Are fiber supplements for children needed every day?

Fiber supplements are chosen by some parents to solve the problem of children who do not like vegetables and fruits. Fiber supplements are considered a practical solution to help meet children's fiber needs. However, is fiber supplement actually good for children or not? Do all children need it? Come on, learn more about fiber supplements for children here.

How important is fiber for children?

Dietary fiber has a very important function in the body. Fiber makes children full as well as facilitates the child's digestive system. A child's diet with sufficient fiber can prevent constipation (constipation). Fiber-rich foods are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can help reduce the risk of certain cancers and obesity.

Therefore, children's fiber needs must be met properly. Dietary fiber can be obtained from a variety of sources. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, fiber can be obtained from vegetables, fruit, nuts, brown rice, and whole grain preparations such as whole wheat bread or fiber-rich cereals.

Pros and cons of fiber supplements for children

Dietary fiber is indeed important for the overall health of children. When a child's fiber needs in his daily diet are not sufficient, he is also at risk for constipation and other intestinal problems.

Well, this is when doctors may recommend fiber supplements for children. The use of this supplement must be under the supervision of a health professional. Do not carelessly give fiber supplements to children without first consulting with a pediatrician.

Several studies have found evidence that fiber supplement products containing polyethylene glycol can cause central nervous system damage and lactic acidosis (body pH is too acidic) in children.

Apart from the polyethylene glycol content, there are other supplements that contain psyllium. This fiber supplement product containing psyllium can indeed help relieve constipation. Reporting from the Livestrong page, psyllium is indeed an effective supplement to help overcome digestive problems in children.

Psyllium makes stool more densely filled. Pysillium also makes bowel movements smoother so that the child doesn't have too much difficulty defecating. The recommended daily dose for children is 3.4 to 16 grams of psyllium.

However, no studies have shown whether fiber supplements for children are safe to administer in the long term. Therefore, the use of fiber supplements for children must be under the supervision of a doctor, not without consideration. Even if children do have to take fiber supplements, there is a certain period of time when to take them and at what dosage the doctor recommends.

Research related to the side effects of using fiber supplements for children is still being developed for the long term. Talk to your pediatrician if you have further questions.

Food is the safest source of fiber for children

Fiber supplements for children cannot be used as a complete replacement for fiber-rich foods. To be safer and healthier, you should give your children fiber from natural food sources. There are many practical food sources that children enjoy. Here's an example.

1. Oatmeal

You can give oatmeal to children at breakfast time. One cup of cooked oats can contain up to 4 grams of fiber. You can just add toppings children's favorites such as fruit, sprinkles, raisins, or toppings other.

2. Apples

Apples are a fruit that many children love. Launching the Panganku site from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, one medium apple (100 gr) contains 2.6 grams of fiber.

3. Whole wheat bread

You can also give whole wheat bread to children to meet their fiber needs. A slice of whole wheat bread usually contains 2-3 grams of fiber. You can make sandwiches for children that are practical and also rich in fiber as a lunch or snack.

4. Carrots

Carrots are a brightly colored vegetable that many kids love because they don't taste as bland as other vegetables. Quoting Panganku from the Ministry of Health, per 100 grams of fresh carrots contains 1 gram of fiber. However, for children who like to eat boiled carrots, the fiber they get is only about 0.8 grams.

Now, to work around this, you can add fiber intake for children from high-fiber formula milk.

5. Milk is high in fiber

Apart from the food sources above, you can also help meet children's fiber needs by providing high-fiber formula milk.

Formula milk that is good for children's digestion is rich in fiber and contains FOS: GOS. FOS: GOS itself are two types of soluble fiber.

Also make sure children's formula contains other important nutrients such as omega-3, omega-6, iron, calcium, vitamin A, and zinc to support their growth and development.

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