Dr. Murali Gopal
Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)
More vitamins are not always better. A varied diet is usually safer and more sustainable than routine multivitamins for every child.
What are vitamins and minerals?
Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients needed in small amounts for growth, blood, bones, immunity, nerves, and overall health. Deficiency symptoms can be non-specific, so persistent concerns need medical review rather than guesswork.
Possible concerns
- Poor growth, tiredness, pallor, bone pain, delayed milestones, or frequent infections may need evaluation.
- Some children have no obvious signs and are detected during medical review.
- Excess supplements can also cause harm.
Who may need extra attention?
- Children with restricted diets, poor variety, chronic illness, malabsorption, low sun exposure, or food insecurity.
- Toddlers with milk-heavy diets and poor iron intake.
- Children on vegan diets, which need careful planning for B12 and other nutrients.
Home approach
Use food variety first. Supplements should be discussed with a clinician, especially for infants, chronic illness, restricted diets, or suspected deficiency.
- Use a varied diet with pulses, grains or millets, vegetables, fruits, curd or dairy, nuts and seeds in safe form, and egg, meat, or fish where used.
- Use iodised salt in family cooking in appropriate amounts.
- Avoid starting multiple tonics without a diagnosis.
- Keep supplements and iron syrups away from children to prevent accidental poisoning.
Red flags / when to seek medical review
Seek prompt or urgent care if any of these occur:
- Severe pallor, breathlessness, fainting, swelling, bone deformity, seizures, or developmental regression.
- Accidental intake of iron tablets, iron syrup, or any supplement overdose.
- Poor growth despite adequate food intake.
Important facts for parents
- Appetite tonics are not a substitute for finding the cause of poor growth or feeding difficulty.
- Supplement doses and duration should be clinician-guided.
- Food diversity is a practical daily target in most families.
Medical disclaimer
General education only This guide does not replace medical consultation, diagnosis, examination, or individualized treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Seek urgent care for red-flag symptoms. This guide has been clinician reviewed.
References
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics parent nutrition guidance.
- ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition. Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024.
- World Health Organization child nutrition resources.
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Kids Health Info vitamin D and nutrition resources.
Last reviewed: 29 June 2026.
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© Dr. Murali Gopal | For Patient Education Only This educational material is intended for parent and patient education. Reproduction, redistribution, or modification without permission is not allowed.