Benefits of supplemental feeding in children

An adequate diet is essential to stimulate and maintain good health, especially in children. Much of their growth and development depends on the nutrients they obtain from each meal. For this reason, it is normal for parents to be concerned when children reject certain foods, leave food on their plates, refuse to try new things, or become bored with foods they once enjoyed.

In such cases, it is possible to turn to nutritional supplements to address the absence of essential nutrients. However, it is important to remember that this should only be done under medical supervision and should never be a substitute for a balanced diet.

When administered appropriately and under the guidance of a specialized physician, nutritional supplements can have benefits for children’s health.

What are the benefits of complementing children’s diet with nutritional supplements?

• Address Nutritional Deficiencies:

When a child’s regular diet is limited due to health reasons or preferences, nutritional supplements help meet their daily needs for vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other nutrients that they may not be getting from their regular diet, and which are necessary for healthy growth and development.

• Strengthen the Immune System:

Nutritional supplements contain essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc, which help strengthen the immune system and prevent diseases. A study by the World Health Organization (2012) found that intermittent iron supplementation in school-age children helps reduce the risk of anemia in vulnerable populations.

Another study published in the Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition in 2008 states that «children under 5 years of age and those exposed to zinc-deficient diets will benefit from daily zinc supplementation or a 10 to 14-day zinc treatment cycle for an episode of acute diarrhea.»

• Stimulate Bone Growth and Development:

Nutritional supplements can help children receive the necessary nutrients for developing strong bones and muscles, as well as for stimulating brain function and cognitive development.

• Improve Academic Performance:

Some nutritional supplements, for example, those containing zinc, can improve memory, leading to enhanced academic performance in children.

• Aid Sports-Active Children:

Children involved in sports require proper nutrition to prevent micronutrient deficiencies. Nutritional supplements can improve sports performance, increase endurance, and accelerate recovery after exercise. In the case of extreme sports, specialized nutrition guidance should be followed.

What should be considered before using nutritional supplements in children?

The use of supplements can be beneficial in a child’s development process when administered correctly. However, some guidelines should be considered before using them:

• They Do Not Replace a Balanced Diet:

Nutritional supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced and healthy diet. If the child is eating a variety of nutritious foods, they may not need supplements. This determination can only be made by the treating physician.

• Not Suitable for All Ages:

Some nutritional supplements may not be suitable for children of certain ages and may be too aggressive for their digestive system. Therefore, supplementation should be guided.

• They Do Not Treat Diseases:

If the child has a health condition that requires treatment, it is essential to seek appropriate medical attention. Nutritional supplements are not a solution for medical conditions, except for micronutrient deficiencies, which should be managed under medical guidance.

In summary, the administration of nutritional supplements can help children obtain essential nutrients for their development. However, like any medication, their consumption should be evaluated and supervised by a healthcare professional.

Source:

1. Directriz: Administración intermitente de suplementos de hierro a niños de edad preescolar y escolar. Ginebra: Organización Mundial de la Salud; 2012. Disponible en: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/100229/9789243502007_spa.pdf
2. Larson CP, Roy SK, Islam A, Shafiqur A y Qadri F. Zinc Treatment to Under-five Children: Applications to Improve Child Survival and Reduce Burden of disease. J Health Popul Nutr. 2008; 26(3): 356-365.