An Irish GP has shared the supplements she gives her two toddlers, and it’s probably not what you think.
As parents, it is our job to ensure that our babies grow into healthy children and adults and this means ensuring they have a healthy, balanced diet as much as possible, get adequate exercise and all the rest that goes along with raising a child.
But there are so many supplements and lotions, and potions on the market these days that claim to do X, Y and Z for children that it can be a bit overwhelming.
It is too easy to fall into the trap of spending a fortune on supplements when your child could be getting what they need from their food.
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Dr Doireann O’Leary shares the supplements she gives her children
Cork GP Dr Doireann O’Leary is a mum of two toddler boys and was asked about the supplements she gives them by a follower.
‘I’m a GP, a mom of two and these are the supplements that I give my children,’ she began her answer before admitting that she doesn’t do a whole lot when it comes to supplements.
Dr Doireann gives her little boys vitamin D ‘for their bones, their immune system, their mood and energy.’
She continued: ‘I pop some drops into their yogurt in the morning. The recommendation from the HSE is that adults and children take vitamin D from October to March.’
She added that she gives them probiotics after they have taken antibiotics ‘for the gut microbiome’.
‘I don’t give them continuously. I treat them more like antibiotics themselves, giving them in courses when required.’
‘And that’s it,’ she said. ‘They don’t have a large supplement stack. They have a pretty balanced diet. A few more biscuits than I would like if I’m honest. But they got their sweet tooth from me, it seems!’
However, just because her children don’t take supplements, that doesn’t mean it’s the right decision for every child.
The GP explained: ‘There are some other supplements that can be beneficial for children, like omega-3s for brain development if they’re not eating oily fish, B12 if they’re adhering to a vegan or vegetarian diet, and iron if levels are low on blood testing after discussion with their doctor.’
