My wife and I are fortunate enough to have two little granddaughters; the oldest is about two and ½ years old, and the youngest is just shy of 9 months.  We recently had the opportunity to have the oldest one spend a week with us in Dickinson, which was fun, taking me back to my younger years as a parent.  I also learned a few things during the week-long visit. 

There is a reason we have children when we are young, in our 20s, 30s, and 40s, because the sheer amount of energy it takes to care for them is amazing—one of the days during the week, our day started at 3:30 am, which made the rest of the day just a little more difficult.

We also found out that it is tough to get the regular stuff that needs to be done on a day-to-day basis because you are busy during the day and resting at the end of the day because you are out of energy or your day started at 3:30 am.

The mind of a little person is impressive.  I could sit and watch her all day as she figures things out and problem solves issues that pop up.  Their little minds are processing so much new information and watching them do it is incredible.

Was having a little one in the house at times awkward and foreign?  Yes, of course.  Would I trade the time we spent with her, never?  It reminds me of the credit card company, where they list many things they purchased with their credit card, and the last thing they do, in this case, spending time with their granddaughter, is priceless.

One of the concerns I have for the next generation revolves around food quality and nutritional status.  Studies show that the food we eat does not have the nutritional value we need compared to 50 years ago.  Interestingly, more thought and research aren't into improving our food supply.  When we don't get the nutrients we need from our food sources, dietary supplements can fill in the gaps our diets don't fulfill. 

Dietary supplements play a significant role in supporting the nutritional needs of pediatric patients, especially during critical growth and development stages.  While a balanced diet is essential, certain circumstances may necessitate additional nutrient intake.  This article explores the benefits, safety considerations, and common dietary supplements recommended for pediatric patients.  It is important to note that healthcare professionals should guide any dietary supplement regimen to ensure appropriate dosage and suitability for individual needs.

Optimal nutrition is vital for the healthy growth and development of children.  Adequate nutrient intake contributes to their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.  However, certain medical conditions, restricted diets, picky eating habits, or inadequate nutrient absorption may hinder children from receiving essential nutrients solely through diet.  In such cases, dietary supplements can bridge the nutritional gap and support overall health.

When considering dietary supplements for pediatric patients, several factors should be considered:

•        Pediatricians, dietitians, or qualified healthcare providers should be consulted to determine the necessity and suitability of specific supplements based on a child's unique needs and medical history.

•        Supplements must be available in forms appropriate for different age groups, ensuring safety and ease of administration.

•        Look for supplements from reputable manufacturers that adhere to strict quality control measures, such as third-party testing and certification.

•        Proper dosage is crucial to prevent adverse effects or imbalances.  Dosage guidelines should be followed as recommended by healthcare professionals.

The most common dietary supplements that are taken by the pediatric population revolve around the core four nutrients, multivitamins, fish oil, vitamin D, and probiotics.  I have written extensively about these nutrients and their need in your daily regimen as foundational nutrition.

•        Multivitamins: These supplements provide a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.  Pediatric multivitamins are available in age-specific formulations, accounting for varying nutrient needs at different developmental stages.

•        Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are crucial for brain development and cognitive function.  They are commonly derived from fish oil and may be recommended for children who do not consume enough fatty fish.

•        Vitamin D: Essential for bone health, vitamin D supports calcium absorption and utilization.  Adequate vitamin D levels are crucial for growing children, especially those with limited sun exposure or dietary intake.

•        Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy gut microbiome.  They can help support digestion, strengthen the immune system, and potentially alleviate specific gastrointestinal issues in pediatric patients.

•        Iron: Iron is vital to produce red blood cells and oxygen transport throughout the body.  Children at risk of iron deficiency, such as those with limited meat intake or certain medical conditions, may benefit from iron supplements after proper evaluation and diagnosis.

•        Calcium and Vitamin K: Adequate calcium intake is essential for healthy bone development, and vitamin K plays a crucial role in bone metabolism.  Supplementation may be recommended for children with insufficient dietary intake or specific health conditions affecting bone health.

While dietary supplements can play a supportive role in pediatric health, once again, they should not replace a well-balanced diet.  Looking at what your children or grandchildren are eating is the first step, and then collaborating with a healthcare professional to ensure that pediatric patients receive appropriate supplements tailored to their needs, promoting optimal growth, development, and overall well-being.

The joy and happiness received from being a grandparent are incredible, and I hope we can continue to be involved in their lives for many years.  Thinking of the time we spent with her brings a smile to my face. 

Taking care of our health by eating right and supplementing with targeted nutrients isn't only for our young people; as older adults, we must do the same.  The ability to run around with your grandkids when you reach your 70s and 80s doesn't "just" happen; you need to work on it to be active with them as you age.

My staff and I would like to help you with questions about dietary supplements for both young and old, so please call with questions or to schedule a consultation.  Please visit my website at www.irsfeldpharmacy.com to find this and other archived articles in the blog section. 

 Until next time, be vigilant about your health!!