Vitamin drops

[BertieBotts]

I have been advised by my health visitor that my 17mo DS should have vitamin drops, because he doesn't eat a lot, and because he seems to have lost weight - I am not sure he actually has lost weight TBH, he was weighed at about 13 months with clothes on (and possibly a quite wet nappy) and then at 16 months, he weighed less, but he was naked and also kept trying to climb off the scales so probably not the most accurate measurement. There was a difference of about 300g. And he has started walking in between this time, so is probably more active than he was anyway.

I don't think that he needs vitamin drops, he doesn't eat much, but most of what he does eat is healthy and I am still breastfeeding and that should provide him with any vitamins he is lacking from is food, is this correct?

They are coming round again and TBH I think they are a bit concerned because the house was in a state last time and the weight issue is just another thing for them to pick up on. I am quite underweight myself at the moment but have had blood tests which showed I was not lacking in anything. But am recently single and I guess they are keeping an eye on me (which is good in a way) - so, can someone either show me some evidence I can show the HV to say that my DS doesn't need vitamin drops, or can you reassure me that if I do get some and give them to him, that they won't do any harm? I don't really want him to have manufactured vitamins but feeling like I should do what they want me to do, if they are concerned about me/DS.

DS is 17 months BTW.

Most studies done on this tend to show that they don't make too much of a difference rather than cause harm, but this fact sheet from the British Dietetic Society, gives reasons for why vits A and D benefit young children between 1-5 years old. TBH, they're a bit of a safety net - and after all, most breakfast cereals are fortified with B vitamins, so they really shouldn't do him any harm - but you need to be happy with what you're giving your son.

My DS is 3 and has chronic constipation, which affects his appetite. I think he looks quite peaky, so bought some multivitamins from boots (minus the iron, as that can exacerbate the problem). when I discussed this with his consultant, she said well if he's getting a varied diet, there's really no need for them. - I know he doesn't eat certain things, even though I offer plenty of fresh fruit and veg, so I just want to make sure. I'd much rather he got his nutrients from food, but some days he doesn't eat a lot. - If you feel he's eating a varied enough diet, maybe keep a food diary to show your HV and stress you would prefer not to give vits?

Oh, food diary a good idea, thanks