Every kid is different. Different body, different needs. Some need more and some need less. That said, here’s three supplements nearly every kid needs every day. For children with health issues (from eczema and allergies to digestive problem, behavioral issues and more) this regimen may improve their conditions. For healthy children, these supplements will fortify the immune system and help to insure healthy growth and development.
#1 – Fish oil - It’s very unlikely that kids get enough essential omega 3’s from fish, and caution should be taken with the quality of the fish for potential mercury contamination. So, for their developing brains and nervous system, for healthy skin, good mental and emotional health and many other reasons, Fish Oil is a kid essential. Choose high quality and keep it in the fridge. Brands like Carlson’s and Nordic Naturals have children’s lines that are lemon or berry flavored. You may need to experiment to find your child’s “favorite” way to drink it.
#2 – Probiotics – Children are naturally born with un-developed digestive systems; In utero, they eat via the umbilical cord, and after birth are designed to consume mostly breast milk for much longer than the average American mom nurses. Probiotics help to populate the digestive tract with healthy bacteria that is often in deficit due to early introduction of dairy, wheat, soy, and/or other potential allergens, consumption of processed and low-quality foods, minimal or no breastfeeding, mom’s personal dietary choices, weakened immune system (frequent colds or tummy bugs), ect. Popular probiotic drinks and yogurts for kids should be relied on with caution… They are often full of sugar, low on probiotic potency, and often don’t contain the right strains (bifidus) of the healthy bacteria. Instead, choose a high quality probiotic powder from the fridge section of your health food store or health practitioner (such as Jarrow’s “Baby Jarro-Dophilus” or if dairy sensitive, use Klaire labs’ Infant or Children’s probiotic).
#3 – Vitamin D – Essential for immune health, required for proper development of bones and teeth, and much more, most children (and adults) simply do not receive adequate amounts. The amount of sun exposure needed to get vitamin D far exceeds what we get in our indoor, sunscreen obsessed culture. In order to get enough D in fortified milk, a 50 pound child would need to drink around 14 glasses of whole milk just to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. A fair-skinned human needs at least 15 minutes of daily sun exposure wearing the equivalent of short-shorts and a tank top.
The only way to know how much D you need is through a blood test, but a good rule of thumb is 35IU per pound of body weight per day. Carlson’s Vitamin D Drops (in coconut oil) are flavorless and super easy for kids and adults to fit into your daily routine.
Since every child is unique, talk to your practitioner to find out what specific supplements are right for your child.
