Half of parents regularly give children supplements, as nutritious food deemed expensive

19 Apr 2022 --- More than 75% of parents turn to multivitamins for their children, according to a US poll. Driven by price concerns and challenges in meeting daily intakes, parents are increasingly using probiotics and supplements for their children. 

Though most parents find it difficult to ensure their children’s nutrition, they are not always likely to consult professionals before making decisions. 

“There is limited research on the safety and efficacy of supplements and potential side effects for kids. But some parents may not be aware that supplements do not undergo rigorous FDA testing and approval,” Sarah Clark, co-director of the national Mott poll explains.

One fifth of parents say they have given their children omega 3 supplements. Around half had also given their children probiotics. A third said their children had tried supplements before, but did not take them regularly. Four in five say they choose products specifically made for children. 

The survey looked at parents with at least one child aged one to ten.Clark adds it is unclear whether the lack of consultation has to do with healthcare providers not paying enough attention to children’s nutrition, or parents not thinking supplements fall under the healthcare umbrella.

Can’t afford to be healthy
Clark laments: “The reality for many parents is that getting children to eat healthy foods isn’t always easy.” One third of the 1,251 parents surveyed said picky eating played a role, while another third didn’t believe their children ate enough fruits and vegetables.

The survey – conducted by the University of Michigan Health CS Mott Children’s Hospital – found 13% of parents were concerned about vitamin and mineral intake. One half said cost was a prohibitive factor in ensuring proper diet.

Clark notes that dietary imbalance can have broad-ranging effects on a child’s wellbeing. 

“An unhealthy diet can negatively affect short and long-term health outcomes as well as school performance.” 

Parents in low-income households were also less likely to discuss supplement use with their child’s healthcare provider compared to higher-income parents.

“We know that fresh, healthy foods can be more expensive than processed or packaged items that are often higher in sodium and added sugars.” She notes this can make it especially frustrating for parents when children refuse or waste healthier options.

“In situations where families can’t afford to provide a healthy diet, [healthcare] providers may direct parents to social service programs that can help,” Clark affirms.

Supplements subject to lower standards
The study found two in five parents polled had discussed supplement use with a healthcare provider. Inflation is set to impact children's nutrition across the globe.

“Our poll finds that many turn to dietary supplements as a solution but may not always consult with a health provider. Parents may not always know whether their child is getting proper nutrition.”

Since supplements are classified by the Food and Drug Administration as food, they do not have to meet the same standards of testing and evaluation as substances classified as medications before going to market. 

Proper nutrition amid high inflation
Organizations like UNICEF have spotlighted childhood malnutrition in recent years, with hidden malnutrition becoming a growing concern for high-income countries. The UN has reported that the COVID-19 global pandemic has also made nutritious options less accessible to low-income households.

Last month, US president Joe Biden’s administration revealed a 2023 budget reserving billions to safeguard nutrition amid skyrocketing inflation as an indirect result of Russia's war on Ukraine. Experts have warned the crisis is set to cause a nutrition emergency and global food system meltdown.

Edited by Olivia Nelson

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