Are Kids Supplements Really Necessary?

A recent study revealed that around 34% of Americans under the age of 19 take some kind of supplement on a regular basis.

With numbers like these, you can’t help but wonder – are kids supplements really necessary or can my children go without?

If you are tossing up the benefits of supplements for kids and need some help to determine if (and what) supplements to give your child, we’re here to help. Follow along to discover everything you need to know about your kid’s vitamins and how to support your growing kid.

The Benefits of Supplements

First things first, let’s clear up the misconception about vitamins for kids.

Just like adults, children need an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals to promote good brain health, development, and overall wellbeing. While the number of vitamins kids need is a bit lower than adults, they are just as (if not more) important for your growing kid.

Filling Nutritional Gaps

If you have a picky eater, there’s a strong possibility that your child isn’t getting the nutrients they need from food alone.

This is especially true if things like fruit and vegetables are a no-go for your little one. There are sneaky snacks that boast high vitamin contents, but supplementing is a great choice to ensure you have healthy kids on the horizon.

The same is true for children with restrictive diets such as vegan or vegetarian diets or even allergies to dairy or wheat. If your child is growing up without all food groups, filling in gaps with kids supplements can ensure they don’t have deficiencies along the way.

Supporting Development

Vitamins are the raw materials that your body uses to complete vital tasks, most of which impact major organs such as the brain.

For example, a lack of iron in a child’s diet can lead to reduced oxygen in the blood, making them feel more tired than normal. This can make it harder for them to maintain cognitive function and keep up physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Supplements can take the guesswork out of what your child might be missing in their diet. They provide them with everything they need to grow and function along with their peers.

Building Healthy kids

One of the most obvious signs a child is lacking in nutrients is their quality of health. Kids who lack certain vitamins in their day-to-day life often fall ill easier than well-nourished kids.

This constant cold and flu cycle can leave them missing out on school, events, and overall quality of life.

In extreme cases, children can begin to develop more serious illnesses and take on a greyish appearance in their skin and eyes. Kids with conditions such as celiac disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, and more can benefit even more from supplements. The vitamins help boost their body’s immune response and fend off unwelcome germs.

What Kids Supplements are Necessary?

Although some vitamins are mentioned more than others, growing kids need a blend of every vitamin and mineral to support their health. The difference is that some of these vitamins are found more readily in their favorite foods than others.

To get a better picture of what to look for in your kid’s supplements, let’s have a look at the primary areas of vitamins and minerals support.

Brain Function

Brain development is crucial in early life. This is why the vitamins that support your child’s brain are incredibly important.

When shopping for the best supplements for kids’ brain development, keep your eyes open for key players such as iron, zinc, choline, iodine, vitamins A, B6, B12, and D. These are especially important for children who do not eat meat or pick through their veggies with a fine-tooth comb.

Another important supplement you may find beneficial for helping your child stay focused and sharp is omega. Omega fatty acids can be found in foods such as fish, beans, and other good fat sources. Every child needs these essential fatty acids. However, those with short attention spans or trouble with schoolwork can see an impressive difference.

Strong Bones

Got milk? Dairy may be an excellent source of calcium to support strong bones in your growing child. Unfortunately, not everyone can digest things like yogurt, cheese, and milk.

If your child is intolerant to dairy, finding adequate sources of calcium in their diet can be a bit of a challenge. While things like dark leafy greens are a great substitute, not all kids are jumping with joy to eat another spinach salad.

Along with vitamin D, calcium supplements can help ensure your child grows up with strong, healthy bones. With this kind of support, there’s nothing holding them back from concurring the world (or the playground).

Gut Health

A healthy gut is responsible for a plethora of daily functions. Things like sleep, immunity, and allergens can all be routed back to the condition of the intestines and gut.

To keep your child’s gut healthy and well, seek out high-quality probiotics for kids. Probiotics are good bacteria that promote a healthy digestive function. However, they go so much further than that when it comes to your child’s health.

With so many benefits for your child, probiotics should be a no-brainer part of their daily health regime.

Supplements for Healthy Kids

Now that you know the benefits of kids supplements, you can set forth with confidence to make the best choices for your growing kid. From supporting their brain development to ensuring their digestion is in tip-top shape, your child will be forever grateful for the healthy start you’ve given them.

Want to learn more about the benefits of vitamins and their role in your child’s development? Check out our other blogs to discover everything you need to know to grow healthy, happy children.