As a nutritional therapist and a parent, myself, I’ve often been asked this big question: Should children and teens take supplements?
It’s a topic that sparks lively debates, evokes genuine concerns, and prompts some thoughtful head-scratching. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here is some food for thought to guide your decision.
The Growing Teen: Nutritional Challenges
Let’s start with the obvious: Children and Teenagers are in a whirlwind of growth and change — building bones, developing brains, and navigating hormonal shifts, all while juggling school, sports, social pressures, and (of course) screen time. With so much going on, their nutritional needs are understandably high.
In an ideal world, every bite they eat would provide the nutrients they need. But is that realistic today?
The Soil Beneath Our Feet
Modern farming practices and monocropping have taken a toll on the nutrients in our soil, meaning that the fruits, vegetables, and grains we eat today may be less nutrient-dense than what our grandparents enjoyed. Even for those of us committed to feeding our families fresh, whole foods, it’s not always a guarantee that these foods pack the nutritional punch we’re hoping for.
The Rise of the Mono Diet
Then there’s the reality of mono diets. For many teens, this might mean a rotation of pizza, pasta, and chicken nuggets—with the occasional apple thrown in for good measure. (Sound familiar?) While these foods can certainly have their place, they don’t always provide the broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals that young bodies and minds need to thrive.
Why Consider Supplements?
Supplements can offer valuable support for teens, especially in today’s world:
Filling Nutritional Gaps: Supplements can act as a safety net, ensuring teens get enough of the essential nutrients that might be missing from their diets.
Supporting Specific Needs: Some teens might benefit from targeted support — like magnesium for relaxation, zinc for skin health, or Lions Main mushroom for cognitive function.
The Demands of Modern Life: Let’s not forget the fast-paced, often stressful lives our kids lead. A little extra nutritional support can go a long way in helping them keep up.
Things to keep in Mind
Of course, supplements aren’t without their downsides. Some worry about over-reliance: if teens think a capsule can replace a balanced diet, they might be less motivated to eat their greens. And while high-quality supplements are designed to complement the diet, not every product on the market is created equal. Supplements aren’t a replacement for a balanced diet. They’re a complement, not a substitute.
Parents need to do their homework to ensure they’re choosing safe, effective options.
Your Call as a Parent
Ultimately, the decision to give your child or teen supplements is a deeply personal one. It’s about understanding their unique needs, tuning into your intuition as a parent, and (ideally) seeking guidance from a trusted health professional. After all, you know your child better than anyone else.Whatever you decide, remember that nutrition is about more than what’s on their plate (or in their capsule). It’s about fostering a healthy relationship with food, creating opportunities for connection around the dinner table, and planting seeds for lifelong wellness.
So, what’s your take? Will a multivitamin find its way into your teen’s daily routine, or will you double down on those leafy greens? Either way, you’re doing your best, and that’s what matters most.
Here’s to the journey of raising happy, healthy kids—one mindful choice at a time.
Explore how Onnutri’s targeted teen supplements can support your family’s wellness journey at www.onnutri.uk.
