Should Children Take Supplements Too?

Absolutely, children should take supplements!

If you’ve raised kids, you know how hard it is to get them to eat right. Every time they turn on the TV they’re bombarded with ads for soft drinks, sugary cereals, and snack foods. They’re enticed to visit McDonald’s for the newest toy in the Happy Meal. School lunches are often provided by fast-food franchises, and Coke and Pepsi compete with each other to get their vending machines in school hallways.

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data reveals that just 20 percent of 2- to-6-year-old, 8 percent of 7- to 12-year-old, and 4 percent of 13- to-18-year-old American children eat a good diet.

This is a shame, because optimal nutrition is extremely important during the tremendous growth spurts of childhood. I suggest you do what my family has always done and insist that your kids take a daily vitamin and mineral supplement. It’s an easy way of ensuring that they’re getting enough of the nutrients their growing bodies need.

More Advice From Dr. Whitaker

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