Children need an abundance of energy and nutrients to grow and develop optimally.
During their development, they change constantly, and an adequate intake of nutrients is required to balance growth spurts with play, other activities and school.
Fertility and prenatal dietitian Melanie McGrice (AdvAPD) from Nutrition Plus says that for optimal growth and development, children need a wide range of nutrients, but some of those that are key include calcium, folate, iron and vitamins A, D and E.
It’s important that they consume adequate amounts of these nutrients, she adds, because deficiencies could have serious consequences, especially related to growth and development.
“A lack of calcium or vitamin D can impact on bone growth, inadequate vitamin A intakes can impact eyesight, inadequate vitamin E consumption can impact a child’s immunity, and inadequate folate and/or iron can impact cognitive development,” she said.
While vitamin and mineral supplements are useful, particularly to help correct deficiencies and at times of inadequate intake, most health experts agree that the first step is to encourage nutrient intake through a varied diet.
“Research has found that consuming a variety of nutritious foods is the best way to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients for children,” Ms McGrice said.
“If a child is eating according to the recommended guidelines, is healthy and growing well, then vitamin and mineral supplements are rarely necessary. However, if usual intake is consistently below requirements, a supplement may be required.”
Community pharmacist and master herbalist Gerald Quigley agrees, advising that care needs to be taken not to replace food with supplements, which have their place but food should come first.
It’s important, he says, that children are firstly encouraged to enjoy a variety of food to ensure intake of “a balance between all minerals and vitamins” for growth and development.
In an ideal world, the diet of all children would be varied, with intake from each of the food groups meeting their nutrient requirements through breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. However, many parents will attest that getting children consistently to consume the recommended food ‘rainbow’ (a variety of different coloured fruit and vegetables), along with dairy, protein and healthy fats, is rarely achieved easily.
Mealtime can be a difficult experience. Fussy eaters and children with poor appetites or food aversions may have trouble meeting their recommended nutrient intake for growth and development.
“Poor appetite, food aversions, fussy eating, allergies, and food intolerances are some of the most common reasons that parents come to see dietitians about their child’s nutritional intake,” Ms McGrice said.
She continued: “Encouraging adequate intake depends on the reason that children aren’t consuming an adequate diet.
“For example, if a child has a food intolerance and is experiencing discomfort after eating, no amount of coaxing will make a difference.
“A comprehensive assessment from an experienced dietitian is the best place to start if children aren’t consuming a nourishing and balanced diet.”
According to Ms McGrice, in terms of specific vitamin and mineral supplements that assist children with growth and development, “vitamin D is the only supplement that’s routinely recommended”, particularly for those at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.
“Adequate vitamin D is essential for healthy bone growth,” she said.
Mr Quigley adds that to aid cognitive development and support learning, “looking at an omega-3 supplement might be worthwhile”.
“If you’ve got a child whose cuts and scratches aren’t healing … some vitamin C and zinc could be in order,” he said. “If you’ve got a child who’s constantly getting colds … then vitamin D is fundamental.”
However, while supplements can help, Ms McGrice warns that essentially, they’re only there to help “remedy any issues”, and optimising dietary intake should come first.
“Nutritional supplements should be used to supplement a nutritious diet, not to replace it,” she said.
“It’s essential that a child’s dietary intake is optimised first, then nutritional supplements are used to remedy any issues. Excessive intakes of nutrients can be as problematic as inadequate intakes.”
Pharmacists are increasingly becoming the first healthcare professionals that worried parents may approach for advice about their child’s growth and development, as well as their nutritional intake.
It’s important for pharmacists to have the skills and knowledge to help support parents and children in this space and to also refer to doctors and other healthcare professionals for ongoing and tailored advice.
“Pharmacists are often the first healthcare professional that people divulge their dietary concerns to,” Ms McGrice said.
“It’s essential that pharmacists refer these clients to their local dietitian in addition to providing supplement advice.”
This feature was originally published in the February issue of Retail Pharmacy magazine.
