A recent investigation by a German consumer group uncovered serious issues with 17 out of 18 children’s nutritional supplements it tested. The findings have raised alarm among parents and health professionals alike. Stiftung Warentest, based in Berlin, conducted a thorough review of these supplements, advising parents to avoid giving them to their children.
Nutritional Supplements Intended to Support Children’s Health
These supplements are designed to provide essential nutrients that help support a balanced diet. They often contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients meant to enhance children’s health and development. However, there has been growing confusion among parents about the true benefits—and risks—of these products. Many parents are unsure whether these supplements help or harm their child’s growth and development.
Stiftung Warentest compared the ingredients of 18 popular child supplements with the recommended nutrient levels for children. They also evaluated the advertising claims made by supplement companies to determine if these claims were scientifically backed. The results were unsettling.
Overdose of Nutrients in Many Supplements
The group found critical flaws in nearly every product tested. Of the 18 supplements, 15 contained levels of nutrients that exceeded the safe limits for young children. In some cases, the doses were dangerously high. For example, five supplements contained excessive amounts of vitamin A—levels that surpass the daily maximum intake for adults. According to Stiftung Warentest, these products do not offer any beneficial effects for healthy children. Instead, they could pose risks, especially when taken over long periods of time.
Stiftung Warentest’s report described these supplements as “useless in the best case and dangerous in the worst.” The findings were a wake-up call, as parents often rely on these products to ensure their children are getting enough nutrients. However, the group emphasized that supplements are unnecessary for children with a healthy diet, and they cannot compensate for an unhealthy or unbalanced diet.
The Need for Balanced Nutrition
Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) also backed up Stiftung Warentest’s findings, stating that supplements are generally not needed for children who eat a balanced diet. In fact, BfR experts pointed out that supplements cannot make up for poor eating habits. These products are not a solution to unhealthy diets, and relying on them could lead to more harm than good.
Despite these warnings, the use of supplements has been rapidly increasing across Europe. A survey conducted in 2022 revealed that 93% of adults in 14 EU countries used supplements that year. Most adults used them for general well-being, without any specific health needs or medical prescriptions.
Misleading Marketing of Children’s Supplements
One of the biggest concerns highlighted in the report is the misleading marketing tactics used by supplement companies. Many children’s supplements make bold claims, such as boosting immunity, enhancing learning abilities, or supporting physical growth. However, according to BfR, these claims are rarely backed by solid scientific evidence. Instead, companies often use emotional language, bright colors, and cheerful images to appeal to parents.
Some supplement slogans even violate marketing laws by making exaggerated claims about the benefits of the products. This type of marketing can mislead parents into believing they are doing the best for their child’s health when, in reality, the product may have no real benefit and could even pose a danger.
When Supplements May Be Beneficial—But Only With Medical Advice
Dr. Berthold Koletzko, a pediatrician and president of the European Academy of Paediatrics, largely supported the conclusions of Stiftung Warentest. He explained that for most healthy children with a balanced diet, supplements are unnecessary. However, Dr. Koletzko acknowledged that there are certain situations where supplements might be beneficial for some children.
For instance, children with restricted diets, such as those who follow vegetarian, gluten-free, or other special diets, might need certain nutrients like vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, or calcium. In these cases, supplements can help fill nutritional gaps. Children living in regions with limited sunlight might also need vitamin D supplements due to reduced exposure to the sun.
Dr. Koletzko referred to a 2017 study that found 3.4% of German children avoided meat, and he believes that number has likely grown since then. While these children may benefit from supplements, Dr. Koletzko stressed the importance of consulting a doctor before giving a child any supplement.
Even when supplements are necessary, he warned that parents should be careful in selecting products. Many children’s vitamins, especially gummy vitamins, are packed with sugar, making them resemble candy. Overconsumption of these supplements can lead to digestion issues, including diarrhea. Dr. Koletzko advised parents to choose supplements carefully and to seek medical guidance before starting their children on any nutritional product.
The Bottom Line: Consult a Pediatrician Before Using Supplements
The key takeaway from Stiftung Warentest’s findings is clear: parents should exercise caution when considering supplements for their children. For most healthy children, a well-balanced diet is all that is needed to ensure proper nutrition. Supplements should only be used when there is a specific need, and this need should be confirmed by a healthcare professional.
Dr. Koletzko strongly recommended that parents consult a pediatrician before giving any supplements to their children. “Only use supplements if your pediatrician confirms a need and guides you to the right one,” he advised.
As the debate over the effectiveness and safety of children’s supplements continues, parents are urged to stay informed and make decisions based on sound medical advice rather than marketing claims.