What will happen if children take supplements

Children taking supplements may lead to nutritional imbalance or health risks, and it is recommended to use them with caution under the guidance of a doctor. The nutrition required for children's growth and development is mainly obtained through a balanced diet. Blindly supplementing may lead to problems such as precocious puberty, increased liver and kidney burden, and allergic reactions.

1. Nutritional imbalance

If a child's daily diet meets their needs, additional supplementation of vitamins or minerals may interfere with nutrient absorption. For example, excessive calcium can affect the absorption of iron and zinc, and excessive vitamin A may cause headaches and vomiting. The nutrients in natural foods are more easily utilized by children's bodies, and the synthetic components in supplements may disrupt the original metabolic balance.

2. Risk of precocious puberty

Some supplements contain hormone analogues or growth promoting ingredients, such as royal jelly, ginseng, etc., which may stimulate children's gonadal development. Clinical manifestations include early breast development and advanced bone age, which may affect the final height. The interference of such supplements on the endocrine system is often irreversible.

3. Liver and kidney injury

Children's liver and kidney metabolic function is not yet fully developed, and excessive supplement ingredients need to be excreted through liver and kidney breakdown. Long term excessive protein powder may increase renal filtration load, and accumulation of fat soluble vitamins may cause liver cell damage. Some Chinese medicinal supplements still have the hidden danger of excessive heavy metals.

4. Allergic reactions

The complex components in supplements can easily become allergens, such as protein powder which may cause urticaria, and deep-sea fish oil which may cause respiratory edema. Children's immune systems are in a developmental stage, and their allergic reactions to unfamiliar substances are often more severe than those of adults. In severe cases, allergic shock may occur.

5. Formation of Dependence

Long term dependence on supplements may weaken children's normal appetite, leading to picky eating habits. The adaptive changes of gut microbiota to artificial nutrients may reduce their ability to digest and absorb natural foods. This behavior pattern may also affect children's ability to establish correct dietary concepts.

Children's nutritional supplements should prioritize natural ingredients, such as milk providing calcium, eggs containing high-quality protein, and animal liver rich in iron. When it is necessary to use supplements, a pediatrician must evaluate the degree of deficiency, choose a suitable dosage form for children, and strictly follow medical advice to control the dosage and cycle. Regularly monitor the growth and development curve, observe for adverse reactions such as changes in appetite and abnormal bleeding. Parents should avoid using supplements as a psychological placebo, and cultivating children's diverse eating habits is fundamental.