In today’s world of fast food, parents are rightly concerned that their children are getting proper nutrition. One problem is that children can be picky eaters. Having access to sugary junk food doesn’t help with that problem either. Some children only eat certain foods. A big problem in food control is that the child refuses to eat at the table and then asks for an unhealthy snack later, or perhaps steals a cookie from an unsuspecting grandfather or aunt.

To cover the bases, it’s a good idea to supplement with children’s vitamins. Even if the diet is adequate, due to modern agricultural methods where food is grown on impoverished soils, it is a good idea to supplement to make up the difference. It is no longer the day of small farms, where vegetable waste and manure were added to the soil to enrich it. Today, the fields are devoid of vitamins and minerals.

There are companies that create and package vitamins in a way that appeals to children. This can involve fun shapes and colors. You can also include vitamin-enriched children’s shakes. While many are using gummy bear type vitamins, it is important to realize that it may be a bad idea. The gummy part is not good for the teeth. They stick to the teeth. Also, children can treat gummy vitamins like candy and consume too many. That’s not good. Too good can be bad when it comes to vitamins. If a child takes too many vitamins, contact your healthcare professional or even your local poison control center.

Sometimes a pediatrician prescribes vitamins to a child. If so, buy the best available. There are quality differences. Vitamins are up for debate among doctors. Some feel they are necessary. Some feel that they are not necessary if people eat properly. The fact is, who really follows the food pyramid? As an adult, do you eat five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables every day? Your son? Supplementation is a good idea, but you can contact your pediatrician first.

One thing is certain. Vitamins are not a substitute for good food. They are also not supposed to be a quick fix to an ongoing junk food diet. Teach your child about nutrition. Do things to make nutritious foods taste good. Make eating right fun. You can ask a child to help you prepare food in some way. You can find an alternative to foods that a child does not like. For example, if a child does not like milk, see if he eats raw almonds, which contain calcium. Let your child help you choose some fruits and vegetables when you go shopping. Make vegetable pizzas for lunch or dinner. By using some of these tips, you will find that you can help your child eat a better diet and get the nutrition he or she needs.