Appetite syrup for children is one of the most common requests parents make at the pharmacy, especially for children aged two to five. It is precisely at this age that a child grows more slowly than as a baby and therefore needs less food; it is also normal for children to refuse new foods and to eat a lot one day and almost nothing the next. That is why, before choosing a product, it is important to assess whether the child really eats poorly or simply eats less than the parent expects.
If your child is following their growth curve, is active and in good spirits, their appetite is usually fine. Appetite vitamins for children and herbal syrups make sense when appetite has dropped after an illness, during periods of frequent colds, in picky eaters with a monotonous diet or with a lack of iron and B vitamins. Products for adults can be found in the appetite supplements category, and for resistance during the cold season, immunity syrup for children.
Featured products
- Appetito syrup 200 ml – syrup to support appetite
- Amarapharm syrup – herbal appetite syrup
- Becutan Kids Vits B complex syrup 100 ml – B vitamins in a syrup for children
- Salvit Apetit – supplement to support appetite
Which appetite syrup to choose – overview by ingredients
| Ingredients | What it does | When it is chosen |
|---|
| B complex (B1, B2, B6, B12) | B vitamins contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal functioning of the nervous system | picky eaters, monotonous diet, recovery after illness |
| Herbal extracts (bitter herbs, chamomile, fennel, mint) | stimulate digestion and the secretion of gastric juices, soothe the tummy | the child gets full quickly, complains of a "full tummy", bloating |
| Iron | iron deficiency causes tiredness, paleness and a weaker appetite | only with a confirmed deficiency – checked with a blood count |
| Zinc | involved in the sense of taste and in the immune system | frequent infections, little interest in food |
| Bee products (honey, propolis, royal jelly) | traditionally used for vitality and recovery | only after the first year – honey is not given to babies |
How to choose an appetite syrup for children
- Age: every syrup states the age from which it is intended – this is the first criterion. For babies under one year, a product should only be chosen on the paediatrician's advice.
- Ingredients: if your child eats a monotonous diet, choose a B complex; if they get full quickly and are bloated, choose herbal syrups.
- Sugar and alcohol: check whether the syrup contains sugar or alcohol (in liquid herbal extracts) – important for young children and children with diabetes.
- Dosage: strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions, using the enclosed measuring cup or syringe.
- Duration: appetite syrups are usually given in courses of several weeks, as directed, followed by a break.
How to boost a child's appetite without syrup
- No snacks or juices between meals – milk, juices and biscuits "eat up" the appetite for lunch. Between meals the child drinks water.
- Regular mealtimes – three meals and two snacks; a meal lasts 20 to 30 minutes and then the plate is taken away without scolding.
- Small portions – it is better for the child to ask for more than to stare at a full plate.
- No screens at the table – a child watching cartoons feels neither hunger nor fullness.
- Involve your child – children are more willing to eat what they have helped to prepare.
- Outdoor activity – playing in the fresh air is the best natural appetite booster.
When to see a paediatrician
Contact your paediatrician if your child is losing weight or stops progressing along their growth curve, is pale, constantly tired or often ill, if poor appetite is accompanied by tummy pain, diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation, or if your child eats only a few types of food. The paediatrician will assess growth and, if necessary, do a blood count and check iron levels.
Pharmacist's advice
Before buying a syrup, weigh your child and compare the result with the last check-up – if they are progressing, their appetite is most likely fine and all that is needed is patience. Appetite syrup is not a substitute for a meal: give it as directed and keep meals at regular times. If your child also takes other vitamins or immunity syrups, show all the products to the pharmacist so that the same ingredients are not doubled.
Ljubica Barbulović, MPharm
Frequently asked questions
What is the best appetite syrup for children?
There is no single best syrup for all children. For picky eaters with a monotonous diet, syrups with a B complex are most often chosen, and for children who get full quickly and are bloated, herbal syrups. Always check the age stated on the pack.
From what age can children take appetite syrup?
It depends on the product – the age is stated on the pack, and most syrups are intended for children from one or from three years. For younger children, a product should be chosen on the paediatrician's advice.
Do appetite vitamins for children work immediately?
No. If appetite is poor due to a vitamin deficiency or after an illness, a change is usually noticed after one to two weeks of regular use, together with regular mealtimes.
Why does my child not want to eat?
The most common reasons are snacks and sweetened drinks between meals, naturally slower growth after the first year, tiredness, recovery from an infection, teething and fear of new tastes. Less often the cause is iron deficiency or an illness, which the paediatrician will check.
Appetite syrups are food supplements. If your child is losing weight or not thriving, consult a paediatrician or pharmacist.
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