Vision problems affect approximately one in every 20 preschoolers and more than 25 percent of all school-age children. Ensuring your child can see properly is pivotal to their ability to learn and succeed. This includes regular eye care and understanding the vitamins and other nutrients that are essential to supporting eye health. In many cases, the addition of children’s multi-vitamins can help provide the vitamins and minerals necessary for supporting healthy vision.
Vitamin A
This essential vitamin helps convert light into nerve signals in the retina. Vitamin A deficiency is the most common cause of eye diseases and childhood blindness. Often, the first signal that there is a vitamin A deficiency is an inability to see in the dark. Carrots, fortified milk, dark green vegetables all contain ample amounts of vitamin A. As well, nearly all formulas of multi-vitamins for children also contain the daily requirement of the vitamin.
Vitamin C and E
Both of these vitamins are beneficial to supporting eye heath. Vitamin C helps to reduce eye pressure which can prevent the early onset of glaucoma. This vitamin can be consumed in citrus, berries, broccoli and peppers. Vitamin E helps the body absorb beta-carotene and other essential nutrients that are necessary for healthy vision. Obtaining sufficient amounts of these vitamins requires a healthy, balanced diet, and in some cases, the addition of children’s multi-vitamins.
Lutein
As opposed to vitamins, lutein is a carotenoid which can help prevent and improve visual disorders and support healthy eyesight. The benefit of this nutrient is that it helps absorb light in the region of the visible spectrum to protect the macula of the eye from damage by oxidative stress. Lutein is commonly found in dark leafy green vegetables and egg yolks. Both spinach and kale have high amounts of the nutrient. Of course, kids are not always excited about eating large amounts of healthy vegetables. For them, the addition of children’s multi-vitamins can make sense, especially for those who have a family history of macular degeneration.
Choosing the Right Children’s Multi-Vitamins for Vision
There are many children’s multi-vitamins on the market, and some even tout specific vision-boosting nutrients. However, it’s important to carefully look at the daily requirements of vitamin A, C and E to determine their efficacy. As well, you’ll want one that offers the additional benefits of lutein. Nature’s Plus Animal Parade Gold Multi-Children’s Chewable offers all of these nutrients, along with the benefits of enzymes, probiotics, organic whole foods, natural cherry flavor and more. When it comes to your child’s eyes, it’s wise to choose the best nutritional formula you can!
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Can You Give Your Kids Liquid Kid’s Vitamins with Vitamin C
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, greater than six percent of American children over the age of six years old are deficient in vitamin C. Obtaining sufficient vitamin C requires getting a balanced diet that contains ample fresh fruits and vegetables. While this seems simple, not all children can or want to eat balanced diets. For many, over-the-counter liquid kid’s vitamins are an alternative to ensure that vitamin C levels are being met.
Understanding Recommendations for Vitamin C
The common vitamin C recommendation for children between the ages of four and eight years old is 25 milligrams each day. For those between the ages of 9 and 13 years, the recommendation increases to 45 milligrams. Teenage boys require 65 milligrams, and adolescent girls should get 75 milligrams.
Vitamin C toxicity is possible, but not common since the upper intake levels are substantial. For most, taking liquid kid’s vitamins that contain vitamin C along with providing balanced meals is safe and healthy.
As opposed to multivitamin formulas, vitamin C supplements can often contain higher dosages than what can be tolerated, leading to side effects that include nausea, gas and diarrhea. Over time, an excess of vitamin C can lead to stomach inflammation and kidney stones. Large amounts of vitamin C can also interfere with the function of certain medications, including aspirin, acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs.
How Vitamin C in Liquid Kid’s Vitamins Can Help
Many consider vitamin C to be beneficial for fighting off common colds and flu. There is certainly evidence pointing to the ability for the vitamin to boost the immune system. However, vitamin C also offers antioxidant benefits to help prevent the following:
What Are the Best Sources of Vitamin C?
Of course, the best way for children to obtain vitamin C is from eating a balanced diet that contains foods like citrus, berries, tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens and melons. For those who cannot obtain sufficient amounts of the vitamin in the diet, liquid vitamins for kids can be a safe and convenient alternative. A good place to start when determining whether or not your child requires additional vitamin C through supplementation is with your pediatrician. By evaluating your child’s diet and current health issues, the need for supplementation with liquid kid’s vitamins can be determined.
Understanding Recommendations for Vitamin C
The common vitamin C recommendation for children between the ages of four and eight years old is 25 milligrams each day. For those between the ages of 9 and 13 years, the recommendation increases to 45 milligrams. Teenage boys require 65 milligrams, and adolescent girls should get 75 milligrams.
Vitamin C toxicity is possible, but not common since the upper intake levels are substantial. For most, taking liquid kid’s vitamins that contain vitamin C along with providing balanced meals is safe and healthy.
As opposed to multivitamin formulas, vitamin C supplements can often contain higher dosages than what can be tolerated, leading to side effects that include nausea, gas and diarrhea. Over time, an excess of vitamin C can lead to stomach inflammation and kidney stones. Large amounts of vitamin C can also interfere with the function of certain medications, including aspirin, acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs.
How Vitamin C in Liquid Kid’s Vitamins Can Help
Many consider vitamin C to be beneficial for fighting off common colds and flu. There is certainly evidence pointing to the ability for the vitamin to boost the immune system. However, vitamin C also offers antioxidant benefits to help prevent the following:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Glaucoma
What Are the Best Sources of Vitamin C?
Of course, the best way for children to obtain vitamin C is from eating a balanced diet that contains foods like citrus, berries, tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens and melons. For those who cannot obtain sufficient amounts of the vitamin in the diet, liquid vitamins for kids can be a safe and convenient alternative. A good place to start when determining whether or not your child requires additional vitamin C through supplementation is with your pediatrician. By evaluating your child’s diet and current health issues, the need for supplementation with liquid kid’s vitamins can be determined.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
How Necessary Is a Kid’s Vitamin D3 Supplement?
With the popularity of computers and video games, a growing number of kids rarely play outside. The result is far less sun exposure which can cause some to develop vitamin D deficiencies. While there are some vitamin-D fortified foods that can help bridge the gap, for many, kid’s vitamin D3 supplements are necessary for ensuring that vitamin D levels are being met.
Why Kids Need Vitamin D
Sunlight naturally stimulates the skin to produce vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium, magnesium and phosphate. These minerals are necessary both for bone formation and for stimulating the immune system. Vitamin D is not only required during the growing years of childhood, it’s necessary throughout life for the absorption of calcium.
Of course, it’s necessary to balance the benefits of obtaining vitamin D through sun exposure and the risk of skin cancer. Some try to obtain sufficient amounts of the vitamin through the diet by eating nutrient-rich foods like salmon, mackerel, liver, cheese, eggs and milk products. While these foods do contain vitamin D, not all kids like them. And, some are even allergic to them.
When vitamin D levels are low, bones are at risk of becoming thin, brittle or misshapen. A vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to insulin resistance, high blood pressure and decreased immunity. It’s common for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and digestive issues to also have substantial vitamin D deficiencies. If the deficiency is not corrected, there is a greater risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases, as well as tiredness, fatigue and even depression.
The Solution of Vitamin D3 for Kids
Kids have a greater need than ever for vitamin D supplementation because of increased time indoors, as well as the greater use of sunscreen. The best way to ensure your child is obtaining a sufficient amount of the vitamin is to provide a kids vitamin D3 supplement in its bioavailable form. With Animal Parade Sugar Free Vitamin D3 chewables, kids get the nutrition they need in a convenient chewable supplement that tastes great. It’s easy to ensure kids are getting sufficient vitamin D3 with a single daily supplement that is vegetarian, gluten-free and flavored with real fruit flavor.
Why Kids Need Vitamin D
Sunlight naturally stimulates the skin to produce vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium, magnesium and phosphate. These minerals are necessary both for bone formation and for stimulating the immune system. Vitamin D is not only required during the growing years of childhood, it’s necessary throughout life for the absorption of calcium.
Of course, it’s necessary to balance the benefits of obtaining vitamin D through sun exposure and the risk of skin cancer. Some try to obtain sufficient amounts of the vitamin through the diet by eating nutrient-rich foods like salmon, mackerel, liver, cheese, eggs and milk products. While these foods do contain vitamin D, not all kids like them. And, some are even allergic to them.
When vitamin D levels are low, bones are at risk of becoming thin, brittle or misshapen. A vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to insulin resistance, high blood pressure and decreased immunity. It’s common for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and digestive issues to also have substantial vitamin D deficiencies. If the deficiency is not corrected, there is a greater risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases, as well as tiredness, fatigue and even depression.
The Solution of Vitamin D3 for Kids
Kids have a greater need than ever for vitamin D supplementation because of increased time indoors, as well as the greater use of sunscreen. The best way to ensure your child is obtaining a sufficient amount of the vitamin is to provide a kids vitamin D3 supplement in its bioavailable form. With Animal Parade Sugar Free Vitamin D3 chewables, kids get the nutrition they need in a convenient chewable supplement that tastes great. It’s easy to ensure kids are getting sufficient vitamin D3 with a single daily supplement that is vegetarian, gluten-free and flavored with real fruit flavor.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Why You Should Choose Kids Multivitamins with Probiotics
If you’ve experienced intestinal issues, it’s likely that your physician recommended incorporating more probiotics into your diet. The same microorganisms found in probiotics that are beneficial for adults can also help support intestinal health in children. One of the simplest ways to provide probiotics to them is to choose a formula of kids multivitamins with added probiotics.
Many parents are under the assumption that the only way to add probiotics to a child’s diet is to give them yogurt or yogurt drinks with live cultures. While some yogurts do offer a good source of probiotics, they are not the only option. In fact, some kids vitamins, such as Animal Parade from Nature’s Plus, provide a complete range of intestinal probiotics, as well as probiotics to support oral health, too!
The Benefits of Probiotics
It can seem counterintuitive that bacteria is beneficial, especially since we take antibiotics to kill bacteria. Yet, not all bacteria is harmful. In fact, some can be very helpful. This is where probiotics enter the picture. Probiotics are live microorganisms, including bacteria that help prevent and treat certain diseases and conditions. Maintaining the right balance of bacteria is necessary in both children and adults. An imbalance of bacteria in the intestinal tract is linked to ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and possibly even diabetes.
Yogurt is perhaps the most well-known source of probiotics. However, not all are created equal. In fact, many brands, especially those that are targeted to children, contain little or no probiotics at all. Many of these products also contain high amounts of added sugar, as well as fat. The National Yogurt Association has established standards for probiotics. Only those that have 100 million cultures per gram at the time of manufacture are considered to display the Live and Active Cultures seal on their packaging.
Other dietary sources of probiotics include the fermented dairy product kefir, sauerkraut, dark chocolate, microalgae, miso soup, pickles, tempeh and kimchi. While these all offer the benefits of probiotics, many kids do not particularly care for these foods.
Kids Vitamins: An Alternative to Yogurt
If your child loves yogurt, by all means give him or her yogurt to obtain beneficial levels of probiotics. However, there is another option for gaining the positive benefits of probiotics. With kids multivitamins that contain probiotics, you can help support your child’s intestinal health while also ensuring they meet their daily requirements of vitamins and minerals.
Many parents are under the assumption that the only way to add probiotics to a child’s diet is to give them yogurt or yogurt drinks with live cultures. While some yogurts do offer a good source of probiotics, they are not the only option. In fact, some kids vitamins, such as Animal Parade from Nature’s Plus, provide a complete range of intestinal probiotics, as well as probiotics to support oral health, too!
The Benefits of Probiotics
It can seem counterintuitive that bacteria is beneficial, especially since we take antibiotics to kill bacteria. Yet, not all bacteria is harmful. In fact, some can be very helpful. This is where probiotics enter the picture. Probiotics are live microorganisms, including bacteria that help prevent and treat certain diseases and conditions. Maintaining the right balance of bacteria is necessary in both children and adults. An imbalance of bacteria in the intestinal tract is linked to ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and possibly even diabetes.
Yogurt is perhaps the most well-known source of probiotics. However, not all are created equal. In fact, many brands, especially those that are targeted to children, contain little or no probiotics at all. Many of these products also contain high amounts of added sugar, as well as fat. The National Yogurt Association has established standards for probiotics. Only those that have 100 million cultures per gram at the time of manufacture are considered to display the Live and Active Cultures seal on their packaging.
Other dietary sources of probiotics include the fermented dairy product kefir, sauerkraut, dark chocolate, microalgae, miso soup, pickles, tempeh and kimchi. While these all offer the benefits of probiotics, many kids do not particularly care for these foods.
Kids Vitamins: An Alternative to Yogurt
If your child loves yogurt, by all means give him or her yogurt to obtain beneficial levels of probiotics. However, there is another option for gaining the positive benefits of probiotics. With kids multivitamins that contain probiotics, you can help support your child’s intestinal health while also ensuring they meet their daily requirements of vitamins and minerals.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Liquid Kid’s Vitamins Helping Children with ADHD Get Necessary Nutrients
With three to five percent of all children diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), many researchers are looking for effective ways to treat this little understood condition. An increasing amount of research is being conducted in the efficacy of nutritional supplements in combating symptoms of the behavioral disorder.
Currently, many children diagnosed with ADHD are given a combination of prescriptions and behavioral therapy. However, many are trying alternatives such as supplementing the diet with multivitamins. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for some children with the condition to swallow large multivitamin supplements in the form of capsules or tablets. Because of this, liquid kid’s vitamins are often recommended by pediatricians and others who treat children with ADHD.
Zinc
A well-formulated liquid vitamin for kids will contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that support good health. This includes zinc which has shown significant promise in the management of ADHD symptoms. Ongoing research in the connection between zinc and ADHD continues, and some pediatricians are now even testing children with ADHD symptoms for zinc deficiency.
Magnesium
In a 2010 study, magnesium deficiency was found in a notable amount of children displaying symptoms of ADHD. Adding a formula of liquid kid’s vitamins that contains magnesium is now often recommended by pediatricians who recommend trying natural options for treating the condition prior to prescribing ADHD prescription medications.
Vitamin B-12
B vitamins are necessary for supporting the health of the brain and central nervous system. Thus, it makes sense that ensuring sufficient B-12 levels would be important for treating any child with ADHD. While researchers continue to study the link between vitamin B-12 and ADHD, there is plenty of research to show that the vitamin is essential for the nervous system to function properly and to prevent neurological issues from developing.
Avoiding the Battle of Administering Multivitamins
Getting children with ADHD to take multivitamin supplements can be particularly challenging. For some, it becomes a daily battle. Because supplements need to be taken consistently, it only makes sense to provide them in a form that is easy to administer. Liquid kid’s vitamins are often prescribed to children with ADHD for this specific reason.
Currently, many children diagnosed with ADHD are given a combination of prescriptions and behavioral therapy. However, many are trying alternatives such as supplementing the diet with multivitamins. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for some children with the condition to swallow large multivitamin supplements in the form of capsules or tablets. Because of this, liquid kid’s vitamins are often recommended by pediatricians and others who treat children with ADHD.
Zinc
A well-formulated liquid vitamin for kids will contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that support good health. This includes zinc which has shown significant promise in the management of ADHD symptoms. Ongoing research in the connection between zinc and ADHD continues, and some pediatricians are now even testing children with ADHD symptoms for zinc deficiency.
Magnesium
In a 2010 study, magnesium deficiency was found in a notable amount of children displaying symptoms of ADHD. Adding a formula of liquid kid’s vitamins that contains magnesium is now often recommended by pediatricians who recommend trying natural options for treating the condition prior to prescribing ADHD prescription medications.
Vitamin B-12
B vitamins are necessary for supporting the health of the brain and central nervous system. Thus, it makes sense that ensuring sufficient B-12 levels would be important for treating any child with ADHD. While researchers continue to study the link between vitamin B-12 and ADHD, there is plenty of research to show that the vitamin is essential for the nervous system to function properly and to prevent neurological issues from developing.
Avoiding the Battle of Administering Multivitamins
Getting children with ADHD to take multivitamin supplements can be particularly challenging. For some, it becomes a daily battle. Because supplements need to be taken consistently, it only makes sense to provide them in a form that is easy to administer. Liquid kid’s vitamins are often prescribed to children with ADHD for this specific reason.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Battling the Discomfort of Eczema with Children’s Multi-vitamins
Eczema is a common childhood skin condition that is particularly worse in the cold, winter months. Challenging for parents and uncomfortable for children, eczema has long been a problem with few effective treatments. However, new research is showing that a vitamin found in children’s multi-vitamins may be the answer to stopping the pain and itching associated with eczema.
In a study of more than 100 children, ranging in age from 2 to 17, vitamin D was shown to improve symptoms of eczema. Results from the study showed a 29 percent improvement in eczema symptoms in children who received vitamin D supplements.
Interestingly, vitamin D is a vitamin that is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunshine. This may explain why eczema tends to worsen during the dark, winter months. It is common for both children and adults typically to have lower vitamin D levels in the winter. Many have vitamin D deficiencies.
This study has indicated the need for more research to evaluate if vitamin D could be beneficial for adults and children who have chronic, year-long eczema. Findings also concluded that children with eczema symptoms could benefit from a children’s multi-vitamin that contains vitamin D. Parents should discuss this option with their pediatrician.
Along with potentially helping combat the symptoms of eczema, vitamin D is also essential for supporting bone health. This fat-soluble vitamin specifically works to help the body absorb calcium to support strong bones.
Multi-vitamins for children that contain vitamin D also provide other essential vitamins and minerals necessary to support good health. A balanced, natural formula, such as Animal Parade Gold, also contains Lutein for eye and skin protection, live enzymes, probiotics, and bioflavonoids to support absorption, and vitamin K2 for immunity and blood and bone health.
Of course, not all children’s multi-vitamins are created equal. Unfortunately, some contain ingredients that can be harmful to children with allergies or food sensitivities. This is why it’s essential to choose a product that specifically is hypo-allergenic, gluten-free, and free from artificial flavors and color.
In a study of more than 100 children, ranging in age from 2 to 17, vitamin D was shown to improve symptoms of eczema. Results from the study showed a 29 percent improvement in eczema symptoms in children who received vitamin D supplements.
Interestingly, vitamin D is a vitamin that is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunshine. This may explain why eczema tends to worsen during the dark, winter months. It is common for both children and adults typically to have lower vitamin D levels in the winter. Many have vitamin D deficiencies.
This study has indicated the need for more research to evaluate if vitamin D could be beneficial for adults and children who have chronic, year-long eczema. Findings also concluded that children with eczema symptoms could benefit from a children’s multi-vitamin that contains vitamin D. Parents should discuss this option with their pediatrician.
Along with potentially helping combat the symptoms of eczema, vitamin D is also essential for supporting bone health. This fat-soluble vitamin specifically works to help the body absorb calcium to support strong bones.
Multi-vitamins for children that contain vitamin D also provide other essential vitamins and minerals necessary to support good health. A balanced, natural formula, such as Animal Parade Gold, also contains Lutein for eye and skin protection, live enzymes, probiotics, and bioflavonoids to support absorption, and vitamin K2 for immunity and blood and bone health.
Of course, not all children’s multi-vitamins are created equal. Unfortunately, some contain ingredients that can be harmful to children with allergies or food sensitivities. This is why it’s essential to choose a product that specifically is hypo-allergenic, gluten-free, and free from artificial flavors and color.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Kid’s Vitamin D3 Supplements Helping Children with Epilepsy
Children with epilepsy are two to three times more likely to break bones than others within their age group, according to research conducted by the Leicester Royal Infirmary’s Department of Pediatric Neurology. Prior research had shown a link between epilepsy and weakened bones in some children, but this new evidence, published in The Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences, provides more compelling proof.
The cause of the lack of bone strength is suspected to be anti-epileptic medicines that prevent the body from replacing old bone tissue with new tissue. These medications also negatively impact bone density, making bones in children more prone to fractures.
Researchers who published the findings have recommended that children who have epilepsy and are taking anti-epilepsy medications should take a supplement of vitamin d3 for kids. The authors of the published findings stated, “Low dose vitamin D supplementation is now recommended for healthy children, and it is biologically feasible that children with epilepsy may be at higher risk of clinically significant deficiency. It is important that neurologists ensure that low dose vitamin D supplementation should be prescribed in children with epilepsy.”
Epilepsy in Children
According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, approximately 400,000 children in the United States have epilepsy, and most control seizures through medication. Because epilepsy is often a lifelong condition, children who are taking anti-seizure medications will likely need supplementation throughout their lives. With these medications linked to bone-related issues, parents of children with epilepsy should definitely discuss kids vitamin D3 supplements with their pediatrician. Along with potentially helping prevent bone breaks and fractures, vitamin D3 may also be beneficial in minimizing symptoms of other common conditions, including eczema, depression, and ADHD.
What to Look for in Kid’s Vitamin D3 Supplements
For a child to gain the benefits of a supplement of vitamin D3 for kids, it’s important to provide a well-formulated supplement that contains at least 500 IU of the vitamin. It’s also important to choose a brand that is made from the bioavailable active form of the vitamin to support optimal growth and long-term health. An option, such as Animal Parade Vitamin D3, is a good choice because of its quality and taste.
The cause of the lack of bone strength is suspected to be anti-epileptic medicines that prevent the body from replacing old bone tissue with new tissue. These medications also negatively impact bone density, making bones in children more prone to fractures.
Researchers who published the findings have recommended that children who have epilepsy and are taking anti-epilepsy medications should take a supplement of vitamin d3 for kids. The authors of the published findings stated, “Low dose vitamin D supplementation is now recommended for healthy children, and it is biologically feasible that children with epilepsy may be at higher risk of clinically significant deficiency. It is important that neurologists ensure that low dose vitamin D supplementation should be prescribed in children with epilepsy.”
Epilepsy in Children
According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, approximately 400,000 children in the United States have epilepsy, and most control seizures through medication. Because epilepsy is often a lifelong condition, children who are taking anti-seizure medications will likely need supplementation throughout their lives. With these medications linked to bone-related issues, parents of children with epilepsy should definitely discuss kids vitamin D3 supplements with their pediatrician. Along with potentially helping prevent bone breaks and fractures, vitamin D3 may also be beneficial in minimizing symptoms of other common conditions, including eczema, depression, and ADHD.
What to Look for in Kid’s Vitamin D3 Supplements
For a child to gain the benefits of a supplement of vitamin D3 for kids, it’s important to provide a well-formulated supplement that contains at least 500 IU of the vitamin. It’s also important to choose a brand that is made from the bioavailable active form of the vitamin to support optimal growth and long-term health. An option, such as Animal Parade Vitamin D3, is a good choice because of its quality and taste.
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