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Are you looking for ways to support your child’s growth and development? Consuming nutritious foods is an obvious step to getting the essential nutrients needed for overall health, however not all kids like to eat spinach and broccoli! Whether they are picky eaters, on restricted diets or think they are too busy to eat well, limited diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Let’s take a look at the best vitamins for children to support their health and development – starting today.
Nutrients for Bone Support
Approximately 90% of peak bone mass has been built by age 18. The importance of supporting bone health actually begins during pregnancy and continues throughout childhood and beyond. A number of different factors impact bone health, such as genetics, gender, ethnicity, exercise, and lifestyle, plus nutritional factors like calcium, vitamin D and protein intake. In cases of dietary limitations, appropriate intake of these nutrients in supplement form may be beneficial.
Although calcium is one of the most well-known nutrients for building strong bones and teeth, other nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 are also required for bone health. Vitamin D3 is needed for the proper absorption of calcium, while vitamin K2 activates osteocalcin, a bone-forming protein. Vitamin K2 also makes sure calcium is directed to the bones instead of soft tissues. Magnesium is often found in multivitamin and mineral supplements. It’s an important mineral that supports over 300 enzymes, contributes to bone structure and is involved in energy production and muscle contraction.
Nutrients for Immune Support
On average, children can have about 6–10 colds per year. Current evidence suggests that nutrients such as vitamins C and D and zinc may help prevent colds and shorten the duration and/or lessen symptoms. In addition to supporting immune health, vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the growth of teeth, bones, gums and ligaments, along with helping to absorb iron, a vital mineral. Iron supports growth and development in children, is involved in the production of red blood cells and plays an important role in immune function. Zinc is a key mineral involved in wound healing, growth and development, and supports the function of immune cells.
Children’s Multivitamins: Choose Quality
Multivitamins for kids provide an array of nutrients to support growth and development. The best multivitamins have added wholefood concentrates, such as organic fruits and vegetables, as they provide a blend of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytonutrients, offering further support for young ones to help fill nutrient gaps.
Appropriate intake of nutrients, along with movement, fresh air and good sleep, will help provide a successful foundation of health for active and growing children.
