The Right Nutrients for Your Children

Childhood is a period of constant growth and development. Bones, teeth, skin, muscles, eyes, brain, organs and body parts that will serve us throughout our lives are perfected. Nutrition plays a major role in development, and vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s are essential for optimal development.

Of course, children get the nutrients they need through a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables, legumes, lean meats, fish, and dairy products are among the most nutritious foods for growing children. The vitamins and minerals found in these foods are in a form that the body recognizes and absorbs easily.

The challenge is to ensure that children eat healthy foods every day. Most parents know how difficult children can be when it comes to their diet. Even children with the best eating habits don't always eat healthily all the time. Processed foods that are high in bad fats and sugar dominate our culture and are prepared to appeal to children's palates, not necessarily to provide them with the nutrients needed for optimal growth. In addition, many traditionally nutrient-rich foods, such as rice, have been stripped of much of their most valuable nutritional content due to modern processing methods.

Several supplements can provide your child with essential nutrients:

Multivitamins and Minerals 

A good chewable multivitamin with minerals, containing important nutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, promotes health and acts as daily nutritional insurance. Vitamins and minerals support immune health, maintain vision, form bones, teeth, gums, and tissues, and metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Choose a children's multivitamin and mineral supplement without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. 

Vitamin C 

A supplementary intake of this well-known vitamin is particularly important for children who do not consume enough fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is important for the development and maintenance of children's bones, cartilage, teeth, and gums.

Vitamin C is also important for forming connective tissues, accelerating wound healing, improving immune system health, and acting as a protective antioxidant.

Vitamin D

During the winter months, the additional vitamin D found in children's multivitamins may be necessary. While all Canadians are at risk of low vitamin D levels, children are particularly affected by this risk. A study conducted in 2009 and published in the journal Pediatrics presented disturbing results on vitamin D levels in American children. The study showed that 7 out of 10 children have insufficient vitamin D levels and nearly 10% of children are deficient. The lead researcher of the study stated, "We expected the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency to be high, but the magnitude of the problem nationally was shocking."¹ Note that Canadian children live further north and, therefore, are exposed to even fewer hours of sunlight in winter. Many healthcare professionals recommend that Canadians take 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily during the winter months.

More recent studies are investigating the benefits of vitamin D in promoting children's immune health.²

Omega-3s 

The need for key essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 DHA from fish oil, for a child's brain development does not end during fetal development. While 70% of brain development occurs at that time, the remaining 30% continues until the age of six.³ A lack of DHA in children can lead to behavioral and mood disorders. Supplementation with fish oil with a high DHA content and specially formulated for children can help them.

DHA and EFA intake during preschool years may also play a beneficial role in preventing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and promoting learning abilities and academic performance.⁴

As a parent concerned about your child's health, you will want to choose a purified fish oil supplement that has been cleaned and tested to ensure it is free of contaminants such as heavy metals found in our oceans. The International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) is an independent organization that publishes the results of quality and safety tests it performs on fish oils on its website www.ifosprogram.com.

References:
1. “Alarm Bells Over Vitamin D Levels in Kids”, CBS News. August 3, 2009.
2. Walker, VP. Modin RL. “The vitamin D connection to pediatric infections and immune function.” Pediatr Res. 2009 May;65(5 Pt 2):106R-113R.
3. Singh M., “Essential fatty acids, DHA and human brain.” Child Care and Dental Health Center, Arun Vihar, Noida, UP, India. meharbans.singh@gsk.com. Indian J Pediatr. 2005 Mar;72(3):239-42.
4. Hill A. “Fish oil diet feeds brains of toddlers: study shows omega-3 improves pre-school learning skills.” The Observer UK. July 17, 2005. http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1530193,00.html