From the Guidelines
Most pediatric patients do not require vitamin supplements if they eat a balanced diet, but certain groups such as those with chronic medical conditions, restrictive diets, or malabsorption issues may benefit from supplements, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Considerations
- A healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products typically provides all the necessary vitamins and minerals for proper growth and development.
- Certain groups of children may benefit from supplements, including those with chronic medical conditions, restrictive diets (like vegans who may need vitamin B12), malabsorption issues, or picky eaters who consistently refuse nutrient-rich foods.
- Vitamin D supplements (400 IU daily) are often recommended for exclusively breastfed infants since breast milk contains limited amounts, as supported by the guidelines 1.
Specific Recommendations
- Preterm infants on parenteral nutrition (PN) should receive 700-1500 IU/kg/day of vitamin A, term infants 150-300 ug/kg/day, and older children 150 ug/day, as recommended by the guidelines 1.
- Preterm and term infants up to 12 months of age on PN should receive 200-1000 IU/day of vitamin D, term infants up to 12 months of age 400 IU/day, and older children 400-600 IU/day, as recommended by the guidelines 1.
- Pediatric patients receiving long-term PN should be monitored periodically for vitamin D deficiency, and additional supplementation with vitamin D should be provided if necessary, as recommended by the guidelines 1.
Important Notes
- Excessive vitamin intake can be harmful, particularly fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) which can accumulate in the body.
- Before giving any vitamin supplement to a child, parents should consult with a pediatrician who can assess the child's specific nutritional needs and recommend appropriate supplements if necessary, as supported by the guidelines 1 and 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Do not crush or chew tablets. Adult Serving Size: 1 tablet two to three times daily. Children: Consult a physician.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Vitamin Supplements for Pediatric Patients
- Pediatric patients may require vitamin supplements in certain circumstances, such as vitamin D and iron supplementation, but multivitamins and other micronutrient supplements are usually unnecessary in healthy children who have a balanced diet and normal growth 2.
- Micronutrient deficiencies in children can occur due to poor access to food, particular dietary patterns, or health conditions that impact nutrient absorption and utilization, and dietary supplementation can provide an individually targeted approach to address these deficiencies 3.
- An optimal diet for children's growth requires an adequate intake of macronutrients and micronutrients, including zinc, iron, vitamin D, and folic acid 4.
- Children on vegan or vegetarian diets are at risk of nutritional deficiency, particularly in nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, D, and B12, and may require supplementation 5.
- Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) are set for healthy individuals, but there are no generally accepted RNIs for children with moderate malnutrition, and specially formulated foods and diets or mixtures of locally available foods may be necessary to treat or prevent moderate stunting and wasting 6.