#DietarySupplements #ChildNutrition #TeenHealth #Probiotics #VitaminsAndMinerals
Dietary supplements are increasingly consumed by children and
adolescents. Their primary purpose is to meet specific needs related to growth,
immune system support, or improved physical performance. They are also used to
compensate for nutritional deficiencies caused by unbalanced diets or dietary
restrictions.
However,
their use is not without limitations. When not supervised by
healthcare professionals, these products can lead to overdoses, side effects
such as gastrointestinal disorders or allergic reactions, and interactions with
other medical treatments. Moreover, their growing popularity may result in
excessive or inappropriate use, influenced by misconceptions or unverified
recommendations.
This study examines the use of dietary supplements among young people,
exploring their motivations, specific uses, and the perceptions of both parents
and adolescents. It also highlights the main associated risks and provides
recommendations for safe and effective use.
Dietary Supplements: How Are They Used by Young People?
This analysis is based on studies conducted between 2000 and 2023,
exploring dietary supplement use among young people. Motivations vary by age.
Research shows that in
children, supplements are primarily used to
strengthen immunity and support growth, with a strong preference for
multivitamins, iron, and calcium.
Adolescents favor proteins, amino acids, and
energy drinks, often to
increase muscle mass or achieve an "ideal
body." These choices reflect specific physiological needs but are also
influenced by cultural and social factors.
Studies also reveal that more than half of children consuming
supplements do so
without medical prescription. This decision is often
influenced by parents, friends, or advertising. The most commonly used
supplements include
vitamins and minerals. While essential for addressing
certain deficiencies, excessive consumption can lead to toxicity (e.g., vitamin
D or iron).
Proteins and amino acids, particularly popular among adolescent
athletes, may provide muscle benefits. However, unsupervised use can cause
nutritional
imbalances.
Probiotics, known for their role in treating diarrhea and boosting
immunity,
require specific strains to ensure effectiveness.
Melatonin, often
taken for sleep disorders, still lacks sufficient evidence regarding its
long-term effects.
Read next: Consumption of yoghurt and probiotics is associated with a reduced risk of sleep disorders
Boost or Risk: Should Dietary Supplements Be Regulated?
Dietary supplements help
bridge nutritional gaps and support growth. In
children, they
strengthen immunity and development. In adolescents, they are
often consumed to
enhance athletic performance or physical appearance. However,
their consumption, frequently influenced by advertising, often occurs without
medical supervision. This increases the risks of overdoses, side effects, and
interactions with other treatments, especially given the lack of regulation in
their manufacturing and distribution.
This study explored the motivations and consumption habits of dietary
supplements among children and adolescents. It also assessed their potential
benefits, risks, and the importance of a supervised approach to ensure their
effectiveness while minimizing dangers.
Dietary supplements can provide
significant benefits in specific
situations, such as proven deficiencies or increased nutritional needs due to
growth or physical activity. However, their
widespread and often poorly
supervised use exposes young people to unnecessary risks. Medical supervision
and family education on their use are essential to ensure their safety and
effectiveness.
Given the heterogeneous nature of available studies, comparisons and
conclusions remain challenging. Furthermore, the
long-term effects of dietary
supplements and their interactions with other treatments remain poorly
documented. Additional research is needed to define optimal dosages, identify
at-risk groups, and develop appropriate guidelines. Educational campaigns and
stricter control over production and distribution could ensure safer and more
effective use among young people.
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