24Aug/1010
What kind of vitamins does a large 12 year old boy need?
I take vitamins. I have never really known if they are really neccessary or not but I don't consume a fruit and vegetable every single day. My little brother rarely eats fruits and vegetables and he over eats on a daily basis. I am concerned about him getting proper nutrition and want to know what kind of vitamins he should take. At the grocery store I only see child specific vitamins for 2 and 3 year olds. Help please
August 24th, 2010 - 15:22
You’re obviously concerned about your brother, and it’s sweet. Just make sure not to make him uncomfortable and his weight. But know that you’re definitely doing a really good thing.
Just casually mention that when you were his age, you were taking vitamins. Casually suggest that when you become a teenager, you need more vitamins. Go to the grocery store with him.
About which type of vitamins: at age 12, you’re fully grown enough to take adult vitamins. Just make sure that the vitamins don’t have more than 100% of anything (especially iron.) The B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavion, vitamin b6, b12) are important, as well as vitamins A, C, D, and E. A little calcium should be in there, but it would have to be the size of a horse pill to have 100%. Some iron should be in there as well. Zinc is a plus, but not a must.
And about the overeating-
It’s hard. You don’t want to make him feel bad about himself and his body image, but you want him to be healthy. And I can tell you aren’t image focused by your question: most people say "My sister is really heavy" or "my brother’s fat" and ask how to make them skinnier. You are asking about NUTRITION, which is what counts.
Make it casual. Make a fruit smoothie for yourself, and offer one to him. Eat with him, make sure to offer him the vegetables. What are his favorite foods?
Let’s say he loves mashed potatoes. If you stir-fry some spinach with some olive oil, onions, and garlic, then mix in it with the mashed potatoes, it’s totally yummy, while still being healthy.
Let’s say he loves pasta. Make some veggie pasta (any vegetable chopped up and mixed with pesto sauce, then dribbled over the pasta is delicious.)
I don’t know any meat recipes, as I’m a vegetarian, but I’m sure you can improvise.
Make it slow, and make sure that he doesn’t feel pressured.
Good luck!!!!
August 24th, 2010 - 15:22
a generic multivitamin should be fine. read the labels for the adult vitamins and see what the recommended age is.
August 24th, 2010 - 15:22
stop feeding the kid so much. Make him do some excerise, buy him a bike (they’re really good and fun) – go swimming, just stop the junk luv!!
You gotta find a way of making fruits and veg more interesting. Good ways are smoothies. Smoothies taste amazing and he will get more into fruits. Gently ween him off chips and shit like that
August 24th, 2010 - 15:22
I am pretty sure he can take a centrum multi-vitamin. ask the pharmacist though to be sure.
August 24th, 2010 - 15:22
Get a one a day MALE multi vitamin with Iron.
August 24th, 2010 - 15:22
Keep him away from the refined sugar & pop. Water & Gatorade [orange only], childrens Centrum is a good choice!
August 24th, 2010 - 15:22
If he is not complaining about anything and he looks good, he is fine. If we all needed a bunch of pills to stay alive, I would be dead.
August 24th, 2010 - 15:22
at 12 years old he should be able to take an adult multi-vitamin.
August 24th, 2010 - 15:22
Make an appt with his pediatrician and ask. Otherwise, a good adult multi-vitamin should be fine at his age. Just be careful with iron added ones.
August 24th, 2010 - 15:22
Interesting question, since I just learned about this very topic in college today.
Vitamins aren’t really necessary – what he needs is a nice balance of carbs, protein, and fats.
Fruits, veggies, beans, chicken, turkey, pasta
Stay away from the white bread