A national poll reveals that almost half of parents report struggling with their child's diet for various reasons. The survey also revealed that most parents had given their child dietary supplements, including multivitamins, probiotics, Omega 3, or specific vitamins and minerals.
The national poll was conducted by the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital on parents of children aged one to ten years old, and they were asked about their views on a child's diet and use of supplements¸HealthDay reports.
Parents struggle to let their kids eat healthy
The struggle to let kids eat a healthy diet is a more common problem among parents than we may think, as the survey revealed that almost half of the parents report various feeding issues with their kids.
The survey showed that almost half of the parents struggle with their child's diet. The problems include the child being a picky eater (35%), not getting enough fruits and vegetables (31%), not getting enough vitamins and minerals (13%), and not getting enough fiber (9%).
On the other hand, only 52% of the parents say that their kids eat a well-balanced diet. A significant number, 47%, think it is expensive to feed their child a healthy diet.
The poll also revealed that almost all parents resort to giving their kids dietary supplements like multivitamins, probiotics, Omega 3, and specific vitamin and minerals.
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Kids taking the dietary supplement
Fatherly reports that for parents who feel that their kids do not eat a well-balanced diet, 53 percent have them regularly take the dietary supplement instead of changing diets.
Meanwhile, the poll revealed that among parents who feel that their child does not eat a well-balanced diet, 51 percent of the parents still had dietary supplements.
The preference for dietary supplements is also linked with the parent's economic status. Parents with an income of more than $100,000 are more likely to use nutritional supplements than parents with less than $50,000.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said that healthy kids with a well-balanced diet do not need vitamin supplementation over and above its recommended daily allowance.
AAP also recommends that parents speak to their kids before they take supplements, reminding the parents that there is less regulation to monitor the vitamin and dietary supplements than the medicinal drug at drug stores.
The study also indicated that only 47 percent of parents reported discussing with their child's doctor.
The realities of preparing healthy food
Another struggle of parents is buying foods that children like and foods that are healthy.
According to Nays.Org, most parents understand that they should provide healthy food for their children. However, the realities of working schedules, kids' activities, and food preferences of kids make meal preparation a hectic and frustrating experience.
Most parents in the poll agree that it is crucial to promote a healthy diet for their children.
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