun may avoid a deficit by taking vitamin D tablets. Age, lifestyle, and individual health demands all play a role in London’s multivitamin use.

The Necessity of Multivitamins and Supplements for Children

Evidence for Multivitamins and Supplements Being Necessary

Children’s multivitamins and dietary supplements are essential for giving them the nutrients they need for good health. While a balanced diet is important for growth and development, ensuring children receive all the necessary nutrients may be challenging (3). Supplements may fill nutritional gaps when children are picky eaters or have food allergies. In addition, some children may have trouble digesting meals for medical reasons such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance, which might prevent them from getting the necessary nutrients. Vitamin and mineral supplements are useful in these situations because they give the missing nutrients.

In addition, vitamin D may be necessary for children who do not receive enough sun to ensure normal bone development. Nevertheless, vitamin C supplementation may help children with seasonal allergies by strengthening their immune systems. While multivitamins and supplements do not replace a healthy diet, they can be important to a child’s health routine.

Children should take multivitamins because they help ensure they get enough of the nutrients their bodies need. Growing children’s bodies need sufficient nutrients for proper growth and development. Filling nutritional deficiencies with a multivitamin may aid development, immunity, and brain power. They may have unique nutritional demands that diet alone cannot satisfy, adding to the difficulty of ensuring that all children obtain the required nutrients from food (3). For instance, in cystic fibrosis or inflammatory bowel disease, children may need dietary supplements and a regular diet to meet their nutritional requirements (4).

Similarly, children on vegetarian or vegan diets can not obtain enough of certain nutrients from their food alone. Children participating in sports or other forms of physical activity may benefit from taking dietary supplements. They may benefit from extra vitamins and minerals to help them refuel after intense exercise. Protein powder or omega-3 fatty acid capsules may help in such situations.

Children’s immune systems are more easily compromised than adults’ because they are constantly being challenged by fast growth and development. Vitamins and minerals as dietary supplements may help them maintain good health and resist sickness by bolstering the immune system (5). Vitamin C, for instance, has been found to strengthen the immune system and lessen the intensity and duration of diseases in children.

Zinc is another vital vitamin that helps the immune system and speeds up the healing process after an injury. Iron supplementation helps increase energy levels and focus, while supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids have been demonstrated (6) to benefit brain function and behavior in youngsters. Generally, children’s health depends on a good and balanced diet, although multivitamins and supplements may be helpful additions.

Evidence against Multivitamins and Supplements Being Necessary

Some professionals claim that a child’s health might suffer if supplements are used extensively. Supplements are convenient but should not replace healthy habits such as exercise, sleep, and stress management. Particularly concerning is that dietary supplements might pose serious health risks to youngsters. High amounts of vitamins and minerals may be poisonous and produce harmful health consequences (7) despite their potential usefulness in addressing dietary deficiencies.

Due to their smaller size, children are more sensitive to the negative consequences of consuming too much of any one vitamin. When consumed in excess, vitamin A may lead to liver damage, nausea, and vomiting, while iron, when consumed in excess, can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and potential liver damage. High blood calcium levels, brought on by excessive vitamin D use, have been linked to renal injury, weakness, and, in extreme circumstances, seizures.

It is important to note that some research suggests that children may not get any additional health advantages from taking vitamin and mineral supplements beyond what they would get from eating a balanced diet; according to (5), there is no evidence that giving children multivitamins reduced their chance of acquiring chronic conditions like cancer or heart disease. Further study is required to validate these results and identify suitable doses; however, preliminary research suggests that certain supplements may give advantages to particular illnesses or groups. It may be difficult to draw firm findings due to potential variations in supplement quality and doses among trials. To ensure they are giving their children the right supplements in the right quantities, parents should talk to their pediatrician about whether or not they should give their children dietary supplements. Furthermore, to avoid unintentional poisonings, keep supplements out of their reach.

Factors Influencing People’s Willingness to Buy Vitamins

Marketing

People’s propensity to purchase vitamins is significantly affected by marketing. Vitamin manufacturers and retailers invest a great deal of cash into marketing efforts that make health claims (8). Those who care about their health and actively seek methods to improve it are often targets of such advertising. Many individuals feel that taking vitamins and other supplements is essential to their health due to the widespread advertising that promotes their efficacy.

Advertisements often use celebrity endorsements and enticing packaging to get people to buy their items. It affects how individuals evaluate the vitamins’ quality and usefulness. One consumer’s favorable impression of a product may influence their purchase decision more than any other factor. As a result, businesses must put resources into compelling advertising efforts to get customers to buy.

Perception of Vitamins Being Fashionable

The trendiness of vitamins has recently risen to a high level. The media and social media gurus who extol the virtues of numerous vitamins and supplements have contributed to this trend (8). Due to this perspective, many now consider vitamin use to be not only healthful but also fashionable and cool. As such, this belief now plays a major role in influencing people’s choice to purchase vitamins.

Individuals are more inclined to buy vitamins if they think doing so is cool and would improve their social standing. As a result, many vitamin and supplement manufacturers target young adults with attractive designs for their packaging and logos. It is important to ensure individuals are making educated judgments about their vitamin consumption rather than mindlessly following trends.

Other Factors

Many variables enter into a consumer’s choice to purchase vitamins. The growing public understanding of the value of nutritional supplements is a significant contributor (8). People are becoming more health aware and looking for methods to supplement their diet and keep themselves healthy.

The accessibility of vitamin items is another consideration for consumers. Vitamins and supplements may be purchased from various convenient locations, including traditional pharmacy shops, supermarkets, and Internet marketplaces. Doctors, nutritionists, and dietitians, among others, may significantly impact patients’ decisions to purchase vitamins by recommending certain brands and dosages. People are more inclined to follow healthcare experts’ advice and purchase recommended vitamins and supplements.

Lastly, people’s decisions to purchase vitamins might be affected by their own experiences and the recommendations of friends and relatives. Those who have used a certain vitamin brand and found it effective are more inclined to advocate for that brand to others. Ultimately, people’s purchase of vitamins may be influenced by several circumstances, so it is essential to make educated purchases based on accurate data.

The Placebo Effect of Multivitamins

Definition and Explanation of the Placebo Effect

A placebo effect occurs when a person believes their symptoms have improved after receiving therapy with no therapeutic effect. It happens when patients expect and think that a treatment will assist them, leading to a psychological reaction that alleviates their symptoms (9). Placebos have been shown to impact clinical studies when one group receives an inactive therapy, and the other gets an active treatment. The outcomes and interpretation of clinical studies are heavily affected by failing to account for the placebo effect.

Evidence for the Placebo Effect on Multivitamins

The placebo impact of multivitamin intake has been studied previously. According to (9), those who took multivitamins frequently reported feeling better, but there was little evidence to indicate that they truly benefited overall health. According to (10), those who are otherwise well but worried about becoming sick or “optimizing” their health with supplements may be more susceptible to the placebo effect. In (9), the “worried-well” comprise the most significant supplement and multivitamin buyers demographic. This data implies that the group of people who take multivitamins will benefit even more from the power of optimism.

The research showed that those taking multivitamins are more likely to be of greater socioeconomic status and older. Despite scientific proof of its placebo effect, the vitamin supplement business is worth billions of dollars (11). According to (11), vitamins hardly help prevent disease or improve overall health. Supplements, such as Vitamin D during the winter when individuals are exposed to less sunlight, may be helpful in some functions, such as boosting the immune system.

The risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, cognitive decline, and premature mortality was not reduced by taking multivitamins, according to an assessment of the data conducted by experts at Johns Hopkins (12). According to (12) research, high amounts of vitamin E and beta-carotene supplements have been linked to potential damage. There is no magical drug for staying healthy and preventing chronic conditions. Larry Appel of John Hopkins recommended that supplements are unnecessary following a healthy diet encompassing vitamins and minerals (12). Therefore, even though multivitamins may have some essential biological functions, some are due to the placebo effect.

Multivitamins and Psychological Health

Evidence for Multivitamins Improving Psychological Health

Multivitamins include a variety of nutrients necessary for healthy bodily functioning. Researchers have shown that multivitamins help with physical health and mental well-being (13). For instance, taking multivitamins has been associated with a decrease in the severity of depressive, anxious, and stressful feelings. This is because neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can not be made without vitamins and minerals (13). An increased risk of mental health issues has been related to deficiencies in several nutrients. Consequently, replenishing these nutrients via a multivitamin tablet may enhance mental health.

Multivitamins have been shown to improve mood, memory, attentiveness, and processing speed. This is because the brain relies heavily on a diet rich in vitamins and minerals (14). Myelin, which surrounds nerve cells and aids in transmitting messages in the brain, cannot be made without vitamin B12. Synaptic plasticity, the brain’s capacity to alter and adapt in response to new experiences, is aided by zinc. As a result, keeping one’s brain healthy and functioning might be helped by taking a multivitamin.

Evidence Against Multivitamins Improving Psychological Health

Although studies show that multivitamin use may enhance physical health, it may not have the same effect on mental well-being. Many believe that taking multivitamins may improve their mood and lessen the effects of anxiety. Unfortunately, there is little evidence to back up this view (15).

In scientific studies, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium have shown promise as potential mental health boosters (15). Many variables, including heredity, environment, and lifestyle, may impact an individual’s mental health. Taking a multivitamin may not do much for your mental health, but other things like working out, making friends, and getting therapy might make a big difference.

Multivitamins and Physical Health

Evidence for Multivitamins Improving Physical Health

Supplemental multivitamins are often used to make up for dietary deficiencies in several nutrients. Vitamins and minerals are essential for several bodily processes, such as generating energy and maintaining strong immune systems, among many others (13). Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for strong bones, and vitamin B vitamins are necessary for transforming food into energy. Protecting against illness and infection requires a robust immune system, which may be maintained with the help of vitamin C and zinc. Minerals such as iron are essential because they facilitate the transportation of oxygen throughout the body, which is essential for proper brain and bodily function.

Those with particular dietary shortages, such as vegetarians or those with restricted diets, may benefit from multivitamins. Fatigue, weakness, and a compromised immune system are some vitamin and mineral insufficiency symptoms (13). One’s physical health and well-being may be greatly enhanced by adhering to the required daily intake of important nutrients, which can be achieved by taking a multivitamin (16). Nevertheless, although multivitamins might be helpful, they should not be relied on instead of a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Evidence Against Multivitamins Improving Physical Health

The usefulness of multivitamins in enhancing physical health has been a source of discussion for some years. Although these supplements include vital nutrients and minerals, research has shown they may not give substantial advantages to general health. Studies have suggested that the human body can better absorb nutrients from complete meals rather than supplements (12).

Moreover, studies have shown that multivitamins do not lessen the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer, nor do they boost physical performance in athletes. However, some groups, such as pregnant women and persons with dietary shortages, may benefit from multivitamin supplementation. Contacting a healthcare physician before beginning any supplement program is important. Thus, although multivitamins may be effective in particular cases, they do not seem to deliver major advantages to physical health in the general population.

Multivitamins Supplementation in Children

The debate over whether or not to take a multivitamin has raged for many years. However, research suggests that children, especially those who may not receive all the nutrients they need from their food, may benefit from taking a multivitamin (17). Due to their fast growth and development, children have greater nutritional demands than adults and may need more particular minerals to sustain their developing bodies. When a child is picky about what they eat or experience a growth spurt, they may not eat a well-rounded diet. If children are not receiving enough nutrients, multivitamin supplementation may be an effective strategy to fill the nutritional gap to enhance growth and boost immunity.

Dr. Rajiv Chabbra advocated for vitamin D in all children up to age one since they are not well exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is crucial in children as it helps strengthen bone formation and development (18). Supplementation in children is necessary as Vitamin D deficiency leads to delayed motor development and muscle weakness. Younger children not given Vitamin D supplementation are likely to suffer from bone fractures (29). Vitamin D is crucial in ensuring strong bone formation by helping in bone mineralization by calcium.

The nutrient needs in children may vary depending on sex, size, growth, activity status, and age. Multivitamins are generally safe among the population but carry potential risks (19). Its supplementation in HIV and AIDs improves the prognosis of the condition (20). The health practitioner, Dr. Rajiv Chabbra, advised that vitamin D supplementation at older ages is unnecessary unless under exceptional circumstances. These include starving people without proper nutrition and adequate food for months, low-income families, and picky eaters. The placebo effects of vitamins can make people less predisposed to infections (21). Vitamin D supplementation is essential in these cases to ensure proper bone development and mineralization.

Dr. Rajiv Chabbra commented that most children in the UK do not necessarily need multivitamin supplementation. Some researchers argue multivitamins do not provide many health benefits (22). However, vitamins and minerals such as calcium are essential nutrients the body requires in small quantities to facilitate efficient functioning. Many people choose to take supplements, not knowing taking them in excess could be detrimental to their health.

Some researchers discuss the placebo effect in children, which may be crucial in understanding children’s behavior (23). Many children come from financially comfortable families and, therefore, have access to a balanced diet. A balanced diet provides these children with essential minerals; therefore, supplementing them is unnecessary (24). Picky eaters are more prone to mineral deficiencies than children fed a properly balanced diet.

Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It is crucial for forming red blood cells and, thus, the deficiency of vitamin B12 megaloblastic anemia (25). Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include weakness, tiredness, shortness of breath, and cardiovascular problems (27). Its supplementation is recommended for people on a strict vegetable diet, patients with digestive disorders, breastfeeding, and pregnant mothers (16).

Most people meet the requirements without vitamin B12 supplementation. Proper nutrition is essential for cognitive function to ensure the child excels academically (17). Fatigue can significantly contribute to exam failure among young learners (18). Dr. Rajiv Chabbra suggested that doctors preferred giving children antibiotics and multivitamin supplementation during the old times. The doctors perceived that the children deficient in vitamins were immunocompromised and thus were prone to bacterial infections. Dr. Rajiv Chabbra did not prefer giving children multivitamin supplementation unless under particular circumstances.

Vitamins A and D are very toxic to the body when given in high quantities. These vitamins are fat soluble, and thus they can quickly accumulate in the body tissues to toxic levels (22). Water soluble vitamins, such as the vitamin-B complex, do not cause toxicity easily because they can be excreted in urine to avoid accumulating poisonous levels. Vitamin D toxicity causes an increase in serum calcium which is termed hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia causes nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, and generalized body weakness.

During the coronavirus pandemic, people randomly took vitamins and zinc supplements even without the doctor’s prescriptions. No research has been done to prove its benefit in relieving the symptoms of coronavirus infection (23). People were taking these supplements to save their lives, yet there was no proven benefit in eliminating the disease. It leads to a pharmacological overdose of these supplements, making them accumulate to toxic levels that are detrimental to human health.

Vitamin C is a crucial component in protecting the integrity of the immune system. White blood cells are essential for fighting off infections, and Vitamin C helps synthesize them (24). One of vitamin C’s primary functions is protecting cells from oxidative stress, which can harm cells and lower the immune system. A person’s body can more effectively absorb vitamin C from natural sources like fruits and vegetables than from a supplement. This is because many vitamin C-rich foods come from sources that include substances that aid the immune system.

Vitamin supplements may include various substances, including colors and preservatives. These ingredients are added to supplements to make them more aesthetically pleasing or to differentiate between several types or brands of supplements (18). They are not necessary to add nutritional value to vitamin C supplements.

It is crucial to remember that avoiding supplements that include particular colorants may be required for certain persons due to sensitivity or allergy. It is common to find alternatives in these categories that use natural colorants or none. Whether or not to take a vitamin supplement that contains colors should depend on personal choice and any relevant health issues.

As someone who values excellent health, I believe people must know the importance of vitamins. Human bodies support several physiological processes, including immunity, cognition, and energy regulation. Although taking too many specific vitamins is possible, doing so in the prescribed doses is usually harmless. Many individuals, in reality, do not receive enough of particular vitamins, especially if they have a restricted diet or a health condition that hinders the absorption of nutrients.

Daniel Clark, general manager at Nutriburst Vitamins, United Kingdom, discussed the various recommendations for multivitamin supplementation between countries. The standard diet of British children should include all the necessary nutrients (24). On the other hand, there can be times when a child needs to take a multivitamin. A child may benefit from a multivitamin, for instance, if they have a weak appetite or a medical condition preventing them from absorbing nutrients properly. A multivitamin may help children who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet since they may be deficient in specific nutrients. Parents should visit a child’s physician or a certified dietician before giving the child a multivitamin supplement.

To guarantee they are receiving everything they need to be healthy, individuals in England and India take multivitamins as a supplement to their regular diet. Yet, multivitamin availability and usage may vary somewhat across the two nations (24). Supplements with many vitamins and minerals are readily accessible in England, where they may be bought without a prescription at any drugstore, grocery shop, or health food store. People can buy a multivitamin at any drugstore or supermarket in India.

The desire of individuals in India and England to purchase multivitamins might vary widely based on various variables, such as their own opinions about the efficacy of supplements, their perceptions of their own need for supplements, and the price (25). The frequency of specific dietary shortages, the accessibility and cost of other sources of nutrients, and other variables may all have a role in the Indian population’s propensity to purchase multivitamins.

Similar considerations, as well as the perceived efficacy of supplements and the availability of information about their advantages and hazards, may affect the purchase of multivitamins in England. Some individuals may be discouraged by the price of multivitamins. Thus, many factors determine multivitamin uses, ranging from health to economic demands.

Breastfeeding has several benefits, including protecting newborns from vitamin deficits. Breast milk provides infants with all the essential nutrients for healthy growth and development (26). Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin, and it may be present in breast milk. Breast milk gives infants all the vitamins, minerals, and other elements necessary for optimal growth and development. Vitamin D is critical for healthy immune systems and for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Since breast milk is a good source of vitamin D, it helps protect breastfed infants from being deficient. Vitamins A, C, and E may be present in breast milk and are essential for healthy eyes, immune systems, and neurological systems.

Children’s healthy growth and development depend on adequate intakes of vitamins A, C, and D. The eye needs vitamin A to keep its cornea and other tissues healthy. It aids the immune system in fighting off infections and is hence crucial (27). Vitamin C is another vital component for forming collagen, a substance that helps skin and other tissues stay healthy. Strong bones start in childhood, and calcium absorption is aided by vitamin D in children. Children under the age of 5 have a higher chance of being vitamin deficient, so ensuring they get enough vitamins A, C, and D is crucial during this fast growth and development period.

Low sun exposure is a significant contributor to vitamin D insufficiency. Children in India are at risk for vitamin D insufficiency because they do not receive enough sunlight (26). Due to its link to rickets and other bone-weakening conditions, its deficiency is a significant health concern for children. It is often advised that children in India take vitamin D supplements to help avoid its deficiency. Parents must consult a doctor before prescribing a child a vitamin D supplement to ensure the correct amount is given.

There has been a rapid rise in the sales of children’s vitamin products in recent years. This increase may be attributed to the rising frequency of vitamin deficiencies in children and the increasing awareness of the significance of proper nutrition for their development and health (25). Children need certain nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to reach their full potential. Due to their concerns about their children’s diets, many parents are looking into dietary supplements. Multivitamins, minerals, and specialized supplements made with children in mind make up the vast majority of the children’s vitamin industry.

Many parents augment their children’s diets with vitamins to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. Many parents do this because they worry about their children’s diets or believe their children are not receiving enough nutrients from the meals they consume. However, it is essential to remember that multivitamins are not meant to replace a healthy diet, and so care should be taken while providing children with vitamin supplements since excessive intake of specific vitamins may be harmful.

I believe multivitamin supplementation is crucial, but it must be administered with care. Parents thinking about giving their child a multivitamin should consult with their child’s pediatrician or a qualified nutritionist. They may aid in deciding whether a supplement is necessary and what kind, and how much should be given to the child. It is worth stressing that multivitamins are not meant to take the place of a balanced diet. It is vital to encourage children to consume a varied diet to ensure that they obtain all the nutrients they need.

Tarun Kapoor, who works at Nutriburst, suggested that if parents cook healthy foods for their children, nutrient supplementation is unnecessary. Vitamin D, D3, and K2 are essential for the growing child (28). The vitamin D family, which includes vitamin D3 and K2, all play a critical part in maintaining health. They are particularly crucial for children since they help them develop and grow. Vitamin D is essential for healthy immune system functioning and the growth and maintenance of strong teeth and bones. To aid in the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for developing strong bones, children need vitamin D. One of the forms of vitamin D generated by sun exposure is vitamin D3. Vitamin K2 is crucial for various body functions, including bone and tooth development and proper coagulation.

Each of the polyunsaturated fats, omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9, plays a vital role in maintaining health. Children particularly need them since they are critical for healthy brain growth and function in childhood (26). Polyunsaturated lipid omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function (27). They help produce neurotransmitters that aid in transmitting messages between neurons in the brain; therefore, they play a vital role in maintaining cognitive performance. Prostaglandins are produced in part from omega-6 fatty acids and have a role in regulating several biological functions (28). Eicosanoids enhance brain function and cannot be made without omega-9 fatty acids.

The Sugar Bear Hair chewable vitamins maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. Many industries have adopted gummies as an easier way of marketing vitamin supplements to children (35). Many flavors of vitamin-chewable supplements help attract customers (36). Manufacturers have devised strategies to market their products to beat the notion that purchasing supplements wastes money (37). The Sugar Bear Hair products include a proprietary combination of vitamins, minerals, and other elements proven to support skin, hair, and nail condition (45). The multivitamin candies’ formulation uses natural tastes and colors, which have an attractive design. Sugar Bear Hair’s popularity has increased, especially among young people, due to the brand’s promotion on social media.

Vitamin C supplementation has been linked to improved energy levels, enhanced physical performance, and reduced weariness. More studies are required to understand the connection between vitamin C and energy levels. It is crucial to remember that vitamin C’s effects on energy levels may differ from person to person (43). Children, like adults, are encouraged to have their nutritional needs met by eating a wide variety of foods rather than relying only on supplements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using multivitamins and supplements for children is highly debated, with conflicting evidence and opinions from credible sources. While some studies suggest they are necessary for children’s health, others argue that a balanced diet is sufficient to provide all the necessary nutrients. Factors such as marketing and the perception of vitamins being fashionable influence people’s willingness to buy them.

Additionally, the placebo effect of multivitamins cannot be ignored, as studies have shown that even when they do not provide any actual nutritional benefit, they can still positively affect people’s health. There is mixed evidence regarding the potential impact on psychological and physical health, with some studies suggesting a positive effect and others showing little significant benefit. Parents and caregivers should carefully consider the available evidence and seek guidance from healthcare professionals before deciding whether to give their children multivitamins and supplements.

Table 1 – Evaluation of the Sources.

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