Children surrounded by nutritious food and micronutrients, representing a healthy diet.

Are Your Kids Getting Enough? The Truth About Micronutrients and Supplements in Puerto Rico

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research reveals alarming gaps in children's diets and how multivitamins can help—but might not be enough."

Micronutrients are the unsung heroes of our children's health. These vitamins and minerals, though needed in small amounts, are essential for growth, development, and overall well-being. But what happens when kids don't get enough? A recent study sheds light on this issue, specifically focusing on children in Puerto Rico, revealing some concerning gaps in their diets.

According to the study, many children aren't meeting the recommended levels of essential micronutrients through their regular diets. This deficiency can have significant implications, affecting everything from their immune system to their cognitive function. The research also explores the role of multivitamin and multimineral (MVMM) supplements in bridging these nutritional gaps, offering a practical solution for parents and caregivers.

This article dives into the details of the study, breaking down the key findings and offering actionable advice. We'll explore which micronutrients are commonly lacking, how supplements can help, and what else can be done to ensure your child thrives. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply interested in children's health, this information is crucial for making informed decisions about nutrition.

Micronutrient Shortfalls: What the Research Shows

Children surrounded by nutritious food and micronutrients, representing a healthy diet.

The study, published in the International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research, examined the diets of 732 twelve-year-old children in Puerto Rico. Researchers assessed their micronutrient intake from both food and supplements, comparing it against the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

The results painted a concerning picture. Key vitamins and minerals were consistently below the recommended levels. Specifically, the average intakes of vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as pantothenic acid, calcium, and magnesium, were falling short.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K: Crucial for immune function, bone health, and vision.
Pantothenic Acid: Important for energy production and hormone synthesis.
Calcium and Magnesium: Essential for bone development, muscle function, and nerve transmission.

These findings highlight a significant challenge. Even in developed regions, children's diets often lack the necessary nutrients for optimal health. This is where supplements come into play, offering a potential solution to bridge these nutritional gaps.

Taking Action: A Path to Better Nutrition

The study underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach. While supplements can play a valuable role, they shouldn't be seen as a complete substitute for a healthy diet. Public health initiatives are essential to educate families about proper nutrition and promote healthier eating habits. This includes encouraging the consumption of nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What specific micronutrients were found to be deficient in the diets of children in Puerto Rico, according to the study?

The study revealed deficiencies in several key micronutrients among the 732 twelve-year-old children in Puerto Rico. Specifically, the average intakes of vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as pantothenic acid, calcium, and magnesium, were below the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). These micronutrients are essential for various bodily functions, including immune function, bone health, vision, energy production, hormone synthesis, muscle function, and nerve transmission.

Why are micronutrients so important for children's health, and what happens when they are lacking?

Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are crucial for children's health because they are essential for growth, development, and overall well-being. They support vital functions such as immune system strength, cognitive function, bone development, muscle function, and nerve transmission. When children lack sufficient micronutrients, they can experience a range of negative health consequences, including weakened immune systems, impaired cognitive abilities, and compromised bone health. The deficiencies identified in the study, for instance, impact everything from vision (Vitamin A) to bone development (Calcium and Magnesium) and energy production (Pantothenic Acid).

Besides supplements, what other steps can be taken to improve children's micronutrient intake?

While multivitamins and multimineral (MVMM) supplements can help address micronutrient gaps, they should not replace a healthy diet. A multi-pronged approach is essential. The article highlights the importance of public health initiatives to educate families about proper nutrition and promote healthier eating habits. This includes encouraging the consumption of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Such foods naturally contain many of the micronutrients that were found to be deficient in the study.

How did the researchers assess the children's micronutrient intake in the Puerto Rico study?

The researchers assessed the micronutrient intake of 732 twelve-year-old children in Puerto Rico by examining their diets. They compared their intake from both food and supplements against the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). This comparison allowed them to identify which specific micronutrients were lacking and to what extent the children's diets were falling short of the recommended levels. The study's methodology provided a clear picture of the nutritional challenges faced by these children.

What role do multivitamins and multimineral (MVMM) supplements play in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, as indicated by the research?

The research suggests that multivitamins and multimineral (MVMM) supplements can play a valuable role in bridging the nutritional gaps found in children's diets. The study's findings highlighted that many children were not meeting the recommended levels of essential micronutrients. MVMM supplements offer a practical solution by providing these missing vitamins and minerals, potentially supporting optimal health and well-being. However, the article emphasizes that supplements should be considered part of a comprehensive approach to nutrition, rather than a standalone solution, and should be combined with a focus on improving dietary habits.