Dr. Zaslow emphasizes the importance of providing an array of nutrient-dense foods to help meet your growing teen’s needs rather than relying solely on supplements.
Article Link: Best Multivitamins For Teens Of 2024 – Forbes Health
Multivitamins can be a simple and effective way to help round out a teen’s diet and provide important nutrients that they might be falling short of. This is especially important for teenagers with increased nutrient needs, strict dietary restrictions or picky palates. Fortunately, there are several multivitamins on the market tailored specifically to teens, which can help them get all of the vitamins and minerals they need.
Which Vitamins and Minerals Do Teens Need?
“The three most important vitamins and minerals to children and adolescents’ developing and active bodies include iron, vitamin D and calcium,” explains Tracy Zaslow, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles/Tracy.
Iron deficiency can occur in teens that don’t regularly consume meat, according to Dr. Zaslow, adding that blood loss during menstruation or iron loss in athletes can also contribute, as iron can be lost through sweat during exercise. Meanwhile, calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health, and a deficiency can increase the risk of bone problems, fatigue, weakness and depression, she says.
Do Teens Need a Multivitamin?
“According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, children and teens who consume a well-balanced diet do not need extra vitamin supplementation beyond the recommended dietary allowance (RDA),” says Dr. Zaslow.
However, she notes that certain groups might benefit from taking a multivitamin to help round out their diet, including teens who:
- Follow restrictive diets (including vegans, vegetarians, very picky eaters and those with dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance or a sensitivity to gluten)
- Have a poor appetite
- Have any underlying medical conditions that may affect nutrient absorption
If your child falls into any of these categories, Dr. Zaslow recommends consulting with a pediatrician to determine whether or not supplementation may be beneficial.
What to Look for in a Multivitamin for Teens
There are several factors to consider when shopping for a multivitamin for your teenager, including:
- Nutrients: Look for a product that contains the nutrients that are most important for teens, including iron, vitamin D and calcium, says Dr. Zaslow.
- Dosage: Consider choosing a multivitamin tailored to the needs of teens specifically. Additionally, keep in mind that consuming high amounts of certain vitamins and minerals can negatively affect health. “Iron and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) can accumulate to dangerous levels when supplements are improperly taken,” explains Dr. Zaslow.
- Third-party testing: “Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration [in the same way as medications], and studies have shown supplements may contain contaminants and have labels that do not accurately reflect the contents,” notes Dr. Zaslow. Choosing supplements tested by a third-party can help verify the quality, safety and purity of products.
“It bears repeating that supplementation plans should always be discussed with your child’s pediatrician,” says Dr. Zaslow. She also emphasizes the importance of providing an array of nutrient-dense foods to help meet your child’s needs rather than relying solely on supplements.
