Female customer shopping at grocery pharmacy. Supermarket shoppers buy groceries. Woman holding basket trying to decide which product to buy. Retail of healthcare drugs, vitamins and supplements. – Photo material (Credit: DIPA, Getty Images, Creative)
DENVER (KDVR) – Your child may not need a multivitamin after all, according to a new study published by U.S. News and World Report.
According to the study, the combination of multivitamins and a balanced diet can result in an overdose, which can lead to side effects such as headaches and nausea.
“Food will be better absorbed by your body,” says Molly Swanton, a Denver health care dietitian. She says, “I think the most important message is that most children don’t need multivitamins if they’re eating a variety of foods.”
Experts say it’s important to discuss concerns about health and nutritional deficiencies with your child’s pediatrician.
“Steel is a big thing, but we don’t really think about it,” Swanton said. “Young children, especially those who drink a lot of milk, absorb less iron.”
Swanton says iron and vitamin D are among the most common nutrient deficiencies.
“We get some of our vitamin D from the sun, so I think it’s also important to get outside and be outside,” Swanton said.
