Here are six vital nutrients that children need.
Do you have a picky eater, my kids were picky? They would go for months with only eating hot dogs or grilled cheese. It’s tough for a parent to know what nutrients our children need for optimal growth and development. Healthy meals are probably the best at delivering the micronutrients that our kids need, but with picky eaters, it’s tough to accomplish that with food alone. Supplements could be the answer to help our children fill in the gaps and reach the nutrient requirements needed for optimal development and growth.
When it comes to hectic family schedules, it’s not always the right time for a well-balanced meal. Children need the right nutrients to be able to decrease health conditions as they grow into adulthood. Fresh, wholesome food is the best way for our children to receive the proper nutrients. Ultra-processed foods will leave our kids underfed and undernourished.
Do your kids need supplements?
They might need supplements:
- If they aren’t eating high quality, fresh, nutrient-rich foods, which would include whole grains.
- Is their diet based on ultra-processed snacks, fast food, or convenience foods?
- Are they eating a vegetarian or a vegan diet?
- Are they drinking sugary beverages that would include apple juice, orange juice, and soda? Also, be aware of energy drinks.
- Are they picky eaters?
Did you answer yes to any one of these questions? Then I would recommend supplements for your children.
The right multivitamin would give a child the essential nutrients that they need. Always check the supplement facts on the label of the bottle to make sure that the following vitamins and minerals are included.
Here is some recommendations:
Calcium
Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. Kids don’t usually get enough of the adequate amounts of this nutrient.
Magnesium
Magnesium is vital to regulate nerve function and muscle; it is also essential in regulating blood sugars and blood pressure. It is also as important as calcium for bone health. One crucial point of supplementing with magnesium is it can reduce hyperactivity in children by helping to calm neural excitability in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Magnesium can also help with memory and learning in these children.
Iron
Iron is essential in building muscles and the production of red blood cells. Iron is also necessary for neurological development, physical growth, and hormones. Be aware of iron deficiency in infants and teens, especially when girls begin menstruation.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an essential role in immunity the absorption of calcium a healthy brain development. In the northern climates, Is where children are most deficient in vitamin D. Infants can also be deficient in vitamin D, due to decreased amounts in breast milk.
Zinc
Zinc is vital in regards to building a robust immunity system. It also fosters healthy growth. Several studies indicate that supplementing with zinc may have the ability for children to grow taller than children that have not been supplemented with zinc.
Omega 3
Most children don’t eat enough omega-3 fatty acids, which would include oily fish like salmon. This healthy fat is essential for brain development and mood. Some studies suggest that omega-3 can reduce the risk of developing asthma and also improve better sleep, learning and impulse control with ADHD.
Probiotics for little tummies
I like to recommend probiotics for tummy troubles in children. Whether it’s constipation, diarrhea or colic, I believe that a probiotic supplement is a must. Probiotics can come in different forms drops for infants, and for the older kids, probiotics can come in a chewable or gummy form. My recommendation for babies with colic would be too administer a formula containing Lactobacillus Reuteri, this may reduce the crying time for these little ones.
Melatonin for poor sleep
Melatonin can be beneficial for children, especially school-age children that have poor sleeping habits or the inability to fall asleep themselves. Melatonin is a safe supplement that our body produces. Melatonin can help reset the internal clock and, in return, improved the quality and quantity of sleep in children. My recommendation is to use melatonin on occasion before bed with children over the age of 5.
Important:
One word of advice about the chewable supplements that are kid-friendly. Be aware that some of them may contain artificial colors, added sugars and possibly sugar alcohols.
Supplements can be added to your child’s routine to promote good health improper nutrition for development, especially if you have a picky eater or you have a hectic lifestyle and are always on the run. Make sure that you are choosing a high-quality supplement for your children, please reach out to me with any questions concerns or if you’re interested in a high-quality multivitamin or supplement for your child.
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