Important Tips if Your Teens Want to Start Vitamins

What to Consider if Your Teens Want to Start Vitamins

As your teenager grows, their nutritional needs change, and they might start showing interest in taking supplements like multivitamins. Dr. Aaron Workman, a chiropractor at one of the highest rated auto injury medical facilities in the Lexington area, offers important insight on supplemental vitamins and teens.

For me this occurred with my oldest at 14. He ventured to our medicine cabinet and pulled out some of his mother’s multivitamins. He wanted to know if he should take one. I wanted him to understand why he would need one and we went down the rabbit hole of vitamins and their recommended doses for teens. While multivitamins can be beneficial for some individuals, it is important to approach them with caution and knowledge, especially when it comes to teenagers. Here is what you should tell your teens when they express an interest in taking multivitamins.

1. Understand the Basics: Start by explaining what multivitamins are. These supplements contain a combination of vitamins and minerals that your body needs for proper functioning. They are often taken to fill nutritional gaps. This can be important if your diet does not provide all the necessary nutrients.
2. Not a Substitute for a Healthy Diet: Emphasize that while multivitamins can be helpful, they are not a substitute for a balanced and nutritious diet. I walked my teen around the kitchen and made him look up different fruits and vegetables laying on our counter for their nutritional values. Encourage your teenager to focus on eating a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products. A well-rounded diet is the foundation of good health.
3. Check with a Healthcare Provider: Before your teenager starts taking any supplements, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. Every individual’s nutritional needs are unique, and a healthcare professional can determine if a multivitamin is necessary. They can also recommend the appropriate type and dosage based on your teen’s health status and diet. They may also support you in telling your teens they do not need the supplementation and should focus on a good dietary variety.
4. Better Choices: If your teen’s healthcare provider suggests multivitamins, help them choose a good brand. Look for products that are third-party tested for quality and purity. Remember, more is not always better when it comes to vitamins.
5. Balance is Key: Explain that getting too much of certain vitamins and minerals can be as problematic as not getting enough. For instance, although uncommon, excessive amounts of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E can build up in the body and lead to health issues. They should understand excess vitamins just get flushed down the toilet as waste by the body so more is not better.
6. Individual Needs: Help your teen understand that not everyone requires multivitamins. Some people might get all the nutrients they need from their diet alone. On the other hand, those with certain health conditions or dietary restrictions might benefit from supplementation.
7. Limitations: Be open about the fact that multivitamins are not a magic solution. They will not instantly boost energy or make you immune to illnesses. Good health comes from a consistent combination of factors, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep.

Multivitamins can play a role in supporting health, but they are not something everyone would have to take. Rather than just buy them vitamins, give them the information as to why they would need a vitamin and how their foods can impact this need. This way, they will be empowered to make informed choices about their health and well-being as they navigate the exciting journey of their teens.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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Have you been in a car accident? If you or somebody you know has been in a car accident, be sure that you seek medical attention from a car accident doctor or car accident chiropractor to treat your injuries. Visit Chambers Medical Group  to receive world-class medical treatment for your injuries.

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