Researchers in Taiwan asked 716 parents about giving vitamins and supplements to their young children. They found that about 8 out of 10 babies and toddlers take some kind of supplement, with probiotics and calcium being the most popular choices. Most parents gave supplements to boost their child’s immune system and prevent colds. Interestingly, most of these children were already healthy. The study shows that parents’ own supplement use influences whether they give supplements to their kids, and that many parents have moderate knowledge about what supplements do.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How many young children in Taiwan take vitamins or supplements, and why their parents give them these products
  • Who participated: 716 parents with babies and preschool-aged children (roughly ages 0-5 years) who attended childcare centers in Taichung City, Taiwan
  • Key finding: About 80% of young children took some kind of supplement—74% of babies and 84% of preschoolers. The most common supplements were probiotics (good bacteria), calcium powder, and goat milk tablets. Most parents gave supplements to strengthen immunity and prevent colds, even though most children were already healthy.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a parent considering supplements for your young child, know that many families do this. However, this study shows that most children taking supplements are already healthy, so talk with your pediatrician about whether your specific child needs them before starting.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot in time by asking parents questions about their current practices. Researchers randomly selected 716 parents with young children at childcare centers in Taichung City, Taiwan, and asked them to fill out a detailed questionnaire about supplement use. The questionnaire covered what supplements their children took, how often, why they gave them, and what the parents knew and believed about supplements.

This type of study is like taking a photograph of a moment in time rather than following families over months or years. It’s useful for understanding what’s happening right now in a community, but it can’t prove that supplements cause certain outcomes.

Understanding how common supplement use is among young children helps doctors and health officials know what parents are doing and what they believe. This information can guide better conversations between parents and pediatricians about whether supplements are truly needed for individual children.

This study has some strengths: it included a fairly large group of parents (716) and used a structured questionnaire to collect consistent information. However, the study only looked at one city in Taiwan, so results may not apply everywhere. The study relied on parents’ memories and honesty about what they gave their children, which could introduce errors. The study shows what parents are doing but cannot prove that supplements caused any health benefits or problems.

What the Results Show

The research found that supplement use among young children in Taiwan is very common. About 74% of infants and 84% of preschool-aged children (ages roughly 3-5) took at least one dietary supplement. When looking at all young children together, approximately 80% had consumed supplements at some point.

The three most popular supplements were probiotics (beneficial bacteria for digestion), calcium powder or tablets (for bone health), and goat milk tablets. Parents gave these supplements for specific reasons: the top reason was to boost immune function and help prevent common colds. Other reasons included supporting overall growth and development.

Interestingly, over 70% of children taking supplements were reported by their parents to be in generally good health. The remaining children had conditions like allergies. This suggests that many parents give supplements as a preventive measure rather than to treat existing health problems.

The study found that parental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward supplements were at moderate to moderately high levels, meaning parents had some understanding but not complete knowledge. A notable finding was that children whose parents used supplements themselves were significantly more likely to also take supplements. This suggests that parental habits and beliefs strongly influence what children receive.

While this specific study focused on Taiwan, supplement use among young children is common in many countries worldwide. This research adds to existing knowledge by showing that in Taiwan specifically, supplement use is extremely prevalent. The reasons parents give (immune support, cold prevention) align with what research shows in other countries, though the specific supplements chosen (like goat milk tablets) may reflect local preferences and cultural practices.

This study has several important limitations to consider. First, it only included families using childcare centers in one city, so results may not represent all families in Taiwan or other countries. Second, the study relied entirely on parents’ reports about what supplements they gave and why—parents might not remember accurately or might answer differently if they thought their answers would be judged. Third, the study is a snapshot in time and cannot show whether supplements actually helped children stay healthy or prevented illness. Finally, the study didn’t include information about supplement quality, dosage, or whether children took them as directed, which could affect outcomes.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, parents should discuss supplement use with their pediatrician before starting, especially for young children. The study suggests that supplements are very common, but this doesn’t necessarily mean every child needs them. A pediatrician can assess your individual child’s diet and health to determine if supplements are appropriate. If supplements are recommended, ask your doctor which ones, what dose, and for how long. (Confidence: Moderate—this study shows what parents do, not necessarily what they should do.)

This research is most relevant to parents of babies and young children, pediatricians, childcare providers, and public health officials in Taiwan and similar communities. Parents in other countries may find it interesting for comparison but should follow their own country’s health guidelines. This research is less relevant to parents of older children or teenagers, though some principles may apply.

If a pediatrician recommends supplements for your child, don’t expect immediate results. Most supplements work gradually over weeks to months. For example, if given to support immune function, you might notice fewer colds over a season (3-6 months) rather than days or weeks. Always follow your doctor’s guidance on duration and dosage.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track which supplements your child takes daily, the dose, and any changes you notice (like fewer sick days, better digestion, or any side effects). Record this weekly to identify patterns over time.
  • Before starting any supplement, use the app to create a reminder to schedule a pediatrician appointment to discuss whether it’s appropriate for your child. After approval, set up daily reminders for giving supplements at the same time each day.
  • Over 3-6 months, track your child’s health metrics (sick days, energy level, digestion) before and after starting supplements to see if there are real changes. Share this data with your pediatrician at check-ups to decide if supplements should continue.

This research describes what parents in Taiwan currently do regarding supplements for young children—it does not prove that supplements are safe or effective for all children. Never start supplements for your child without consulting your pediatrician first. Some supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects, especially in very young children. Your child’s individual health needs are unique, and only a qualified healthcare provider who knows your child can make appropriate recommendations. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.