Beyond the multi: Children's supplements
Taken in addition to a multivitamin, these nutrients are key for young bodies, says Alan Greene, MD, author of Raising Baby Green (Wiley 2007).
| SUPPLEMENT | WHAT IT DOES | TIP | DOSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium | Builds strong bones | Calcium citrate is more easily absorbed (but is more expensive) than calcium carbonate. | 500 mg daily for ages 1-3; 800 mg for ages 4-8; 1,300 mg for ages 9-18 |
| DHA | Supports growing brains | DHA in powder form tastes better than juice or chewable forms. | 150 mg daily for ages 2-6; 300 mg for ages 7-18 |
| Probiotics | Ease diarrhea and constipation, protect against ear infections, calm eczema | To minimize antibiotic-related side effects, start probiotics during treatment and continue for as many days as the antibiotics are used. | Up to 20 billion live colony-forming units (CFUs) per day |
| Vitamin D | Keeps bones strong; lessens risk of childhood diabetes and asthma | Vitamin D3 (listed as “cholecalciferol” on labels) may be more effective than vitamin D2. | 1,000-2,000 IU daily for kids up to age 18 |
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