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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The Vitamin D Debate

FROM MEDSTAR: If you're getting your Vitamin D level tested, prepare to be humbled - most of us are deficient. And the bad news doesn't end there. Bonnie Everhart has done her homework and wants to know if Vitamin D deficiency has affected her family's health history. Bonnie Everhart said,"My grandmother had a history of osteoporosis and my mother has a history of breast cancer."

It's a valid concern, as more research points to chronic health problems related to low vitamin D. Dr. Roberta Lee said,"Those populations that have Vitamin D deficiency actually have higher rates of these kinds of cancers, like breast cancer and prostate cancer." And there's more. Studies link Vitamin D to a range of conditions, from multiple sclerosis and diabetes to heart disease and high blood pressure.

Inadequate "D" can even start haunting you in the womb. Dr. Roberta Lee said,"Pregnant women who are Vitamin D deficient, especially in their late trimesters, have been shown nine years later to have children who have very low bone density."

But why are we all so low? It's partly due to geography. People in northern latitudes don't get enough sunlight to produce Vitamin D for at least a-third of the year. Add in cloud-cover, sunblock, and indoor work and you've lost many opportunities to make the sunshine vitamin. It's all the more reason to get tested.


Dr. Roberta lee said,"Ask your doctor to measure the 25 hydroxy Vitamin D level. That's the active d3 level. That's the one you want to find the answer to. If it's under the number of 20 nanograms per milliliter, then you are in a deficient zone."


While you can get Vitamin D from some foods like wild salmon and fortified milk, it isn't always enough. Dr. Roberta Lee said,"In truth, it's hard to eat enough foods if you're in a deficient state to actually make up for the loss." To bring your levels up, Dr. Lee says supplements are your best bet.


"Most of the time for an adult, somewhere between 1,000 to 2,000 international units on a daily basis of vitamin d3 is enough to have adequate replacement."But work with your doctor to boost your "D" because there's truth to the saying, "too much of a good thing." Dr. Roberta Lee said,"Vitamin D is fat soluble, so that means that it can accumulate in your body and it isn't regularly excreted, so you can become Vitamin D toxic."


That's why Bonnie's going to get hers checked. Bonnie Everhart said,"She just concluded that it's really important for us to know what my Vitamin D level, and if it's, you know, to work with it, whether I need supplements or I can cut down." A test that will shed light on the level of her sunshine vitamin.


Since Vitamin D is naturally produced by exposure to sunlight, the question is: why not just get out in the sun? If you live in a sunnier climate, 10 to 15 minutes of sun on your bare legs and arms, once a day, is probably going to give you enough u-v exposure to produce Vitamin D. but, this isn't a free pass to skip sunscreen - slather it on after your brief sun allotment is up.


FAST FACTS:
Currently, health experts say adults 19 to 50 should get 200 IU of vitamin D every day.
Vitamin D may play a role in many different conditions, like heart attacks, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer.
Doctors may recommend a blood test to measure your 25-hydroxyvitamin D level.


I am sad to say I still haven't gotten the Vitamin D supplements I planned to get for my kids! I am wondering if D3 comes in a chewable form or liquid. And where in the world do I get it? Naturally Yours? Preckshots? Order it over the Internet? Not sure-but I need to find out A.S.A.P. On second thought, maybe I should get the kids tested. I have no idea how much they are getting from milk, cheese and other sources. Hmmm...

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Do adults need vitamins?

Here's a great follow-up question that was posted after the vitamin story last week that said many pediatricians do not recommened vitamins for kids.

NewsAnchorMom.com reader Lisa asked:

"At what age, then, are vitamins recommended? Aren't we as adults supposed to be taking them... so when do doctors make the distinction that vitamins are important? I do give my kids a children's gummy vitamin each day. I don't think it's necessary, but I think it establishes good nutrition habits when it's made part of their daily routine."

Dr. Kelvin Wynn from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria responded:

"Vitamins are chemical compounds which are essential in small amounts for normal metabolism. The majority of vitamins are not made by our bodies so they need to be ingested in the diet to prevent certain disorders. It is important to distinguish vitamins from minerals (such as calcium and iron) which are also essential.

Therefore, if someone is not getting adequate nutrition then vitamin supplementation is necessary regardless if they are a child or adult. The best way to get the essential vitamins and minerals is with a balanced diet. A diet with five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day supplants supplemental multivitamin use in most people.

Individuals who have clinical reasons for vitamin deficiency, such as those who suffer from alcoholism, malabsorption, a history of gastric bypass surgery,or a history of metabolism disorders, should receive supplemental multivitamins. Physical signs and symptoms of vitamin deficiency depends upon the deficient vitamin. Remember, one can take too much of a particular vitamin which can produce signs and symptoms of toxicity."

I hope this helps! How many of you take vitamins as adults?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen