Medical professionals have issued a stern warning to parents, cautioning against the excessive use of multivitamins in children. According to these experts, while vitamins are generally beneficial in small, regulated amounts, giving children large doses—especially of vitamin A—can result in severe health consequences, including liver damage, neurological problems, and convulsions.

This growing concern was emphasized in a series of interviews conducted with health specialists, who stressed that the best way to support a child’s growth is through a balanced, nutritious diet—not over-the-counter dietary supplements.

Vitamin A Overdose: A Hidden Danger

According to the Mayo Clinic, high doses of vitamin A can be toxic. The clinic noted that taking too much of this fat-soluble vitamin can not only harm the liver but also increase the risk of liver disease when combined with other hepatotoxic drugs. Additionally, pregnant women consuming excess vitamin A risk passing on birth defects to their babies.

These warnings were echoed by Professor Olugbenga Mokuolu, a Consultant Pediatrician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Ilorin. He emphasized that unless a specific deficiency is diagnosed, children do not require regular supplementation.

“Generally, vitamins are safe and necessary for healthy body function, but they should not be consumed indiscriminately,” Mokuolu explained. “There are different classes of vitamins, and each has its own implications. Vitamin A, for instance, if taken in excess, can affect the brain and may even trigger convulsions in children.”

Vitamins Are Not a Cure-All

Mokuolu addressed a common misconception among parents that multivitamins enhance children’s appetite. He labeled this notion as misguided, explaining that children often refuse food out of preference or behavioral patterns, not due to a lack of appetite that multivitamins can fix.

“Hunger is the best appetite stimulant,” he asserted. “If a child refuses a certain food but remains active and playful, forcing multivitamins as a solution is not only ineffective but potentially harmful.”

He also warned that many parents treat vitamins as a one-size-fits-all remedy. “Multivitamins contain various components, some of which may be unnecessary or even risky in large quantities. While most over-the-counter supplements fall under the vitamin B category and are generally safe, others, especially those containing vitamin A, must be approached with caution.”

Proper Nutrition Over Pills

Rather than turning to supplements, the experts emphasized the importance of a well-balanced, homemade diet. Mokuolu advised parents to provide meals that contain a variety of food types, incorporating natural sources of vitamins and minerals found in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats.

“Children don’t need routine vitamin supplements,” he reiterated. “What they need is a diet that includes a balance of colors and nutrients—green leafy vegetables, proteins, oils, and fruits. If a child is eating a diverse and wholesome diet, supplementation is often unnecessary.”

He noted that exceptions may exist, particularly for preterm infants or children with specific medical conditions, but these cases should always be guided by a healthcare professional.

Supplements Shouldn’t Replace Understanding

Professor Mokuolu also urged parents to better understand their children rather than trying to “fix” perceived issues with drugs. “Babies are not diseases,” he said. “They are human beings who thrive on nutrients, hygiene, fresh air, and engaging activities—not pills.”

When children fall ill and temporarily lose their appetite, Mokuolu emphasized that proper medical treatment and recovery usually restore normal eating patterns. Giving multivitamins as a shortcut during these periods, especially when used incorrectly, may do more harm than good.

Say No to Sugary and Processed Foods

Echoing these sentiments, Professor Beatrice Ogunba, a Public Health Nutritionist from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, added another layer of caution. She urged parents to avoid sugary and processed foods during the crucial stage of complementary feeding—the period when breast milk alone no longer meets an infant’s nutritional needs.

“Complementary feeding begins after six months of exclusive breastfeeding,” Ogunba explained. “At this point, children need additional foods and liquids to meet their nutritional requirements.”

She pointed to findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which identified sweetened beverages, commercial fruit juices, and sugary homemade drinks as unhealthy choices for young children. According to Ogunba, such dietary habits not only fail to meet nutritional needs but can also lead to long-term health issues like obesity, diabetes, and nutrient deficiencies.

A Call for Mindful Parenting

Both experts urged parents to resist the allure of quick fixes and adopt a more informed, holistic approach to their children’s health. Rather than relying on multivitamins to make up for poor dietary practices, they stressed the need for education on nutrition and the role of balanced meals in child development.

They also advised that if parents suspect a nutrient deficiency in their child, they should seek professional advice rather than self-medicating with over-the-counter supplements. This approach not only ensures the safety and well-being of the child but also enables targeted treatment for any underlying health issues.

In closing, Professor Mokuolu reminded parents: “Children grow best when nourished with real food, cared for in a clean environment, and given time and space to play and explore. Drugs are not a replacement for good parenting.”

Conclusion: Choose Food, Not Fear

In a time when marketing campaigns promote multivitamins as essential for every child, medical professionals have made it clear: supplements are not substitutes for proper nutrition. Instead of relying on bottles and syrups, parents should focus on providing balanced, home-cooked meals and fostering healthy eating habits from a young age.

By doing so, they not only ensure their children receive the nutrients they truly need but also protect them from the dangers of vitamin toxicity, liver damage, and unnecessary dependence on medication.