Medicine and supplement use in infants, children, and adolescents depends on sex, age, and socioeconomic status: results of a German longitudinal population-based cohort study (LIFE Child).

• The prevalence of medicine/supplement use rose from 2014 (45%) to 2019 (53%). The prevalence was age-dependent: it was the highest in children aged < 3 years, and the lowest in children aged 6-< 9 years. Females took medicines more frequently than males. • High socioeconomic status was associated with lower medicine and higher supplement use. Self-medication accounted for 28% of all preparations.