Pediatrician’s Recommendation on Nutritional Supplements for Growing Children
At Chettinad Super Speciality Hospital, Chennai, our pediatricians emphasize that children have unique nutritional needs during periods of rapid growth—especially in the first three years of life and again during adolescence. While a healthy, balanced diet should be the primary source of nutrition, many children require nutritional supplements to support healthy growth, immunity, and development.
Supplementation in Infancy
Vitamin D Exclusively breastfed infants should receive oral Vitamin D supplements until 1 year of age. This supports strong bone mineralisation and healthy teeth.
Preterm or Low-Birth-Weight Babies Infants born before 34 weeks or weighing under 2000 grams need additional multivitamins, calcium, and iron until they catch up in growth. Pediatricians at Chettinad Super Speciality Hospital tailor these supplements during follow-up visits.
Vitamin K at Birth As a standard protocol, all newborns receive a Vitamin K injection to prevent bleeding problems caused by Vitamin K deficiency.
Supplementation in Children
In an ideal scenario, children would get all essential nutrients from a balanced diet. However, due to picky eating, poor food habits, or lack of dietary awareness, supplementation is often required to fill nutritional gaps.
Vitamin A
Children aged 6 months to 5 years should consume green leafy vegetables and yellow/red fruits (mango, papaya).
Vitamin A supplements, available as syrups (government supply) or capsules (private sector), are recommended once every 6 months.
These supplements help prevent corneal blindness and improve the health of the skin, gut, and respiratory system.
Iron
Supplementation is advised from 6 months to 60 months, and again during adolescence—especially in female children.
Iron deficiency is common due to low intake, worm infestation, or poor absorption.
Dietary Sources of Iron: ragi, red meat, jaggery, green leafy vegetables, and foods cooked in cast iron utensils.
Deworming every 6 months is recommended to reduce deficiency risk.
Dosage: Iron may be given biweekly as prophylaxis or daily as treatment (minimum 3 months to 1 year).
At Chettinad Super Speciality Hospital, Chennai, pediatricians stress regular follow-ups to ensure iron supplementation is safe and effective.
Nutrition in Adolescents & Sports
Adolescents who exercise regularly generally do not require sports drinks or protein powders.
Hydration with 2–3 litres of water, tender coconut water, and bananas is usually sufficient.
Protein powders may cause more harm than good, especially in dehydration.
Instead, a balanced diet rich in eggs, dairy products, lentils, and pulses can provide the additional protein needed for growth and physical activity.
Key Takeaway
While a balanced diet remains the best way to meet children’s nutritional needs, micronutrient supplementation plays a vital role in preventing deficiencies and supporting healthy growth.
If you are concerned about your child’s nutrition, growth, or supplementation needs, consult the pediatric experts at Chettinad Super Speciality Hospital, Chennai, for personalized guidance and care.