Enhancing Kids’ Immune System: Do Vitamin Supplements Work?

With the start of the new school year, the arrival of flu season, and the lingering effects of COVID-19, children's immune health is more important than ever.

It's not surprising that so many parents turn to vitamin supplements in the hopes of bolstering their children's immune systems. After all, vitamins are critical to immune function. A variety of other methods of boosting the immune system have been found in studies as well. In reality, they can be ineffective at times.

First, let's explain why supplements aren't always the answer and look at other ways to support your child's immune health before we look at the best vitamins for children's immune systems.

Is Taking Vitamin Supplements a Good Idea?

"Boosting the immune system" is a flawed concept, according to Harvard Medical School. The majority of people do not get enough health benefits from vitamin supplements alone. Your immune system can be supported by a well-balanced diet and lifestyle factors such as proper hygiene and regular exercise.

This isn't always the case, of course. Vitamin supplements can be helpful for some children. The following are a few examples:

• Children Who Are Breastfed Are Better Off

There is a lack of Vitamin D in breast milk, which is essential for bone growth and other bodily functions. Infants who are breastfed should be given with 400 IU of vitamin D per day for the first few days of life, according to recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. You can reach out to any trustworthy doctor dispensing medication in office to understand the dosage carefully.

• Feeding Them with Plant-Based Diet

Vegetarian and vegan diets have many health advantages, but they can also lead to nutrient deficiencies. Some of the most common are vitamin B12 and vitamin D, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (all of which are important for immune health).

• Children Suffering from Malabsorption

When the body doesn't absorb certain nutrients from food, it's known as malabsorption. Vitamin and mineral supplementation may be necessary if your child suffers from a deficiency. Supplements may be necessary if a medication causes malabsorption and must be taken with food.

• Food Allergies and Certain Chronic Diseases

Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can occur as a result of some diseases, such as rickets in children. Supplements can be a great help in these situations, as they can boost your child's immune system. Some food allergies, on the other hand, make it more difficult for children to get the nutrients they need. However, in most cases, alternative food sources can meet your child's nutritional needs without the need for supplementation.

• Eaters Who Are Difficult to Please

Vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary for children who are extremely picky eaters if they are not getting enough nutrients from their diets. One sign that your child requires nutritional support is a dearth of fruits and vegetables in their diet. The use of supplements for picky eaters should only be used as a temporary solution. Your child's immune system can benefit from a well-rounded diet as their nutritional needs develop.

• Immune-Boosting Vitamins For Children

The way in which vitamins are absorbed is just as important as the vitamins themselves when it comes to boosting your children's immune systems. As long as the right conditions are met, supplementation can be an excellent way for children to meet their nutritional needs.

A well-balanced diet is usually sufficient for most children in terms of getting the minerals and nutrients they need. Healthy lifestyle factors such as exercise, moderate sun exposure, good hygiene and immunizations may not be necessary to support their immune systems if this is the case.

Contact PD-RX Pharmaceuticals today if you or your child are looking for nutritional advice or a vitamin/mineral supplement, and our doctors dispensing medication in office will point you in the right direction. With multiple locations across the state of Oklahoma, we are more than happy to assist you

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.