“Can Kids Take Supplements with Medication? A Safe Guide for Parents”

Blog Post (Approx. 5 min read)

When your child is on prescribed medication, you may wonder if it’s safe to add a daily supplement. While many vitamins and minerals are safe, combining them with certain medications can lead to unwanted interactions. According to a review published in Pediatrics (2015), some supplements like iron or calcium can reduce the absorption of antibiotics or thyroid medication (Coulson et al., 2015).

Always consult your pediatrician first. Keep a list of your child’s medications and supplements handy. In general, try to separate doses by a few hours to minimize interference. For example, probiotics are often recommended after antibiotic treatment, but timing matters!

Practical Tip:
Make a simple chart for your child’s daily routine. Include medication times, supplement times, and meal times. This helps prevent accidental overlap and keeps everyone informed.

Reference:
Coulson S, et al. (2015). “Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Children: A Systematic Review.” Pediatrics, 135(2): 296–309.