4 Best Natural Supplements for Children

Proper nutrition is integral for those still in their early years in life, both for healthy mental and physical development. Fatefully, it can also be quite challenging to get children to consume a balanced nutrient-rich and dense diet on a daily basis. For parents struggling to keep their children properly nourished on diet alone, there are thankfully a number of effective, all-natural, and tasty supplements out there. Today we’ll explore what we think are the four must-haves when thinking about supplements for children.

Pro-biotics

Perhaps you’ve heard the age-old saying from Hippocrates, “All diseases begin in the gut.” While this is certainly somewhat hyperbolic in that not every illness is determined by the health of our gut, it is true that the gut contains 10 times more health-determining bacteria than the rest of our body, thereby protecting us from infection, supporting our metabolism, and promoting healthy digestion and elimination. In children, the gut’s flora is just developing and can use all the extra support it can get. Probiotics supplements come in a variety of forms, from chewables and capsules to powders. In addition, including fermented foods such as sauerkraut or cultured ones, such as yogurt (likely to be more enjoyed by younger children) into a daily diet will help fortify your kid’s probiotic intake.

Omega 3s

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that help feed the brain and keep it healthy. They are part of the process of building new cells — the key to developing the central nervous and cardiovascular systems and helping the body absorb nutrients. Omega-3 fats also are important for ocular function, mood regulation and can provide other cognitive and neurological benefits. Because the body does not generate Omega 3s on its own, incorporating supplements and foods which include them is vital starting from an early age. There are actually studies indicating that children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, appear to benefit greatly from Omega 3 supplementation, as it can help improve cognitive abilities relating to school performance.  

Multi-Vitamins

As children grow, it’s vital for them to get adequate amounts of the variety of nutrients that help build strong bones, such as calcium and vitamin D. Moreover, iron, zinc, iodine, choline, and vitamins A, K2, B6 (folate), B12, and D are crucial for brain development in the early life stages. If a fully balanced diet that incorporates all these nutrients is hard to achieve day-to-day, multivitamins are a highly effective and easy way to ensure that your child receives all the daily nutrients they need. Some of the best kids multivitamins are available through Dr. Thornburg Wellness.

Minerals

No, not the stuff you find in a rock on the ground, like granite or quartz. Just like vitamins, the minerals we’re talking about helping your body grow, develop, and stay healthy. The body uses minerals (both macro and trace) to achieve many different functions — from building strong bones to transmitting nerve impulses. While it’s common for adults to get their daily dosage of minerals through food, this can be more difficult for children. Mineral and vitamin drops are great alternatives if that is the case

Keep Your Children Healthy (and Happy) with Dr. Thornburg