Should I be giving my Child Dietary Supplements?

This is a question that has been worrying parents all over the world. On one side, there are studies that show a well balanced diet is all it takes. On the other hand, there are a number of studies which show enhanced IQ levels and improved attention spans with the use of supplements containing essential minerals, fats and vitamins.

What does one mean by a “Well Balanced Diet”?

The conventional definition of consuming a ‘well balanced diet’ involves achieving what is known as the recommended daily allowance (RDA). But having said that, your RDAs have not been calculated keeping in mind the need for maximizing the mental performance of your child. This allowance is essentially designed to prevent physical deficiencies such as the likes of scurvy.

Intake of Vitamins and Minerals

There are a sufficient number of studies that test the influence of vitamin and mineral supplements on the mental performance of your child. These studies show significant increase in IQ levels. However, experts are yet to gain clarity on the optimum level of minerals and vitamins that need to be supplemented for kids. However, higher amounts have shown signs of achieving more significant effect.

Intake of Essential Fats

There are two kinds of essential fats that are recommended for children – Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats. Easily found through supplements such as Efalex Omega – 3+6 Fish Oil for kids, these fatty acids are known to be critical for brain function. Children who supplement these on a daily basis have exhibited clear cut benefit. It is often recommended that your child consume these supplements two or three times a week.

Facilitating Smart Supplementation

By supplementing, you are essentially adding essential vitamins, minerals and fats to a basic healthy lifestyle and diet. With questionable food qualities and the overpowering fad of junk foods, it is critical for parents to equip their children with the right kinds of dietary supplements which allow them to grow physically and mentally on the right path.

Efalex Omega- 3+6 Fish Oil for kids helps in the proper development of the brain and the nervous system. In addition to this, it also contributes to the health of the skin and heart. Children who have a diet that is low of nuts and fish can rely on high quality fish oil supplements for compensating the loss.

Finally, before planning a supplementary diet for your child, ask the following questions-

• Does my child really need this supplement?
• Am I confident that this supplement is safe for my child?
• Does the supplement I am giving my child interact with any other food or drug that he or she is consuming?
• Am I sure that this supplement will give the results I expect?
• Am I able to afford the supplement?
• What else do I know about this supplement?

Before purchasing any supplements for your child make sure that they are free of contaminants such as pesticide residues and heavy metals such as mercury. Always purchase from a company that is known for its high standards in purity.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Kids

During your child’s growing years, it is critical that he or she is given access to the best possible nutrition that ensures sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet can significantly assist in the overall health and growth of your child and also ensure prevention of a number of diseases such as scurvy, anemia, and osteoporosis.

What is a Healthy Diet?

A quintessential healthy diet includes-

• Milk and dairy products such as yogurt and cheese. Low fat products are recommended for children above the age of 3.

• Sufficient amounts of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables

• Protein through fish, eggs, chicken and meat

• Whole grains such as brown rice and steel cut oats.

So what about Vitamin Supplements?

Given the modern day realities of time-crunched parents, it is not always possible for parents to provide to their children nutritious home cooked meals. A growing number of pediatricians are recommending the use of Haliborange Kids Multivitamins for children who are –

• Not eating a regular and well balanced meal consisting of fresh and whole foods.

• Children who are finicky about what they eat

• Kids who have chronic medical problems such as asthma and digestive conditions. Especially if they are taking other medications.

• Children who play demanding sports or are very active

• Kids who are eating a lot of convenience foods, fast foods and processed foods.

• Children who do not eat meat or dairy items may require iron supplements or calcium supplements.

• Children who drink a lot of carbonated drinks that are known to leach out minerals and vitamins from the body.

Essential Minerals your Children Must Have 

• Vitamin A

This vitamin promotes the normal development and growth of your child, ensures healthy skin and facilitates repair of bone and tissues. It also works towards providing healthier immune responses. Milk, cheese, yellow and orange vegetables and eggs are a good source.

• Vitamin B

Vitamin B2, 3, 6 and 12 all aid in metabolism, healthy circulatory and nervous systems, and energy production. Meat, chicken, eggs, milk, fish, nuts, beans, cheese and soybeans are great sources.

• Vitamin C

This vitamin encourages growth of healthy muscles, skin and connective tissues. Citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes, broccoli and strawberries are abundant in Vitamin C.

• Vitamin D

This helps in the formation of bone and teeth and the absorption of calcium by your body. Milk and other fortified dairy products, fish oil and egg yolk prove to be good sources. Sunlight however, is the best source for vitamin D.

• Calcium

This helps in the building of strong bones during the child’s growing years. Milk, tofu, yogurt, cheese and calcium fortified orange juice are excellent sources.

• Iron

Iron helps in the building of muscles and is also great for production of healthy red blood cells. Iron deficiency is a common risk for adolescent girls who are menstruating. Beef, red meats, spinach, beans, prunes and turkey are good sources.

If your diet is not able to offer satisfactory amounts of these vitamins and minerals, supplements such as Haliborange kids multivitamin can prove to be quite useful.