Half of parents regularly give their children dietary supplements

Kids can be stubborn when it comes to eating healthy food on the plate

Now, a new national survey confirms once again that picky eating is a common challenge in parenting

According to the University of Michigan Health CS Mott Children's National Survey of Children's Health, more than half of parents find it difficult to get their children to eat a balanced diet, and half of parents say their children take supplements regularly

"A balanced diet can help children get the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development," said Sarah Clark, MD, PhD, public health co-director of the Mott Poll.

For many parents, however, the reality is that getting kids to eat healthy food isn't always easy

About one-third of parents said their children were picky eaters, and one-third felt they weren't eating enough fruits and vegetables

Another potential hurdle is cost

"We know that fresh, healthy foods can be more expensive than processed or packaged foods, which are often higher in sodium and added sugars," Clark said

"Parents are especially frustrated when children waste or refuse to eat healthy food

Most parents surveyed give their children dietary supplements, and more than three-quarters take multivitamins

More than one in five people take supplements of omega 3s, fatty acids that support cell growth and brain development

About one-third of parents said their child had tried supplements but did not take them regularly

Parents considering supplements may need to choose from a variety of products and formulations that may claim specific health benefits

"Dietary supplements are often used to increase the amount of vitamins a child is getting through their regular diet," Clark said
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"But parents may not always know if their child is getting the proper nutrition
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"The use of dietary supplements in children is an important health decision that needs to be discussed with a doctor, yet less than half of parents who give supplements to their children have spoken to their child's health provider
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She said it was unclear whether this lack of counseling was due to providers not asking about children's nutritional issues, or whether parents felt that supplement use did not require professional advice or other reasons
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Compared with higher-income parents, parents from low-income households were also less likely to discuss supplement use with their child's healthcare provider, the report said
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“Providers should be diligent in discussing nutrition with families so they can understand what a healthy diet should include and use supplements appropriately,” she said
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“In situations where families cannot afford to provide a healthy diet, providers may Parents are directed to participate in social service programs that can help
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She noted that because supplements are classified as foods by the US Food and Drug Administration (fda), they are not subject to the same premarket evaluation and review as drugs
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"There is limited research on supplements' safety, efficacy and potential side effects in children
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But some parents may not realize that supplements have not been rigorously tested and approved by the FDA," Clark said
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"To minimize the risk of taking supplements, parents should share their concerns about their child's diet with a pediatrician who can help them determine the best strategies to improve the nutritional quality of their child's diet and decide whether to recommend supplementation
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