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NUTRIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION
Human nutritional needs can be divided (very broadly) into:
 Macronutrients (carbohydrate, essential fats, protein)
 Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals)
 Water
Just what are vitamins and minerals?
Vitamins are organic compounds that are needed for normal growth and development,
cell metabolism and fighting desease. Minerals are inorganic substances essential for
a range of biochemical processes. During periods of growth and development
(childhood), heightened activity or illness, the body’s vitamin and mineral
requirements may increase. Certain conditions and medical treatments may also
deplete stores of certain nutrients, making addition intake important.
Is supplementation important for growing children?
Ideally, a balanced diet would meet all the nutritional requirements of the growing
child. However, ensuring that your baby or child gets all the nutrients he needs is not
always possible, because:
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Many vitamins and minerals are destroyed by cooking, freezing, exposure to
light or air, processing and pollutants.
Certain nutrients, such as iron or vitamin D, may be in short supply in breast
milk or infant formula.
While fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E &K) can be stored in the body for some
time, water-soluble vitamins (B-Complex & C) need to be replenished every
day.
Some children are fussy eater!
Most diets contain too much sugar and artificial additives.
The modern diet is deficient in essential fatty acids.
If a child is getting enough of these vitamins, he may need a vitamin and mineral
supplement. However, it is important to ensure that the supplement is especially
formulated to meet the growing child’s needs. A supplement that is not properly
balanced or is manufactured in a laboratory from unnatural or inorganic material
could do more harm than good.
Birth To One Year
During this critical period of rapid physical and mental development, adequate dietary
intake of micronutrients is essential.
Iron is one mineral that is essential for healthy brain development in infants. Fullterm infants are usually born with iron reserves that will last until they are four to six
months old. In contrast, pre-term and low birth weight infants may deplete their
bodies’ iron stores by the age of two to three months. During the rapid growth period
between the ages of nine and eighteen months, a baby’s iron requirements increase
and dietary iron intake is usually insufficient. Studies have shown that infants who
suffered from long-term impairment of motor and mental functioning.
Infants who are breastfed could also require additional vitamins K and D. (breast
milk is often deficient in these vitamins). Infants breastfed by malnourished mothers
or mothers who are vegetarian could also require additional vitamin B12.
Unfortified infant formulas have lower amounts of iron than breast milk. Cow’s milk
is not recommended for infant feeding at all, because it contains very little iron, and
its casein and whey content suppresses iron absorption.
Certain clinical studies suggest that supplements for infants under the age of one may
help to protect them from Type 1 diabetes later in life.
One To Five Years
During this phase of increased development, activity and exposure to illness (the
dreaded crèche syndrome time), the correct balance of vitamins and minerals is vital.
Starting solids may mean more food is messed than eaten and picky eating may result
in important nutrients being left out of the diet.
Food intolerance or allergy (although not common, and often over-diagnosed) may
result in the avoidance of certain foods.
A child’s nutritional demands also increase as he becomes exposed to childhood
illnesses in pre-school or school.
Nutritional deficiencies can result in a range of physical and mental problems,
including impaired growth, apathy and a short attention span, skin reactions, poor cell
function, low resistance to infection and digestive disorders.
Studies have found that almost 50% of South African children have an intake of less
than half the recommended daily level of essential nutrients.
In addition, almost 20% of South African children between the ages of one and nine
have stunted growth because of dietary deficiencies.
Special Cases – the ill child
Illness makes additional demands on the body’s functions. Meeting these demands
requires a healthy nutritional status. In addition, the treatments used to combat certain
illnesses can deplete the body’s reserves of nutrients. Supplementation may prove
valuable in regaining health.
Always consult your doctor about possible drug interactions between prescription
medication and vitamin preparations. (Whole food juice concentrates are generally
safe.)
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Diarrhoea could deplete a child’s reserves of essential nutrients.
Supplementation may be beneficial.
Digestive disorders and conditions causing poor absorption (including celiac
disease or inflammatory bowel disease) may mean that even when a healthy
diet followed, a child needs support from a natural balanced supplement.
Worm infestations can also deplete the body’s stores of essential nutrients.
After deworming, children may benefit from supplementation.
After surgery or hospitalisation, particularly where a child was not fed orally,
supplementation may help to speed up recovery.
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Treatment with certain classes of antibiotics (such as penicillin) may
temporarily cause anaemia; digestive tract upsets and reduced ability to absorb
essential nutrients. A balanced easily absorbed vitamin and mineral
supplementation might be helpful during recovery.
Children treated with medicines such as antacids, mineral oils and antiepileptic drugs may also develop nutrients deficiencies.
Studies have found that supplementation with vitamin E may be beneficial for
diabetes patients.
In the case of feverish illness, colds or “flu”, supplementing a child’s vitamin
C intake may help to boost his immune system. A carefully selected complete
food or vitamin supplement may be of use during recovery, if a child has been
unwilling to eat during the illness.
Children who are allergic or intolerant to certain foods may need
supplementation to ensure that their nutritional requirements are met.
Children who suffer from recurrent illnesses are often malnourished and
require vitamin and mineral supplementation. Malnourished children are more
susceptible to infections such as pneumonia, meningitis and gastroenteritis.
HIV/AIDS puts extreme demands on the entire system. Research indicates
that supplementation with B vitamins: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2
(Riboflavin), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin), and
Folate (Folic Acid), antioxidants, including beta-carotene, selenium, Vitamin
E, and Vitamin C, and the minerals Magnesium and Zinc may be helpful.
What to look for in a Nutritional Supplement
 Choose a supplement that offers the complete range of essential vitamins and
minerals, amino acids, enzymes and anti-oxidants, but which does not exceed
your child’s recommended daily allowance.
 Look for a supplement suited to your child’s age and needs. A baby under the
age of six months probably requires infant drops without additional iron.
However, he will need drops fortified with iron if he is anaemic. A toddler
will prefer paediatric syrup, which preferably should include iron.
 Check that the supplement is presented in a childproof container and that the
expiration date has not been passed.
 Choose a supplement recommended by doctors. If in doubt, ask your own
doctor.
What Vitamins and Minerals Your Child Needs
Nutrient
Why your baby needs it
Natural Sources
Iron
Vital for healthy blood cells,
Red meat, liver, dried beans and peas, spinach,
Resistance to desease, motor
raisins, dried fruit and fortified cereals.
development, cerebral development
Vitamin C
Helps to promote iron absorption,
Oranges, guavas, grapefruit, strawberries,
important in respiration process,
broccoli, cabbage and potatoes.
boosts immunity.
Calcium
Important for the development of
Milk, diary products, sardines, soybeans, beans,
healthy bones and teeth, promotes
broccoli, green vegetables.
healthy nerve function
Vitamin D
Essential for development of normal Manufactured by skin during exposure to sunlight
bones structure. Also important in
Also found in oily fish and fish oils, butter and
muscle and nerve function.
eggs.
Vitamin A
Strengthens mucous membranes,
Fish liver oil, dark green leafy vegetables, yellow
(beta carotene)
important for proper functioning of fruits and vegetables, eggs yolks.
the immune system, adrenal glands
and eyes.
B-Complex
Support healthy heart, muscle,
Brewer yeast, organ meats, nuts, brown rice,
vitamins
nerve, adrenal and digestive
whole grains, eggs, bananas, dark green leafy
(B1,2,3,5,6,12)
function
vegetables.
Vitamin E
Essential for healthy cell structure,
Wheat germ, egg yolks, butter, vegetable oils,
aids healing, helps maintaining
liver, nuts, wholewheat flour, green vegetables.
normal enzyme function (leading to
multiple important roles in the
body).