Do kids absorb vitamins?

We have discussed whether or not it is necessary to give kids vitamins a couple times on this blog. Some say it's a waste of money. Others say it is a security blanket for picky eaters. I saw this question and answer on CNN. I thought, if you do want to give your kids vitamins, this is some good information about which ones to choose.

FROM CNN:
"I've heard a lot about vitamins and supplements passing through the body unabsorbed, especially when in pill form. I've also heard that this can be a more common problem with low-cost and generic versions, even though the ingredient list is identical. My solution lately has been to crush the pill to powder and down it with some milk. Does this solve the problem or is there something inherent in cheaper supplements that inhibits absorption?" Dr. Melina Jampolis said: This is an interesting question that brings up several important points. First of all, price or brand do not necessarily determine the quality of a vitamin supplement. An independent testing lab, consumerlabs.com, found that several higher priced vitamins were among the worst offenders in terms of contaminants or not having the vitamin levels stated on the label. In my opinion, the best solution would be to go with a brand that carries the seal of USP or NSF, two nonprofit organizations that certify that vitamins are contaminant free and made according to good manufacturing practices. If products don't carry the seal, this does not necessarily mean that they are inferior; they may simply be untested so if they are made by a reputable company, they are most likely safe and well made.

While crushing pills may ensure that they break down appropriately in the stomach, taking them with milk is not great idea, as milk may interfere with the absorption of some of the nutrients in a multivitamin such as iron. Taking them with juice is a better idea, as the acid and vitamin C in juice may help with the absorption. Taking a vitamin supplement with a meal is the best approach as many of the vitamins and minerals are better absorbed by the body in the presence of fat and protein.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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Vitamin D Deficiency is higher than most think

We have been hearing about vitamin D deficiency since research was released last year. Now, new research is showing the problem is greater than we thought. My baby is due in just a few weeks and now I am wondering if I should be giving him a liquid supplement. I doubt I will be taking him out much this winter. We keep getting reports about the swine flu spreading like crazy this fall.. then there's RSV... and the list goes on. I am not saying I will make him a hermit or anything, but I doubt he will be getting 15 minutes of direct sun a day. So I think this is something I should consider.What are your thoughts?

FROM NBC: We're all used to hearing about the dangers of getting too much sun: tonight, a warning about how our kids aren't getting enough. The proof is in what researchers are calling "shockingly low" levels of Vitamin D, the one we get from sunshine, found in kids' bloodstreams. Here's NBC Chief Medical Editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman. Naomi Fowler already knows that sunshine is important for her three-month-old son Griffin. "My pediatrician expressed concern that children and adults don't get enough Vitamin D, so she suggested a multi-vitamin to supplement the D." In a study in the Journal Pediatrics, researchers report seven out of ten American children have very low levels of Vitamin D, levels too low putting them at potential risk of heart disease, weak bones..even rickets. DR. MELAMED "We were rather shocked when we saw the numbers ." Roughly 9 percent of those age 1 to 21 -- about 7.6 million children, adolescents and young adults -- have Vitamin D levels that could be "deficient" Another 50.8 million -- have higher levels of vitamin D, but still low enough to be considered "insufficient" And one group at particular risk -- African American girls. Their dark skin filters the sun automatically lowering Vitamin D levels. In the 1930's Vitamin D was added to milk and pediatricians believed weak bones and rickets would become problems of the past. But children substituting sports drinks for milk and spending hours in front of one screen or another is taking a toll. Dr. Melamed, "4 hours a day of using computers or watching TV or playing video games they were 60% higher Vitamin D deficiency." Getting Vitamin D is free. It means going out in the sun for just 10 - 15 minutes a day. That amount of time without sunscreen is not enough to hurt you and could ward off serious illnesses--illness like osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Disease pediatricians are seeing early and that can follow people well into adulthood.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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Should Kids get Vitamins?

This is from CNN:

Some parents spend a lot of money on vitamins, trying to make sure their children get the nutrients they need.

One expert says that might not be necessary.

Mom Mary Beth Toole said, "Unfortunately, I cannot ensure that they will have a balanced meal every day and for every mealtime and that just gives me peace of mind."

In her book "Food Fights," Pediatrician Jennifer Shu writes about children's vitamins. She claims most kids don't need them. Shu explains even the pickiest eaters should get enough nutrition from the basic food groups.

Shu said, "The bottom line is that children don't need vitamin supplements.
They're going to get the vitamins they need in a good, regular balanced diet."

But she doesn't fault parents for trying. If you want to give your child a daily vitamin there is likely no harm in doing so. Just make sure you follow the directions exactly.That means just one vitamin a day.

Shu reminds parents that vitamins are medicine and should never be referred to as candy.

Do you give your child vitamins? I have bought them before and planned on giving them to my four-year-old, but never got into the habit. I had heard some pediatricians don't think they're necessary, but I'm sure not everyone agrees.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen