In a perfect world, all kids would naturally get their essential daily vitamins and minerals from a health, balanced and nutritious diet. But in reality, our lives have become time crunched, and healthy home cooked food have been replaced with fast food and other time-saving meals. As a result, many pediatricians and doctors have recommended that kids take a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. Besides what flavor it contains, or what cartoon character is featured on the packaging, below is a list that every parent should look for in every children’s multivitamin and mineral supplement.
Multivitamins
- Look for multivitamins that come close to 100 percent RDA’s of featured nutrients.
- Limit Sugars! No more than 2 grams of calorie sweeteners per dose.
- No high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners or colors.
- Remember; liquid is a good option for easy swallowing and absorption.
Omega 3’s
- Brain food.
- Should contain DHA and EPA.
- DHA is more important for kids’ brain development.
- Dose: Children over age 4, 250 mg of DHA and 180 mg of EPA daily. Teens: 500 mg of DHA and 365 mg of EPA.
Vitamin D
- Builds strong bones.
- Fights colds and influenza.
- More time indoors requires extra vitamin D.
- Dose: 1,000 – 2,000 IU Daily, with the higher dose for older and physically bigger kids.
Calcium and Magnesium
- Aim for a 1:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium.
- Calcium promotes stronger bones.
- Magnesium helps to deliver calcium to bones and increase focus.
- Dose: 200 mg of calcium and up to 200 mg of magnesium in the morning and the evening.
- Powdered or liquid magnesium supplements can be a good way to tailor the dose.
Zinc
- Building block to a healthy immune system.
- Supports the senses of taste and smell.
- Essential for sexual development at puberty.
- Dose: 2-4 mg of a chelated form, such as zinc gluconate.
- Look for a multimineral liquid that includes calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
Vitamin B
- Vitamins B6 and B12 are building blocks for brain neurotransmitters.
- Vitamin B deficiency can hinder memory, focus, and attention.
- Methylated (partially metabolized and the most bio-available form) B vitamins are important in Autism and ADHD to overcome specific enzyme blocks.
For more information on kids’ health supplements, or where you can purchase them, please visit: http://www.SimplyNutrition.com/supplements/kids-health
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