국내에서 판매되는 어린이용 비타민·무기질 보충제의 종류와 함량

Types and Composition of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements for Children in Korea

This study examined the types of vitamin and mineral supplements sold for children in Korea and assessed the nutrient composition and the appropriateness of these products. A total of 343 vitamin and mineral supplements were identified using the search keyword “kids” on the homepage of the information portal managed by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Data regarding the name, manufacturer, nutrient composition, nutrient content, and usage were obtained. Among the 343 products, 14.9% contained vitamins only, and 15.4% comprised minerals only. Thirty products (8.7% of total) were single vitamin compositions, and 48 were single mineral supplements. The most common nutrients to be found were vitamin C (70.0%) in single vitamin products, and calcium (50%) and zinc (50%) in single-mineral products. Vitamin D (64.9%) and vitamin C (56.2%) were the most frequently found, and zinc (58.9%) was the most prevalent mineral in the supplements that combined multivitamins and minerals. Although in more than 50% of the products, the suggested dosages were less than 150% of the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) or the Adequate Intake for a daily dose, some of the products were found to be inappropriate for use. Amounts greater than the Tolerable Upper Intake Levels were found in 14 supplements containing zinc, 12 containing folic acid, and 9 containing magnesium. Further, 48 products consisted of vitamin C in amounts greater than 250% of RNI. The results of this investigation suggest, therefore, that parents should consult a trained dietician or should themselves have adequate knowledge about the nutrient composition of supplements and be capable of selecting the appropriate supplement for each child from the variety of vitamin and mineral products that are available at the counter