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Children are not small adults, especially when it comes to dietary supplements. Many dietary supplements haven’t been tested in children. And because children’s bodies aren’t fully developed, the side effects of these products in children may differ from those in adults. Here are some things to know about dietary supplements for children:
- Each year, about 4,600 children go to the emergency room because of dietary supplements. Most took a vitamin or mineral supplement when unsupervised.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend multivitamins for healthy children and teens who eat a varied diet. It’s best if they can get their vitamins from foods.
- Melatonin, a hormone used as a sleep aid for children, appears safe for short-term use, but its long-term effects are uncertain.
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