11.01.07
Dietary supplement use is rising steadily among children, according to new research published in the October issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. While most children take supplements in the form of multivitamins and minerals, there is a small percentage that also takes botanicals. For their research, investigators evaluated data from over 10,000 children 18 and younger, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2002. Those using the highest percentage of supplements were between four and eight years old. Further, children from higher income families were more likely to take supplements. And among those taking supplements, they were more likely to be a bit thinner.
Researchers believe that given such extensive use of supplements among children, nutrient intakes from dietary supplements must be included to obtain accurate estimates of overall nutrient intake in children in the future.
Researchers believe that given such extensive use of supplements among children, nutrient intakes from dietary supplements must be included to obtain accurate estimates of overall nutrient intake in children in the future.