7 Myths About Kids Nutrition

By Lisa Collier Cool Aug 14, 2012 50 Recommend

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by Lisa Collier Cool

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If you think you know exactly which foods kids should eat or avoid, you may be surprised to learn that many common recommendations are flat out wrong. While junk food at school is often blamed for childhood obesity, what kids eat at home is much more of a factor. Food coloring is often believed to be the culprit behind ADHD, but its been found to have no effect on the majority of children. And many parents believe that giving their multi-vitamins will take care of nutritional deficiencies, but this isnt always the case, since some kids who take supplements are still deficient in key nutrientsand some kids vitamins may even be harmful. Heres a closer look at seven common misconceptions about kids nutrition. 7 Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids

Myth: As long as kids drink milk, theyre sure to have strong bones.
Fact: Its true that calciumfound in milk, yogurt, cheese and many green veggies like collard greens and kaleis important for bone health. And vitamin D (found in milk, orange juice, salmon and even sunlight) helps calcium do its job. But being physically active is also crucial. In fact, one major study reported that todays kids have a higher rate of bone fractures than children did 20 years ago, largely because more time sitting in front of a screenand less physical activityis weakening kids bones. Make sure your kids are running, jumping (one of the best ways to strengthen bones), throwing some hoops, or kicking around a soccer ball.

Myth: Buying junk foods at school makes kids fat.

Fact: While there is certainly a link between junk food and obesity, a study with close to 20,000 students (published in Sociology of Education last January) showed that middle school students weight had nothing to do with the availability of fattening foods at school.

One possible explanation is that childrens food preferences and dietary patterns are firmly established before adolescence, the study authors wrote. They also wondered whether the environment of middle schools, where students often have limited time to eat, might be a factor.

Myth: It doesnt matter what kids eat, as long as they take their multi-vitamins.
Fact: Multi-vitamins are definitely not a cure-all for a poor diet. According to a study published in June 2012, many kids who take supplements are still deficient in certain vitamins and minerals (particularly vitamin D and calcium), so increasing the amount of those nutrients in their diet is a better solution than just hoping a vitamin will solve the problem. And supplements can have a downside, too, since some kids formulations can exceed recommended doses of some vitamins. While its best to get nutrients from a healthy diet, supplements can sometimes be helpful for kids older than eight. "For older children, taking supplements added nutrients for which intake would have been inadequate from food alone," study author Regan Bailey told Reuters Health. Just make sure theyre not overloading (especially on iron, vitamin A, zinc or folate.)

Myth: Food coloring and sugar cause hyperactivity and ADHD.

Fact: While a small percentage of kids with behavioral problems may be affected by food dyes, an FDA panel recently found that theres no evidence that the majority of kids are. Theres not any convincing evidence that its something we need to remove from the diet, pediatric allergist and FDA panel member Dr. Wesley Burks told the L.A. Times. As for sugar and artificial sweeteners? While refined sugar does make some kids excitable due to raised blood glucose levels, theres no evidence that sugar or other sweeteners lead to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

7 Warning Signs of ADHD

Myth: It doesnt matter whether kids eat dinner on their own or with their family.
Fact: As Ive covered in the past, dining as a family has many health benefits. One study involving around 8,500 four-year-olds showed that kids who ate dinner with their families five nights a week or more were at lower risk for obesity, possibly because they were more likely to eat higher amounts of fruits and vegetables, and less junk food and soda. Other research shows a myriad of other benefits from family meals, as well, from better grades and improved family relationships to a lower risk of substance abuse problems.

Myth: Sugary drinks always lead to obesity.

Fact: A recent study of Canadian children ranging in age from 2 to 18 had counterintuitive results it showed that while drinking sweetened beverages may increase the risk for obesity and overweight in some children (particularly boys between the ages of 6 and 11 who drink primarily soft drinks), this wasnt true for all sugary drinks, nor was it the case for all the children in the study. Other factors, such as whether or not kids had enough healthy food in their homes, were better able to predict risk for childhood obesity than consumption of sugary drinks. However, its much healthier for kids to drink water or milk than soda. Delicious Smoothie Recipes to Keep You Healthy

Myth: Kids need sports drinks for rehydration when they exercise.
Fact: Dont trade in your kids water bottles for Gatorade just yet. As Ive reported previously, new studiesas well as organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics--warn that sugary sports drinks can lead to an increased risk of obesity as well as tooth decay. The overall amount of calories is a factor as well. Plain old water is usually adequate for rehydration.