Mum’s and Dad’s know all too well how challenging it can be to ensure their kids are getting all the nutrients they need to grow up strong and healthy. No matter how much you tell them that spinach and broccoli will turn them into their favourite budding superhero, some kids just can’t be fooled. Nutrition is incredibly important during childhood and prioritizing your child’s diet is paramount. No excuses! However, for some parents it can be difficult to accomplish on a consistent basis due to fussy eaters and busy schedules but nutritional gaps can also occur because of soil deficiencies, lack of variety in the diet and environmental factors. Luckily, help is at hand as we have a Mary Poppin’s sized bag full of high quality, all natural supplements available to fill any essential dietary holes.
Salus Kindervital First up is a multi-vitamin. As we mentioned earlier, ideally children should be getting most of their essential vitamins and minerals from the food they eat, however, studies show that not only are today's kids not getting enough calcium (only 19% of girls and 52% of boys) but, they're not getting other critical co-factors in their diet for bone growth. Kindervital is a unique, balanced herbal tonic containing vitamins A, B, C, D and E as well as vital and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It has been formulated with a special focus on bone and immune health - two of the most vital health issues for children and teens. By using only highly soluble forms of calcium in a liquid form, Kindervital is easily absorbed and put to good use, eliminating the need for exaggerated doses that compete with the absorption of other vital nutrients. This particular formula is iron-free, because iron competes directly with calcium for absorption. This delicious tasting, all natural, food-based liquid supplement is made with carrots, wheat germ, rosehips, watercress, horsetail, nettle and spinach.
Progressive Perfect Probiotic for Kids Probiotics are a foundational part of good health for adults, and it’s no different when it comes to kids! During childhood, gut flora is still developing and supporting gut health at a time when your little soldiers are exposed to a world of invaders, interacting with all things mucky, is vital. Perfect Probiotic for kids contains a strategic combination of 10 kid-friendly probiotic strains, with each small scoop providing 10 billion colony forming units. The powder itself has a pleasant taste and will easily stir into any liquids making it simple to administer, even to children as young as 1 year old. They will never know!
Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA Cod liver oil provides a whole host of benefits for kids. It can reduce the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, accelerates wound healing, helps in healing gastric ulcers, improves cognitive functions in kids and can help in reducing depression and promoting a calmer mood. It also strengthens the immune system and provides a great source of vitamin A, essential for cell growth and for the health of your child's eyes, heart, lung, and kidneys. Cod liver oil is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, including, EPA and DHA. These fatty acids play a vital role in brain development, particularly for infants and during pregnancy. As this is one of the toughest supplements to get kids to take, Nordic Naturals have formulated a great tasting supplement, containing Gold Standard Arctic Cod Liver Oil in the form of a small and easy to swallow, strawberry chewable softgel. You might have to hide these ones as the kids will be after the whole lot!
Natural Factors Big Friends Liquid Vitamin D Vitamin D helps your child's body maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, two minerals essential for the health of your bones. The vitamin aids in the absorption of calcium so your child is able to build skeletal mass and maintain strong, healthy bones. Here at Vitasave, we are all outdoor enthusiasts and nothing can compare to getting out in the sunshine for our daily dose of Vitamin D and we recommend the same for your kids. Making the most of being able to play outside during the longer, warmer days and eating Vitamin D rich foods like fatty fish and eggs, will give your kids the daily 400IU’s they need. However, in the winter months, with limited sunshine and shorter days, it is much more difficult to keep up healthy levels of Vitamin D. The health of your child's immune system depends on an adequate intake of vitamin D to help fight off infections. We all know that with the colder, darker months often the onset of colds and flu are more frequent, so supplementing during this time can be very beneficial.
Natural Factors Big Friends Vitamin C 250 mg Chewables Vitamin C helps form and repair red blood cells, bones, and tissues and assists with the absorption of iron from food sources. It’s antioxidants helps gums stay healthy and strengthens blood vessels, minimizing bruising from all those falls and scrapes. In addition, vitamin C (along with D) helps cuts and wounds heal, boosts the immune system, and keeps infections at bay. This vitamin is available in so many foods that deficiencies are extremely rare but children who are very picky eaters and don't eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables may not get enough from their diet. Big Friends Chewable Vitamin C from Natural Factors is a fun and delicious way for children to keep their antioxidant intake up and their bones, cartilage, teeth, and gums healthy. They love the tangy orange flavour, while the naturally low acid content protects teeth and tummies. It is important to know that Vitamin C overdose can cause side effects like nausea, gas and diarrhea so if your child does eat a regular diet, rich in colourful fruits and vegetables, you can avoid any further supplementation. You can check out the recommended Vitamin C dosage for each age group here.