Every parent wants their child to grow up to be strong and healthy. Supervising children's diets is important during their formative years to ensure that they are eating fresh and nutritious foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, to supply their daily requirement of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

But many children are picky eaters who push aside fruits and vegetables in favor of fast foods and processed foods. Some children have medical issues that influence their intake of nutrients, creating nutritional deficiencies, while others consume too many soft drinks containing sugar and other chemicals that can harm their growth and development.

Smart parents compensate for the missing elements in children's diets by including an array of important vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the form of supplements on a daily basis to promote good health. It's a good idea to start a habit of good health by giving children a daily multi-vitamin containing a broad spectrum of nutrients designed for their specific needs.

Vitamin A helps promote normal growth and development in children as well as faster repair of tissue and bone, in addition to boosting immune system response. Vitamins B2, B3, B6 and B12 promote healthy blood circulation and healthy nervous system function. Vitamin C is good for children's skin health in addition to promoting healthy muscles and connective tissues.

To support strong teeth and bones, supplements should include Vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium properly. Vitamin D supplements are critical for children who don't get enough exposure to sunlight, especially during winter months. Iron should also be included in daily supplements as children reach adolescence. Young women reaching puberty need to prevent iron deficiency once they begin menstruation, helping maintain healthy red blood cells.