Is it necessary to give regular vitamin supplements to a growing child?
Q: My son who is 4 years & 1 month old weighs 18.1 kg and is 105cm tall. At present we are giving him Seven seas Cod liver capsules 1 capsule per day. Secondly we are giving him Chavanprash (Dabur) one-teaspoon daily. Due to climatic conditions here in Bahrain, he gets cold and cough regularly. Is it advisable to give him Septiline cough syrup (From Himalaya herbal health care company). Kindly advise me whether it is ok to continue Seven seas cod liver oil capsules & Chavanprash. If yes, then also suggest the dosage.
A:If your son is eating food regularly (as the good height and weight gain would indicate) I would not recommend any regular vitamin suplements on along term basis, as overdoseage especially of the fat soluble vitamins, can occur. If you do use vitamin supplements, discontinue them intermittently. There is no need to give Septilin. Most under-fives have frequent colds and coughs. However, as overall growth is satisfactory, do not worry.