Use of dietary supplements by children and adolescents

Objectives

Narrative review evaluating the use of dietary supplements by children and adolescents.

Data source

The terms “dietary supplements”, “children” and “adolescents” were used in combination in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases, between 2000 and 2023, evaluating studies in humans, published in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.

Data synthesis

The use of dietary supplements by children and adolescents has increased in recent decades. The most commonly used supplements are vitamins, minerals, trace elements, proteins, amino acids, melatonin, fatty acids, probiotics and energy drinks.

Conclusion

Despite having specific indications, most of the time they are not prescribed by a healthcare professional. The reasons for use are varied. In children, the main reasons are protection against infections, stimulating growth, and poor food intake, with multivitamins and minerals being the most commonly used supplements. In adolescents, they are used to improve athletic performance and attain the “ideal body”, with proteins and amino acids being the most often used nutrients. As they are not regulated by health agencies and are sold without a prescription, their unsupervised use can lead to inadequate doses, with inefficiency or overdose risk. As for compounding formulations, or when available in preparations with multiple nutrients, the chance of errors increases. It is essential that pediatricians advise parents and patients about the indications, risks and benefits, prescribing them when necessary.