Although many supplements should not be given to children, generally, children of any age can take vitamin supplements as long as they are formulated for their age group. In fact, in some cases, doctors recommend giving vitamin supplements even to young babies. Dietary supplements can be beneficial at any age, but they can also have unwanted side effects, such as unsafe interactions with prescription medications. Nor could they work at all.
Bedside Stories highlights the captivating personal stories that take place behind the scenes in health care. Walking down the vitamin aisle at your local supermarket or pharmacy can be overwhelming. With so many different types of vitamins available, it's hard to know which ones might help you and your loved ones achieve your health and wellness goals. Here's a quick guide to the vitamins you should take at every age.
While breast milk is the ideal food for newborns, it doesn't contain enough essential nutrients, such as vitamin D and iron. Moran recommends that babies who are exclusively breastfed receive 400 IU of vitamin D starting in the first few days of life. This should continue until they are weaned and consume at least a quart of whole milk per day. Moran says that most formulas in the U.S.
UU. They're fortified with vitamin D, so babies who drink at least 32 ounces of baby formula a day don't need supplements. Women should take a prenatal vitamin about three months before conception and continue until they finish breastfeeding. Make sure that the multivitamin complex includes folic acid, as it has been shown to reduce neural defects in the fetus.
Women are at greater risk of iron deficiency anemia due to menstruation, especially if their periods are consistently heavy. These women may need to take an iron supplement if they don't get an adequate amount of iron in their diets. For those who follow plant-based diets, vitamin B12 is a good choice, as it's most commonly found in fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. If you maintain a regular, well-balanced diet that includes foods fortified with vitamin D, you shouldn't need vitamins.
More research shows that vitamin D and calcium are essential for bone health, but it's best to find them through diet and lifestyle rather than taking supplements. Although there is no specific vitamin supplementation recommended for healthy adults, Dr. Moran says that most multivitamins are likely to be safe to take. He warns against taking high-dose vitamin supplements and recommends that you talk to your primary care doctor.
Patients who have undergone gastric bypass or who have pernicious anemia should take a vitamin B12 supplement, as vitamin B12 is not well absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract of these patients. If your doctor has told you that you are iron deficient, an iron supplement is recommended. Eat healthy, exercise and optimize your intake of calcium and vitamin D. At any age, if you're a heavy drinker, you can develop deficiencies in vitamins B1 and B6 and in folate.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is key to good health. Moran recommends talking to your medical provider before starting or stopping any supplement. There are some medical conditions where the doctor may have a specific recommendation. We know that you lead a busy life.
Get the latest health advice from our experts in your inbox. Researchers are studying the use of herbal supplements to prevent or treat some health problems, but it's too early to know if they're safe and useful. However, the FDA has no authority over dietary supplements, which do not have to be approved by this agency for safety or effectiveness before being sold to the public. Try to eat a healthy diet, be physically active, keep your mind active, don't smoke, and see your doctor regularly.
Age restrictions on supplements make almost as much sense as age restrictions on food, explains the president and CEO of CRN &, Steve Mister, in the video. The Department of Agriculture's dietary guidelines for Americans do not recommend supplements that exceed the recommended dietary amounts for healthy children over one year old who eat a balanced diet. So instead of relying on cartoon characters selling supplements, commit to feeding your kids a variety of healthy foods. Dietary supplements are substances that you can use to add nutrients to your diet or to reduce the risk of health problems, such as osteoporosis or arthritis.
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