Mom and Dad may be familiar with vitamins in the form of chewy candy or gummy vitamins. Not only in pharmacies, this vitamin is sold in many supermarkets that sell various types of food products. But before giving it to your little one, you should first find out the positive and negative sides of this type of vitamin.
Vitamins in the form of chewy candy may be more attractive to your little one because they have adorable shapes and colors. In addition, the taste is also relatively sweeter, so the child feels as if he is eating candy.
Positive and Negative Sides of Vitamins in the Shape of Chewy Candy
Basically, vitamin supplements for children are not always needed to meet nutritional needs. Generally, the nutrition from the food consumed by children is sufficient to meet the needs of the body. But for children who need additional vitamins, maybe vitamins in the form of chewy candy can be an option.
Vitamins in the form of chewy candy are usually intended for children who lack appetite and find it difficult to swallow vitamins in solid form.
However, this chewy candy-shaped vitamin has a negative side that needs to be considered, including increasing the risk of obesity and tooth decay. This is due to the relatively higher sugar content compared to other types of vitamins.
In addition, vitamins in the form of chewy candy may also contain fewer nutrients than other types of vitamins.
Tips for Safe Consuming Vitamins in the Form of Chewy Candy for Children
Giving vitamins to children, including those in the form of chewy candy, should not be done excessively and should be done in consultation with a pediatrician. Vitamins in the form of chewing gum are not recommended for children under 2 years of age, because they are more at risk of choking.
In addition, the following things also need to be considered before consuming vitamins in the form of chewy candy:
Pay attention to the sugar content
Make sure parents choose chewy vitamins that contain low sugar content and do not contain artificial coloring. This is useful for preventing children's teeth from being damaged. Don't forget to invite your little one to brush their teeth after taking chewy vitamins.
Give vitamins according to the dose
The delicious taste of chewy vitamins makes children want to continue consuming them. However, parents should give chewy vitamins according to the prescribed dosage. Usually chewy vitamins should only be consumed once a day. Don't let your little one think of chewy vitamins as candy and consume them in excessive doses.
Meet the nutritional needs of children
Another thing that is no less important to note is to always make sure the nutritional needs of children are met. Parents can meet the needs of iron, calcium, and other nutrients that are not in chewy vitamins by giving children nutritious foods, or other types of vitamin supplements recommended by doctors.
As with other vitamin supplements for children, Mom and Dad need to pay attention to the dose of vitamins in the form of chewy candy. Don't think of this vitamin as an ordinary candy.
Mothers and fathers should also consult a pediatrician before giving vitamins to children, including vitamins in the form of chewy candy.
