Childhood is an important period of growth and development. In recent years, with the improvement of economic development, the advancement of nutrition research, and the increasing awareness of parents about children's health, the application of children's dietary supplements has become increasingly widespread. Despite this, nutritional deficiencies in children still exist and are an important factor affecting their growth and development. Therefore, it is crucial to use children's dietary supplements correctly.
Dietary supplements, also known as nutritional supplements, are products designed to supplement the diet. Dietary supplements are divided into nutrient-containing dietary supplements and non-nutrient-containing dietary supplements.
Classification of dietary supplements
Nutrient-containing dietary supplements.
The main purpose of using nutrient-containing dietary supplements is to provide children with the necessary nutrients for basic metabolism, growth and development, as well as learning and physical activities. This category of supplements mainly includes vitamins and trace elements.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is related to children's immune system, learning, memory, and blood formation. In recent years, the incidence of vitamin A deficiency in Chinese children has been at a relatively low level due to the increasing importance parents place on children's nutrition, but marginal vitamin A deficiency in children remains at a high level. Marginal deficiency mainly refers to the serum vitamin A level being between deficient and normal values, but clinical symptoms have not yet appeared. Research indicates that newborns who are breastfed are more prone to marginal vitamin A deficiency than those fed with formula milk. Therefore, exclusively breastfed infants are a key population for preventive vitamin A supplementation. Since the content of vitamin A in breast milk is closely related to the mother's diet, the effect is better when mothers and young children are supplemented together. After adding complementary foods, foods rich in vitamin A should be added as early as possible, or vitamin A-fortified foods should be added. When children are in a state of recurrent respiratory tract infections, chronic diarrhea, anemia, and other diseases, they should use vitamin A supplements under medical advice, which can help improve nutritional status and further improve the prognosis of relevant diseases.
Vitamin D
Unlike other nutrient deficiencies that show an improving trend, the deficiency rate of vitamin D among children and adolescents in China has increased from 2015-2018 compared to 2011-2014, and the deficiency rate increases with the age of children. Research analysis suggests that this may be related to less outdoor activities among school-age children. While supplementing vitamin D according to the standard, more infants should be taken outdoors for activities and school-age children should also increase their outdoor activity time and adjust their diet by adding foods rich in calcium.
Calcium
The use of calcium-fortified dietary supplements is becoming more common, which may be related to parents' increasing focus on children's physical development in recent years. For newborns and infants, breast milk is an excellent source of calcium. However, if the mother has a calcium deficiency during pregnancy, has multiple fetuses, or if there is insufficient breast milk, or if the newborn is premature or has a low birth weight, fortified breast milk or special formula milk should be used. Research on nutrient intake in children aged 3-12 shows that the older the children, the higher the proportion of calcium deficiency, with school-age children having the highest proportion. This study also indicates that school-age children have lower usage of calcium-fortified supplements compared to pre-school children, so more attention should be paid to supplementing calcium for school-age children. In China, apart from the breastfeeding stage, children consume relatively little dairy products, and leafy green vegetables provide some calcium but with low absorption rates. Therefore, school-age children can increase their intake of dairy products and other high-calcium foods in their diet, and children should be encouraged to engage in weight-bearing activities such as running and jumping, which is not only beneficial for calcium deposition in children's bones but may also have a certain effect on preventing osteoporosis in adulthood.
Iron
The incidence of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia is higher in infants and young children in China than in preschool and pre-school children. The main risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia in infants and young children include premature birth, low birth weight, intestinal bleeding, and recurrent infections. In the first few months of life, the source of iron for infants is limited, so attention should be paid to iron supplementation during pregnancy to increase the iron reserves of infants at birth, and regular prenatal checkups should be conducted to avoid risk factors such as premature birth or low birth weight. Although breast milk contains low levels of iron, even with good absorption, it is not sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of infants over 6 months old. Therefore, iron-rich complementary foods should be added in a timely manner, and iron-fortified foods should be added if necessary. When children are in a state of recurrent infections or other illnesses, blood routine should be monitored instead of trace elements, and iron deficiency should be detected early and iron supplements should be taken as prescribed by a doctor
Zinc
Similar to iron deficiency, infants have relatively high efficiency in absorbing zinc from breast milk, but the actual amount of zinc absorbed is still low. Moreover, regardless of the zinc intake or status of the lactating mother, the zinc concentration in breast milk drops sharply at around 6 months. Therefore, timely introduction of complementary foods is especially important. Repeated episodes of diarrhea and respiratory infections can affect the absorption of zinc and are also high-risk factors for zinc deficiency. According to the clinical consensus on the prevention and treatment of pediatric zinc deficiency in China, zinc supplementation should be done using water-soluble and easily absorbable zinc supplements.
DHA
The nutritional status of DHA is closely related to maternal and infant health. Suitable levels of DHA are beneficial in reducing the risk of preterm birth, promoting fetal growth, and have a positive impact on the neurological and visual development of infants and young children. It may also influence the immune regulation and sleep activity of infants. The human body primarily obtains the required DHA from the diet, with dietary sources including breast milk, egg yolk, fish, and seaweed. Full-term infants who are exclusively breastfed do not need additional DHA supplementation. In cases where exclusive breastfeeding is not feasible, formula milk with added DHA should be used. For young children, attention should be paid to providing a diet rich in DHA.
HSF Biotech is a leading producer of DHA oil/powder derived from microalgae, specifically Schizochytrium sp. This high-quality DHA oil/powder is widely used in various formulations such as infant formula, dietary supplements, and softgel capsules. It serves as a crucial ingredient for children's DHA dietary supplementation.
Compared to fish oil, HSF Biotech's DHA oil/powder offers several advantages.
It is an environmentally friendly alternative since it is sourced from microalgae rather than fish. This sustainable approach helps conserve marine resources and reduces the impact on ocean ecosystems.
HSF Biotech's DHA oil/powder is completely natural, ensuring a clean and pure source of DHA. It undergoes rigorous quality control processes to maintain its nutritional integrity. This natural origin contributes to its better acceptance among consumers, especially children, who may be sensitive to fishy tastes or odors commonly associated with fish oil-based supplements.
Its superior bioavailability. The DHA present in this formulation is highly bioaccessible, meaning it is readily absorbed by the body and efficiently utilized. This enhanced absorption ensures that the beneficial effects of DHA are maximized, promoting optimal brain development and overall cognitive function in children.
HSF Biotech's DHA oil/powder derived from microalgae is a valuable ingredient for formulating various supplements, including children's DHA dietary supplements. With its eco-friendly nature, natural origin, lack of fishy taste, and improved absorption, it stands as an excellent choice for those seeking a sustainable and effective source of DHA supplementation.
Non-nutritional dietary supplements
Non-nutritional dietary supplements mainly refer to dietary supplements that are not minerals or vitamins, such as melatonin, prebiotics, and dietary fiber. Their primary purpose is not to provide nutrients but to promote sleep, regulate the intestines, and modulate the immune system, among others. Studies have shown that the use of non-nutritional dietary supplements has increased more significantly in recent years compared to nutritional supplements. This trend is consistent with advancements in research on prebiotics, dietary fiber, and may be related to the increased awareness of child health among parents. Although the application of non-nutritional dietary supplements is more widespread than before, there is currently a lack of high-quality evidence to recommend their use in children. Furthermore, non-nutritional dietary supplements may interact with prescription drugs. Therefore, it is recommended that parents consult with healthcare professionals before choosing non-nutritional dietary supplements, especially when children are undergoing treatment with prescription medications
The correct feeding practices for dietary supplements
The optimal nutrition not only depends on the nutrients themselves but also on the feeding practices. Generally, healthy infants and young children can meet their recommended intake solely from food, and dietary supplements are primarily used for children with specific nutritional needs or marginal nutrient deficiencies. However, existing research shows that most children use dietary supplements without guidance from doctors or other healthcare providers, highlighting the importance of proper utilization of dietary supplements. Currently, there are various forms of dietary supplements available, including granules, drops, oral liquids, and commonly seen candy-like supplements in the market. Candy-like supplements may pose risks of unclear nutrient dosage and potential overconsumption by children, exceeding safe levels. Nevertheless, studies indicate that repeated exposure to dietary supplements, regardless of whether they contain sugar, increases children's acceptance, suggesting that parents do not need to specifically choose candy-like supplements that appeal to children. Even if children initially refuse to take dietary supplements, repeated attempts should be made.
In a word, a diversified diet forms the basis of adequate nutritional intake. Parents are advised to provide children with balanced and moderate diets and, based on this foundation, develop a proper understanding of dietary supplements. If parents of children truly have a need for dietary supplements, they should choose appropriate ones under medical guidance and avoid excessive intake.
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