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May 02, 2023

Parent’s guide to dietary supplement use for kids

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Kids can't fall asleep? Something going around at school? There's now a good chance your pharmacy has a pill for that.

At Mass General for Children, pediatricians routinely ask parents whether their kids are taking any dietary supplements. That's because an extra dose of anything can interfere with prescribed medications or even create new problems.

"Sometimes families are administering them and don't think of them as medication," said Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent and young adult medicine. "They haven't gone through the same rigorous testing and also aren't subject to the same quality requirements that medications are. And so, there can be differences between what you think you’re getting when it comes to a nutritional supplement and what you’re actually getting."

Research shows that can be true with melatonin, a natural hormone that's sold over the counter as a popular sleep aid. A recent study found most products on store shelves contained as much as 347% more than the amount on the label. That worries doctors because taking some supplements in any amount can have side effects.

"Natural doesn't always mean safe," cautioned Hadland. "I, as a doctor, always want to work with my patients and families so that if they are thinking about offering something to their child, they’re doing it safely."

That's already the case for more than one-third of children and adolescents in the U.S. According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most popular pill is a daily multivitamin. Many are shaped like candy or gummies.

"So, that's going to be really appealing for kids who are going to want more," said Dr. Hadland.

They may want more, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says most kids in the U.S. don't need more.

"I know, because I’m a parent of young kids, that every parent thinks their kid isn't eating enough. I get it," said Hadland. "And yet, even kids who aren't eating a lot very often are getting all of the vitamins and minerals that they need from their diet."

That's especially true for specific supplements, like iron. Too much can be toxic for kids and cause problems for their liver and other organs. Experts offer the same warning for Vitamin D. A buildup in the blood can lead to vomiting, frequent urination and even kidney damage.

"Think of them like medications," advises Hadland. "that means something that you typically keep locked away and that children don't have access to."

The supplements Hadland really worries about are the ones promising weight loss. Those often contain stimulants which can be especially risky for kids.

He said the best advice is always to consult with your pediatrician before giving your child any supplements.