At what age is it appropriate for vitamins to be introduced?

[servant41]

Our oldest ( out of 2 ), doesn't always get all of the nutrients she
needs. She is 31 months old now. We were considering Flintstones or
Bugs Bunny vitamins. Opinions?
God Bless, Eric

[sanyad]

Hi Eric,
Both the American Medical Association and the American Dietetic Association recommend that healthy children should get all their nutrients from foods rather than vitamin supplements.The nutrients that are most likely to be deficient in a child's diet are calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, and vitamin B-6. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not support routine supplementation for normal, healthy children. However, there is no significant risk if a parent wishes to give their child a standard pediatric multi-vitamin. :)

You may check additional info on this http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/002455rec.htm

[Naominjw]

I think it would depend on whether the child has problems, or whether she seems perfectly healthy.

I wish we knew back when my daughter was a toddler what we know now because I would have already had her on fish oil and ubiquinone even at the age of 2 when she first had distinct neurological problems. But I also would have changed her to a gluten-free diet, given probiotics, etc... if we'd known back then what we know now.

So... yeah... in hindsight, or if we could have a "do-over" even at 24 months old we would have had our younger daughter on nutritional supplementation.

So... it depends. I would talk it over with the pediatrician, and also, if it is a chewable or liquid multi-vitamin, check the label for age.

"Naomi"

[servant41]

Thanks Naomi. We began a generic "gummy" vitamin a 2 months ago. She is now just over 33 months o9ld. We ( my wife and I ), seem to think that she has ADD. And speaking as someone who firmly believes that he had ADHD as a child, though un Dxed, I think that she is in the begining stages of it. By the way, I have Tourettes Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Both in a mild form.
Our oldest, of whom I am speaking of here, I term as our , " Energizer Bunny " on steroids. She is one busy girl. She is a defiant child, mostly to Mommy, but a little less with me. I hope that she isn't beging to play favorites.

[Naominjw]

We ( my wife and I ), seem to think that she has ADD. And speaking as someone who firmly believes that he had ADHD as a child, though un Dxed, I think that she is in the begining stages of it. By the way, I have Tourettes Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Both in a mild form.

;-) My younger daughter, too! If so, maybe you can start early with the fish oil long-chained omega-3 fatty acids. There are some that are made like pudding (don't ask me how!) See here...http://itsnotmental.blogspot.com/2008/02/fish-oil-and-favorite-brands-of-omega-3.html Made for the younger children.

I have many things I'd change in hindsight and with current knowledge & new things available. The fish oil is one of those things!

[servant41]

I take Flaxseed oil every other day. Is this ok as well?