University of Michigan: 50% of parents regularly give their children dietary supplements, most without health advice

Three in five parents say it's hard to get their children to eat a balanced diet because they're picky eaters, not eating enough fruits and vegetables, and other reasons. Kids can be stubborn when it comes to eating the healthy foods on their plates, and now a new national poll confirms that picky eating is indeed a common parenting challenge.

More than half of parents find it difficult to get their children to eat a balanced diet, and half say their children regularly take supplements, according to the C.S. Mott Children's National Survey on Children's Health at the University of Michigan Health Center.

"A balanced diet helps children get the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development," said Sarah Clark, co-director of the Mott Poll. "On the other hand, an unhealthy diet can negatively impact short- and long-term health outcomes, as well as school performance. However, for many parents, the reality is that getting their children to eat healthy foods is not easy. Our poll found that many people are turning to dietary supplements as a solution, but may not always consult their health provider."

Many parents report problems with their children's eating, according to a new national poll from the University of Michigan.

About a third of parents say their children are picky eaters, and a third don't think they eat enough fruits and vegetables. Thirteen percent worry their children aren't getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals, while 9% say their children need more fiber in their diets, according to the national report, which is based on responses from 1,251 parents with at least one child ages 1-10.

Another potential barrier: cost. Half of parents agree that providing their children with a healthy diet is expensive.

“We know that fresh, healthy foods can be more expensive than processed or packaged items, which are often higher in sodium and added sugars,” Clark said. “This can be particularly frustrating for parents when children waste or refuse to eat healthy foods.”

Most parents surveyed give their children dietary supplements, with more than three-quarters using multivitamins. Nearly half also give their children probiotics, live bacteria and yeast that aid digestion by boosting the number of good microorganisms in the gut.

More than one in five people have used supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, which support cell growth and brain development.

About a third of parents said their children had tried but did not take supplements regularly. Among parents who gave their children supplements, four in five said they chose products made specifically for children, but only about two in five said they discussed the use of supplements with their children's healthcare providers.

Parents considering supplements may need to choose from a variety of products and formulas that may claim to have specific health benefits.

Dietary supplements are often designed to boost the number of vitamins children get through their regular diet. But parents may not always know if their children are getting the proper nutrients. The use of dietary supplements by children is an important health decision to discuss with a doctor, but less than half of parents who give their children supplements have talked with their child's healthcare provider.

She said it was unclear whether the lack of consultation was due to medical providers not asking about children's nutritional status, parents believing that using supplements did not require professional advice, or some other reason.

Parents in low-income families are also less likely to talk to their children's health care providers about supplement use than higher-income parents, the report said. Providers should be diligent in discussing nutrition with families so they understand what a healthy diet should include and use supplements appropriately. In cases where families cannot afford to provide a healthy diet, providers can direct parents to social service programs that can help.

She noted that because supplements are classified as foods by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, they don't receive the same premarket evaluation and review as drugs.

"There is limited research on the safety and effectiveness of supplements and potential side effects for children. But what some parents may not know is that supplements have not been rigorously tested and approved by the FDA," Clark said. "To minimize the risks of using supplements, parents should share concerns about their child's diet with their pediatrician, who can help them determine the best strategies to improve the nutritional quality of their child's diet and determine whether supplements are advisable."

From cnBeta.COM