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As the living standards in Hong Kong have been rising tremendously, a lot of the parents turn to give vitamin or mineral supplements to their children daily, they believe "the more the better". Asking from a nutrition viewpoint, do children really need to rely on supplements for better health? The daily requirements of nutrients for growing children have well been established in many developed countries. China, the U.S. and U.K. all have their recommended dietary allowances. If we take Vitamin A for discussion, it is a fat-soluble vitamin and is being stored in the liver. When ingested in excessive amount, it can lead to toxicity and damage to the liver. Whereas the function of supplements is to compensate for eating habits that consistently do not meet the minimum daily servings. For instance, children growing up in a vegetarian eating family are likely to develop anemia due to the avoidance of meat products. Thus it is important for them to take Vitamin B complex and iron pills. A Well Balanced diet is based on the Food Guide Pyramid, to include grain products, vegetables, fruits, meat/fish/poultry & alternates, and dairy products. With appropriate portions, all requirements for vitamins and minerals can be met adequately. During the growing stage, children are characterized by active learning and development. Relying on the use of vitamin and mineral supplements will only jeopardize their chance of establishing a god eating habit. Children are the future owners of our society, the chance of letting them to explore on a well balanced diet becomes very important! The above information has been prepared by the Dietetic
Services of the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital. |
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