Optimal provision of vitamins and minerals is essential for the healthy development of children. But are food supplements really necessary for children? Or is a balanced diet sufficient? In this article, we clarify which nutrients children need, when food supplements can be beneficial, and what parents should definitely pay attention to.
How important are nutrients for children?
Children are in an intensive phase of physical and cognitive development, which is accompanied by an increased need for nutrients. Their metabolism differs significantly from that of adults, and their energy requirements are also higher due to growth.
For children to develop optimally, certain micronutrients are indispensable. Among other things, they support: the growth of bones and organs, mental performance and concentration, and the strengthening of the immune system.
Which vitamins and nutrients does a child need?
A balanced diet generally provides children with all important nutrients. These include:
- Macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
- Vitamins: e.g., vitamin D, A, C, B12, and K
- Minerals: such as iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium
- Fiber and phytochemicals
Important: More is not always better. Excessive intake of vitamins and minerals – especially in the form of food supplements – can be harmful to health. The best way to determine whether there is a vitamin deficiency is through a blood test at the pediatrician's office.
What are food supplements?
Food supplements are products that contain vitamins, minerals, or other substances with nutritional or physiological effects in a concentrated form and are offered in measured doses, for example as tablets, capsules, but also as powders and liquids. They can supplement a general diet, but naturally cannot replace it!
Do children need food supplements?
Today's market offers a variety of food supplements specifically for children – advertised to promote concentration, strengthen immune defenses, or for general development. But are they really necessary?
The facts:
- Children with a healthy, balanced diet generally do not need food supplements.
- Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet – this applies to children as well as adults.
- Studies show that children in Germany are, on average, sufficiently supplied with nutrients.
- Many preparations specifically developed for children contain excessively high doses of nutrients that exceed the daily requirement.
In which cases are food supplements beneficial for children?
There are some exceptions where food supplements are medically recommended – but only after consultation with the pediatrician; some examples are:
- Vitamin D for infants and toddlers
- Vitamin K in the first weeks of life
- Fluoride as caries prophylaxis until tooth eruption
- Probiotics in special cases such as atopic dermatitis, where studies suggest they can have a supportive effect
Conclusion: Food supplements for children – yes or no?
✅ Beneficial in case of proven deficiency or medical recommendation
❌ Not necessary with a balanced diet
⚠️ Beware of overdose – "more" is not always "better"
Tip for parents: Before reaching for food supplements, you should be well informed and have a specific benefit in mind that has already been scientifically researched. A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and occasionally fish or meat covers the nutrient needs and is completely sufficient for healthy children in most cases.
O U R E X P E R T
Dr. med Michaela Hagemann I boep founder, doctor & mother of 3
Sources:
Federal Institute for Public Health: In der Regel überflüssig: Nahrungsergänzungsmittel für Kinder, 2024. Available at: https://www.kindergesundheit-info.de/infomaterial-service/nachrichten/artikel/artikel/in-der-regel-ueberfluessig-nahrungsergaenzungsmittel-fuer-kinder/
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment: Nahrungsergänzungsmittel für Kinder – (k)eine gute Idee?!, 2024. Available at: https://www.bfr.de/fragen-und-antworten/thema/nahrungsergaenzungsmittel-fuer-kinder-keine-gute-idee/
Carucci, L. et al: Therapeutic effects elicited by the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG in children with atopic dermatitis. The results of the ProPAD trial, Pediatr Allergy Immunol, 08/2022, 33(8):e13836. doi: 10.1111/pai.13836. PMID: 36003050; PMCID: PMC9542056
Cukrowska, B. et al: The Effectiveness of Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus casei Strains in Children with Atopic Dermatitis and Cow's Milk Protein Allergy: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study, Nutrients, 04/2021, 13(4):1169. doi: 10.3390/nu13041169. PMID: 33916192; PMCID: PMC8066586
Schroeder, I.: Topische Probiotika bei Neurodermitis, ästhet dermatol kosmetol, 2021, 13:48. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12634-021-1445-9
Starostzik, C.: Neurodermitis: Orale Probiotikamixtur senkt Kortisonbedarf bei Kindern, hautnah dermatologie, 2018, 34:24. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15012-018-2735-4
Stiftung Gesundheitswissen: Richtig essen? Diese Nährstoffe brauchen Kinder, 2022. Available at: https://www.stiftung-gesundheitswissen.de/presse/richtig-essen-diese-naehrstoffe-brauchen-kinder
