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.