Longitudinal trends and determinants of dietary supplement administration during the first two years of life: a Korean birth cohort.

Our assessment

This study looked at how often parents give dietary supplements to infants in Korea during the first two years of life. It was a longitudinal birth cohort study that enrolled 137 infants born at or after 28 weeks of gestation [Journal, 2026]. The researchers followed these infants and collected data at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months of age using structured questionnaires [Journal, 2026]. Because this is a small study with fewer than 100 participants at some points, the findings should be considered preliminary.

How it works

The researchers tracked which supplements were given to infants over time and what factors influenced those decisions. What this means for you is that the study provides a snapshot of real-world supplement use in a specific population. It highlights that supplement administration to infants is common and changes as the child grows, but the exact numbers and trends are not fully described in the data provided. The study design helps identify which families are more likely to give supplements, though the small sample size limits how broadly the results can be applied.

Safety profile

Data not available. The provided abstract does not include any information on side effects, adverse events, or safety outcomes related to supplement administration in this study.

Our recommendation

Based on this small Korean birth cohort study, it appears many parents choose to give dietary supplements to their infants during the first two years [Journal, 2026]. However, because the study had only 137 participants, these findings may not apply to all families. For your own child, always consult a pediatrician before starting any supplement, as the safety and necessity of supplements for infants depend on individual health and diet. Without more data on outcomes, no specific supplement can be recommended from this study alone.