A leading German consumer organization has found alarming problems in nearly all popular dietary supplements for children, raising concerns about their safety and necessity. Stiftung Warentest, a respected research group based in Berlin, analyzed 18 well-known children’s supplements and discovered serious risks in 17 of them. Their findings suggest that most of these products contain excessive nutrient levels that could be harmful rather than helpful.
Supplements Raise Safety Concerns
Dietary supplements for children often include vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients intended to support growth and overall health. Parents frequently face conflicting advice on whether these products benefit their children or pose hidden dangers. Stiftung Warentest tested these supplements against official nutrient intake recommendations to assess their safety and effectiveness.
The researchers found that 15 of the 18 products contained nutrient doses higher than what experts consider safe for children. In five cases, the amount of vitamin A was so high that it exceeded even adult safety limits. This is particularly concerning because excessive vitamin A intake can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and even liver damage.
No Benefits for Healthy Children
Based on their findings, Stiftung Warentest concluded that these supplements offer little to no benefit for children who eat a balanced diet. Instead, they warned that consuming these products could lead to unintended health risks. “Supplements for children are unnecessary at best and dangerous at worst,” the group stated.
Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) supports this conclusion. The agency emphasized that healthy children who eat well-balanced meals do not need additional supplements. Experts argue that these products cannot fix poor dietary habits and may create a false sense of security among parents.
Despite these warnings, the market for dietary supplements continues to grow. Parents often purchase them believing they are a simple way to boost their child’s health. In Europe, supplement use is widespread. A 2022 survey across 14 EU countries found that 93% of adults had taken dietary supplements in the past year. Many admitted they took these products not based on medical advice but simply to maintain general well-being.
Marketing Misleads Parents
Many supplement companies aggressively promote their products as essential for children’s immunity, brain function, and growth. Stiftung Warentest found that most of these claims lacked scientific evidence. Some were even misleading.
The organization accused supplement manufacturers of using emotional marketing tactics to target worried parents. Brightly colored packaging, cartoon characters, and exaggerated health benefits can easily convince consumers that these products are necessary. Some marketing slogans even violated advertising regulations, Stiftung Warentest reported.
Dr. Berthold Koletzko, a pediatrician and expert at the European Academy of Paediatrics, supports the group’s findings. He confirmed that healthy children do not need extra vitamins or minerals from supplements. Instead, they should get their nutrients from a well-balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains.
However, Koletzko acknowledged that some children might need additional support. Those on restrictive diets, such as vegetarian or gluten-free diets, may lack important nutrients. Children who eat very little or have certain medical conditions might also need supplements, particularly for vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids.
A study conducted in 2017 showed that 3.4% of German children between the ages of 6 and 17 followed vegetarian diets. This number has likely increased in recent years. While a vegetarian diet can be healthy, parents must ensure their children receive all essential nutrients, especially vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Gummy Vitamins and Overconsumption Risks
One major concern raised by Stiftung Warentest is the growing popularity of gummy vitamins. These supplements, designed to taste like candy, can lead to overconsumption. Many children see them as sweets rather than health products, increasing the risk of taking too many.
Koletzko warned that consuming excessive amounts of vitamins and minerals can cause health problems. Some children experience stomach pain, diarrhea, or nausea from overconsumption. Others may develop long-term issues from repeatedly taking more than the recommended daily amounts.
Even experts struggle to navigate the complex rules surrounding supplement regulations. Will Butler-Adams, CEO of Brompton Bicycle, highlighted the confusion surrounding tariffs and import taxes for businesses. Similarly, Stiftung Warentest pointed out that even customs officials sometimes struggle to determine the correct classifications for certain supplements.
Expert Advice is Essential
Koletzko and other experts strongly urge parents to consult a pediatrician before giving any supplements to their children. “Always consult your pediatrician before choosing a supplement,” he emphasized. “Only select products that meet real health needs.”
Parents who suspect their child may have a deficiency should seek professional medical advice. A doctor can assess the child’s diet, conduct necessary tests, and recommend specific supplements if needed.
In the meantime, Stiftung Warentest advises families to focus on healthy, balanced meals rather than relying on dietary supplements. Proper nutrition remains the best way to support a child’s development and well-being.
As concerns over misleading marketing and unsafe supplement levels grow, consumer organizations and health experts continue to call for stricter regulations on children’s dietary products.