But that doesn't stop retailers from selling them to teens or stop teens from buying them. It's not illegal to sell these products to children under 18, said Dr. Ruth Lynn Milanaik, a behavioral and developmental pediatrics specialist at Cohen Children's Medical Center in Hewlett, New York. Without age restrictions for these items, kids and adolescents can purchase them in stores and pharmacies.
When it comes to body image, priority should be given to the goal of freeing adolescents from insecurity in a healthy, supportive and physician-approved environment. Performance enhancers such as dietary supplements can pose a serious health risk for teens and sometimes cause heart palpitations, muscle cramps, dehydration, insomnia and weight gain. It is the responsibility of everyone who is in a position to educate children about the use of supplements so that they are aware of the risks, he said. Age restrictions on supplements make almost as much sense as age restrictions on food, explains Steve Mister, president and CEO of CRN & in the video. Teens who face negative body images are increasingly turning to over-the-counter supplements, despite recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics to avoid such products, Dr.
Milanaik said. Also, remind your teens to talk to their healthcare providers about complementary health approaches they may use or are considering. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not using body-shaping supplements (the U. S.
Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate them) for men and women under 18. For children and adolescents who have problems with weight and body image, the disorders and isolation caused by the pandemic have been brutal. But is restricting access the solution? Steve Mister, president and CEO of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), a trade association that represents manufacturers of dietary supplements and ingredients and their suppliers, opposes age restrictions for these products. The use of dietary supplements by teens is an issue that needs to be addressed with caution. While it is important to ensure that young people are aware of the potential risks associated with taking these products, it is also important to ensure that they have access to safe and effective supplements when needed. Parents should be aware of what their children are taking and should consult with their healthcare provider before giving any supplement to their child. It is essential that parents educate themselves on the potential risks associated with dietary supplements so that they can make informed decisions about what is best for their children.
Parents should also be aware of any age restrictions on dietary supplements in their area and should consult with their healthcare provider before giving any supplement to their child.
