Three Supplements to Give Children

We all love our kids. They are fun and creative and surprise us every day. One way they often surprise us is in the food they will and won’t eat.

It can sometimes feel like we need to have a degree in mind reading to predict what is going to go down and what is going to sit, cold, in the middle of a dinnertime standoff.

It can be a real struggle to get them to eat that ideal balanced, healthy diet that we know they should have.

Then pile on the work it takes to get them exercising outdoors, and it’s not a perfect scenario for growing a developing bodies.

Three Great Choices

Fortunately, there are supplements available for kids that can help support the biggest areas of need. Here are some for consideration when getting your child to eat a balanced diet is challenging.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Lots of kids hate fish, which is too bad because fish is a really good source of omega-3s.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for a growing, healthy child. This vital nutrient supports brain development in children.

It also supports eye health, as the highest concentration of DHA, one of the fatty acids, is found in the retina.

Unfortunately, a lot of omega-3s come in foods that many kids don’t gravitate towards. The ones that are best absorbed by the body, that is DHA and EPA, are found mostly in cold-water, oily fish.

Tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel are all excellent sources of DHA in particular, which is the key to good brain health and development.

If your child is not eating enough fatty fish, then you may consider an Omega 3 supplement — and not just any Omega 3 supplement.

Choose one that is labelled ‘high DHA’. This will ensure your child is getting the level of this fatty acid required for supporting brain health.

Iron

Iron is an important mineral that promotes healthy muscle function, energy formation, immune system function and healthy growth and development

In addition to ensuring your child eats a variety of iron-rich foods (examples: red meat, poultry, fish, grains, legumes, nuts, beans, vegetables and fruit) and that these foods are eaten with a good source of vitamin C for optimal absorption (example: oranges, strawberries, red or green peppers, peas, tomatoes, broccoli).

The amount of iron recommended for your child will depend on his or her exact age.

It is important for kids to build robust and resilient immune systems as they grow up and explore the world around them.

Immune Support

While a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is the primary source of immune support, there can be situations where children's nutritional needs aren't fully met. In such cases, immune support supplements can provide a helpful boost.

A high quality kids’ immune support supplement should contain essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, which all have a role in supporting immune function.

Remember to always consult with a health professional before introducing any supplements into your child's routine, as their individual needs can vary. Supplements should complement a healthy lifestyle and diet, not replace them.

Check it Out First

Until all kids transform into true omnivores, it will continue to be a worry to parents if their children are getting enough minerals and vitamins.

By supplementing their diets with these nutrients, parents can ensure their kids are less likely to have deficiencies in these areas, and that their children’s bodies will have enough of what they need to grow and develop properly.

As with all dietary supplements for kids, be sure to check with your doctor before starting a new regime.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use