Surprising Facts

Think your kids are getting enough essential vitamins and minerals? Think again!

Half of youngsters aren't meeting the recommended intake for calcium; two-thirds are falling short on vitamin E and zinc; and almost one-third aren't getting the iron they need from their diets, according to research from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).

The trend is as worrisome as it is surprising. Kids who don't get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diets, for example, may have weak bones that are more prone to breaks. And children who have even mild anemia from a lack of iron can have problems with learning, behavior and staying awake in school, says Dr. Nathaniel Beers, MD, a pediatrician at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC.

The good news: Helping kids get the vitamins and minerals they need may be easier than you think. Here are the facts you need to know.

Natural Sources vs. Supplements

When it comes to vitamin and mineral needs, food sources are the best option. Your child's body absorbs nutrients better from food, says Dr. Beers. Still, supplements may play an important role in keeping some kids healthy.

Multivitamins may be helpful for picky eaters, explains Dr. Beers. "If your child eats only one fruit or vegetable, for example, it's challenging to make sure they're getting a balance of nutrition. In an ideal world, they'd get five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, but the reality is many kids like either fruits or vegetables and they may not get that variety they need." So in those cases, a multivitamin might make sense.

But supplements are not necessary for all children. "Kids who eat a balanced diet don't need a multivitamin," says Dr. Stephen Daniels, MD, a pediatrician at The Children's Hospital in Denver, Colorado. "Parents should focus on offering their kids healthy food choices rather than relying on a multivitamin to make up for a poor diet."