New Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Acceptability, Tolerability, and Short-Term Adherence in a Paediatric Cohort with IMDs

Background/Objectives: Dietary therapy for inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs) can restrict nutrient-dense foods and increase reliance on vitamin and mineral supplementation. However, formulation-related barriers may limit supplement acceptability and adherence, particularly in children with feeding difficulties and complex dietary regimens. We evaluated the acceptability, gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability, and short-term adherence of two novel low-carbohydrate, low-volume vitamin and mineral formulations in children and adolescents with IMDs.

Methods

This prospective, single-centre, open-label, non-randomised interventional study enrolled children and adolescents with IMDs aged ≥1 year who were either taking vitamin and mineral supplements already or were clinically identified as requiring micronutrient supplementation. Participants replaced their usual vitamin and mineral supplement with one of two age-appropriate study formulations (product A or B) for 7 consecutive days under usual home conditions. Acceptability was assessed using structured questionnaires, GI symptoms were assessed at baseline and on day 7 and monitored using daily diaries, and adherence was recorded daily by caregivers. Clinical characteristics and anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline.