Before You Buy Kids Liquid Vitamins

While a diet based on the Food Guide Pyramid is the best way to get vitamins and minerals, there are situations when kids liquid vitamins are the best option for ensuing your child is getting sufficient nutrients. Picky eaters, vegetarians, and some children with some health conditions may need the benefits of kids liquid vitamins.

Vitamin D
According to guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies and infants who are exclusively breastfed or who are drinking less than 1 liter of baby formula per day should receive 400 IU of vitamin D each day. Older children who aren’t drinking 32 ounces of vitamin D fortified milk may also need extra vitamin D.

Iron
Infants and babies who are breastfed are the most at risk of being iron-deficient. Adolescent girls who have begun having their periods are also at risk of anemia. A brand like Animal Parade Gold Liquid can provide extra iron in an easy to administer formula. Most brands of kids liquid multivitamins will contain around 5mgs of iron which is 50% of the daily requirement for children under the age of four and 28% in older children.

Other Benefits of Kids Liquid Vitamins
A well-formulated brand of kids liquid vitamins will contain sufficient amounts of all essential vitamins and minerals along with prebiotics to promote healthy digestion and bioflavonoids for absorption and activity. Lutein, which offers eye and skin protection, is also a beneficial nutrient found in some brands. If sugar consumption is an issue for your child, you will want to choose a formula that uses xylitol and natural flavoring.

With the right kids liquid vitamins, you can feel confident that your child is getting the nutrition required to support healthy growth and development. By carefully reading labels and reviews and discussing your child’s nutritional needs with your pediatrician, you’ll have the information you need to determine the right brand for you and your child.

Kids Vitamin D Supplements: What Parents Need to Know

When it comes to nutrition, children frequently fall short on consuming enough vitamin D. This is especially true for kids that don’t drink milk. However, the impact of vitamin D on kids’ health is substantial. Because of this, kids vitamin D supplements are increasingly being prescribed by pediatricians.

Why Is Vitamin D So Important?
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that helps the body balance calcium and phosphorus. Without sufficient levels of vitamin D, there is not enough calcium deposited into the bones to keep them healthy and strong. A deficiency of vitamin D can cause a variety of problems including bone diseases such as rickets, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia (a softening of the bones). Low vitamin D is also linked to other conditions including diabetes, ADHD, autism, heart disease, and depression. 

Studies have shown that up to 60% of children in the United States have insufficient vitamin D levels. Currently, the recommended amount of vitamin D is 400IU for babies under one year of age. For older children, this amount increases to 600 IU.

Sources of Vitamin D
Vitamin D fortified milk is the most common source of vitamin D. Salmon, tuna, and eggs also have measurable amounts of the vitamin. The body naturally produces vitamin D, as well, when the skin is exposed to the sun. Most experts believe that exposure 15 minutes, two to three times a week is beneficial in vitamin D production.

What Are the Best Kids Vitamin D Supplements?
Vitamin D3 is the most common type of the vitamin found in drops and chewables. Drops are the best option for infants, babies, and toddlers. For older children, a chewable supplement like Animal Parade Vitamin D3 is a convenient option that is both hypo-allergenic and vegetarian. Animal Parade has 500IU of vitamin D per chewable which is 125% of the daily value for children. When combined with a healthy diet and occasional sun exposure, kids vitamin D supplements can be a great solution for ensuring your child has sufficient vitamin D to support their long-term bone health and growing.

How to Choose the Best Kids Vitamins

Children need a broad range of both essential and nonessential nutrients to support their long-term health and growing. Essential nutrients are those that the body cannot produce itself and have to be consumed in the diet. Children also need a variety of minerals to support every cell in the body. While it’s wonderful when a child can get ample vitamins and minerals in their daily diet, many cannot and require more. The best kids vitamins provide the daily requirement of vitamins and minerals needed to bridge this nutritional gap.

What to Look for in the Best Kids Vitamins
Vitamins that offer food-based vitamins that are recognizable to the human body on a molecular level are always the best option. The best kids vitamins will not consist of synthetic vitamins that offer little in nutritional value for children.

The most balanced formulas of children’s vitamins will also include:

• All essential and non-essential vitamins and minerals
• Calcium/magnesium/vitamin D
• Probiotics for intestinal, oral, and dental health
• Antioxidants
• Lutein for eye and skin protection
• Vitamin K2 for immune, blood, and bone health

Other Things to Consider
Before you start giving your children vitamins, closely evaluate their diet. Children who eat fish more than twice a week may not need a supplement of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Those who are vegetarians or picky eaters may need extra supplementation. Certain health conditions may warrant specific types of nutrients. It’s always a good idea to talk with your child’s pediatrician before giving any type of supplementation.

While even the best kids multivitamins will not make up for a poor diet, they can go a long way towards helping to support balanced nutrition. By focusing on healthy habits, a balanced diet, and vitamin supplementation, you can give them valuable tools for building good health now and for many years to come.

The Best Children’s Multivitamins for Special Needs Children

When you have a child with Down’s syndrome, ADD, ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, CHARGE syndrome, or other condition, nutrition is very important to maintaining good health and managing symptoms. Keeping consistent levels of key nutrients such as vitamin E, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6 becomes even more vital than with children who do not have these conditions. Because obtaining adequate nutrition can be particularly difficult for many special needs children, multivitamins for children are often recommended by healthcare professionals.

Choosing the Best Children’s Multivitamins
Many special needs children have nutritional deficiencies due to their conditions. For example, many children with autism are found to not have sufficient levels of B6 and magnesium which can affect the function of the brain. Nearly 30% of children with cerebral palsy have abnormalities of calcium metabolism that can cause low bone density.

The best children’s multivitamins will provide sufficient levels of these nutrients along with all of the daily requirements that every child needs. Sugar and artificial colors can also be of great concern for many special needs children. Both can negatively affect learning, attention span, and cause additional hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional instability. Thus, choosing a formula of multivitamins for children that is free from sugar, artificial colors, and artificial flavors is necessary.

For every child and every condition, there are specific nutritional needs. This is why it is so important to talk about the nutrition of your special needs child with your healthcare provider. In some cases, providing ample nutrition can be accomplished with a healthy, balanced diet. However, many will need the addition of multivitamins for children to ensure they are getting the right amount of nutrition to support their unique dietary needs.

Improve Health and Prevent Colds with Vitamin C in Children’s Multi-vitamins

With winter colds and flu in full swing, many parents are concerned about their children getting sufficient amounts of vitamin C. Of course, it’s easy to get ample amounts of the vitamin in sugar-laden, fortified fruit juice. However, there is a less caloric way to give your child vitamin C. A balanced formula of children’s multi-vitamins is a fast, convenient way to ensure your kids get the nutritional benefits of this immune-boosting vitamin.

Vitamin C is an incredibly powerful vitamin that helps keep a child’s body growing and healthy. The amount of vitamin C requires in children is different than adults. For children from the ages of two and three, 15mg of vitamin C each day is suggested. For those between the ages of nine and 13, the amount jumps to 45 mg a day. Most children’s multi-vitamins have 40 to 60 mgs.

A deficiency of vitamin C can lead to fatigue and a weakened immune system causing more frequent colds and infections. In its most extreme form, a vitamin C deficiency can lead to the rare condition scurvy.

Many parents give a glass of orange juice or other fortified fruit juice each day to ensure their children are getting enough vitamin C. However, there are many other nutritious options with the water-soluble vitamin than don’t have the large amounts of sugar found in juice. These include broccoli, red peppers, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. The frequent problem with providing enough vitamin C to kids in the form of nutritious vegetables is that many don’t like the taste of vegetables or only eat small amounts on a sporadic basis.

To ensure that you child is getting the right daily amount of vitamin C, kids-multivitamins can be the answer. A balanced formula that contains the recommended requirements for children in a chewable formula that also contains enzymes and bioflavonoids for fast absorption is the best choice. Some natural brands of children’s multi-vitamins, such as Animal Parade Gold from Nature’s Plus, are also hypo-allergenic, gluten-free, and vegetarian to work with a variety of dietary requirements.

Children’s Liquid Vitamins for Vegetarians and Vegans

A growing number of children are vegetarians or vegans. For these children, obtaining sufficient nutrients through a diet consisting primarily of plant, nuts, legumes, and grains can be challenging. In most of these children, a multi-vitamin supplement is a must to ensure that daily requirements are being met. One of the fastest-absorbing, best options is a children’s liquid vitamin formula.

There are actually many benefits to children adopting vegan or vegetarian diets. They are at a greatly reduced risk of obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis. Even the late Dr. Benjamin Spock wrote about the benefits of giving children the bulk of their nutrients from plant foods rather than meat.

However, it’s important that children with these diets get optimal levels of protein, calcium, as well as other vitamins and minerals. Getting enough iron can be particularly challenging for children who do not eat meat. Iron-rich foods such as raisins, almonds, apricots and fortified cereal can be beneficial. Although, many find that taking a daily dose of children’s liquid vitamin can offer the added iron needed to meet daily requirements.

Vitamin B12 is another nutrient that can be difficult to consume in a vegan or vegetarian diet. Because this vitamin is so important to growing children, a liquid multi-vitamin for kids can augment healthy meals to ensure enough is consumed daily.

Not All Children Liquid Vitamin Formulas Are Vegan-Free!
Checking food labels carefully is essential for any vegan or vegetarian family. When it comes to children’s liquid vitamins, it’s important that the label clearly states that it is vegan-free. Many contain animal products as a source of vitamin D-3. Nature’s Plus Animal Parade Gold Liquid is a good option because it is 100% vegetarian, vegan-free, as well as being gluten-free, and hypo-allergenic.

How to Choose the Best Kids Liquid Vitamins for Your Toddler

In a perfect world, your toddler would get all of the necessary nutrients needed through a balanced diet. However, young children are notorious for being fussy eaters. This leads to dietary shortcomings that can even result in malnutrition. One of the most effective ways to keep your toddler’s nutrition in balance is to provide the best kids liquid vitamins.

Grocery and health food store shelves are loaded with children’s supplements. However, the best liquid vitamins for kids will contain the essential vitamins and minerals your child needs every day along with other nutrients such as organic whole foods, prebiotics, bioflavonoids, and lutein.

By choosing only the best kids liquid vitamins, you’re providing a health-boosting formula for your child that will benefit their growth, immune system, digestive tract, blood, and bone health.

Premium brands, such as Animal Parade from Nature’s Plus will also contain xylitol to reduce the risk of tooth decay. You will also find that contain no artificial colors or preservatives along with being free from allergens such as yeast, wheat, soy, and milk.

Administering a Liquid Vitamin to Your Child
Even if you have the best kids liquid vitamins, it’s only effective if it is administered to your child correctly. This means following the directions on the label. In general, liquid vitamins can be mixed with a beverage or administered from a dropper. To protect liquid vitamins, it’s important to keep the bottle closed tightly in a cool, dry location. After opening, the bottle should be refrigerated. Remember to always keep these products out of the reach of children.

Children’s Multivitamins – Extra Insurance to Protect Your Children from Winter Illnesses

Coughing, sneezing, fevers, and stuffy noses are all signs that winter viruses are back in full swing. The average number of colds a child gets each year is six. And, most of these occur from the late fall to early spring. What if you could cut down this number? By giving children natural, well-formulated children’s multivitamins, you may be able to do just that.

Colds and flu viruses are spread in much greater numbers when the temperatures begin to drop. Prevention is the best strategy when it comes to fighting off viruses before they start. This begins with regular hand-washing. Getting adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise are also very important to boosting the immune system during this time of year.

However, even children who wash their hands and eat right are susceptible to catching colds and flu. This is why children’s multivitamins can be particularly beneficial to help prevent winter illnesses. The best multivitamins for children are formulated to include specific nutrients that support a healthy immune system.

A formula of children’s multivitamins, such as Animal Parade from Nature’s Plus, contain optimal levels of vitamin D3, vitamin K2, and vitamin C. These vitamins, along with organic whole foods can help provide extra assurance during the months when airborne viruses are commonly spread.

Yes, children’s multivitamins are beneficial any time of the year, but particularly during the fall, winter, and early spring when children’s immune systems are put to test. By adding a multivitamin to your child’s daily routine, you may be able to help ward off illnesses while ensuring daily requirements of vitamins and minerals are met.

Do Your Kids Need Children’s Vitamin D Supplements This Winter?

Daylight is in short supply in many parts of the country during the winter months. Because vitamin D is produced by the body when it is exposed to sunlight, many health experts believe that a vitamin D supplement is a particularly good idea when there are fewer hours of sunlight. For kids, children’s vitamin D supplements might be even more necessary because the vitamin is so essential to maintaining bone and immune system health.

Vitamin D, whether produced by sunlight or consumed in children’s vitamin D supplements, is necessary to enable the body to absorb calcium and regulate bone growth and mineralization. Deficiency of the vitamin can lead to bone deficiency, as well as an increased risk of respiratory infections, auto-immune problems, diabetes and asthma.

In a 2008 survey of infants and toddlers conducted at a Boston primary care practice, more than 10% were significantly deficient in vitamin D, and nearly half had an insufficient amount. For older children, the numbers are thought to be even higher.

Vitamin D Deficiency - A New Epidemic?
Throughout history, humans were able to get enough vitamin D through exposure to sunlight and in their diet. And, in most regions, children are still obtaining enough of the vitamin in the summer months. However, in the northern half of the country, there is often not enough sunlight from November to February to synthesize sufficient amounts of vitamin D. For children who are primary indoors, do not drink fortified milk, or don’t take children’s vitamin D supplements, the risk of being deficient is very high.

For toddlers and school age kids, 400 i.u. per day of vitamin D is the minimum recommended amount. New guidelines are now recommending up to 800 i.u. daily. This can be easily met with the best children vitamin D supplements.

Parents are wise to pay attention to this important vitamin when it comes to their kids’ growth and overall health – particularly in the winter months. By ensuring that they are getting enough vitamin D through their diet, supplements, and sunlight, they can perhaps lower the risk of a wide variety of conditions and provide the nutrients for healthy growth.

Early Use of Children’s Multivitamins Establishes Healthy Habits That Last a Lifetime

In this age when obesity and diabetes are becoming increasingly common in children, the need to establish healthy habits has become absolutely essential. Fast food, junk food, and processed food are everywhere. Kids are more likely to be sedentary, and exercise isn’t always a high priority at schools. To maintain good health, habits such as regular exercise, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and taking children’s multivitamins can set the foundation for good health for life.

To establish healthy habits, they need to be incorporated into day-to-day living. This means setting specific times for outside activity, meals, and bedtime. If they’re not scheduled, it’s very easy to put them off for another day.

One of the simplest healthy habits to establish with a child is taking children’s multivitamins. A quality brand like Animal Parade from Nature’s Plus is a favorite with children because of the great taste – making it something that they will look forward to each day.

Set a specific time that you give children’s multivitamins. This will help both you and your child remember. Within a couple of weeks, you’ll most likely be getting the reminder that it’s vitamin time!

While the health benefits of getting a daily supplement of vitamins and minerals is helpful, the routine of establishing a healthy habit is equally as important. Children thrive on consistency and habits. By incorporating children’s multivitamins into the daily routine, you’ll make it easier for your children to adopt other healthy habits like tooth-brushing and exercise.

If you want to kick off a healthy habit of vitamins, make sure to choose children’s natural multivitamins that have a balanced formula that contains all of the essential vitamins and minerals, as well as whole foods and probiotics for proper absorption.

Combatting ADHD with Natural Children’s Vitamins

ADHD is one of the most common conditions diagnosed in childhood. With nearly 10 percent of all U.S. children ages 3 to 17 diagnosed with ADHD, parents are increasingly seeking out treatment options. Medication is commonly prescribed to combat symptoms of ADHD. However, alternative treatments such as natural children’s vitamins are also being used to help children with the condition.

Inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are all signs of ADHD. Diagnosing it requires a skilled health professional to gather information about a child and his or her behavior and environment. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment options are evaluated. Not all children require medication. Often, lifestyle changes such as improving sleep habits, eating a healthy diet, and increasing exercise can dramatically reduce symptoms. Natural children’s vitamins are often prescribed because there is strong evidence showing certain vitamin deficiencies can increase ADHD symptoms. Low levels of vitamin D, in particular, have been linked to ADHD.

While nearly all children’s multivitamins contain vitamin D, most of the grocery store brands also contain artificial colors and sugar which can exacerbate symptoms in certain children with ADHD. This is why nearly every medical and nutritional professional will suggest natural children’s vitamins that are free from these additives.

Checklist of What to Look for in Natural Children’s Multivitamins

• All essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin D3, iron, and calcium which can be particularly beneficial for children with ADHD
• A natural sweetener like Xylitol
• No artificial colors
• Enzymes and probiotics, as well as whole foods
• Hypo-allergenic

Not every variety of natural children’s vitamins offers all of these. Carefully check labels before adding a vitamin to your child’s ADHD treatment plan. With the right natural children’s vitamins, you may be able to help minimize symptoms while also providing beneficial nutrients to support their healthy growth.

New Research Shows Vitamin D Supplements for Kids Could Help Combat Symptoms of ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common conditions among children. Characterized by an inability to focus and control behavior, the percentage of children with ADHD has steadily grown over the last two decades. Genes certainly play a role in this condition. However, diet may also be a factor. New research is showing that a deficiency of vitamin D could be a contributing factor when it comes to ADHD. And for some children, kids vitamin D supplements could be an important part of their treatment plan.

In a recent study from Qatar presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics Experience National Conference & Exhibition, findings showed a distinct link between vitamin D deficiency and ADHD. The research team evaluated more than 1300 children with ADHD and an equal amount without ADHD to serve as controls. Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, cholesterol, and phosphorus were measured in each child. Those with a vitamin D deficiency had a significantly higher rate of ADHD than those that had average vitamin D levels.

Because children who have ADHD are also frequently sensitive to sugar, artificial colorings, and other additives, many nutrition and medical experts recommend natural vitamin D supplements for kids with ADHD. It’s important to note that most kids vitamin D supplements found on grocery store shelves contain additives that can increase symptoms of ADHD, so it is important to carefully choose a supplement that is free from these additives.

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, speaking to your healthcare provider about vitamin D supplements for kids is a good idea as more research is being conducted regarding the link between the vitamin and the condition. Read more about the study conducted at the School Health and Primary Health Care Clinics, Qatar.

Kids Liquid Vitamins – 10 Nutrients to Look For

When it comes to kids liquid vitamins, not every brand is created equal. In fact, many do not contain adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals to make them beneficial. The following provides some insight into what to look for when it comes to choosing kids liquid vitamins.

Vitamin D – Necessary for bone and immune system health, this essential vitamin may also be beneficial in preventing symptoms of ADHD.

Calcium – Essential for bone health and vitamin absorption.

Vitamin K2 – Required for bone, blood, and immune health.

Prebiotics – Supports a healthy digestive system

Lutein – Protects eyes and skin

Whole foods – Encourages synergistic absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Bioflavonoids – Supports nutrient absorption and activity

B Vitamins – Necessary for red blood cell production and brain health.

Xylitol – Reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Natural Flavoring – Flavored with natural cane juice, as opposed to artificial additives.

It’s important to carefully read labels of kids liquid vitamins to ensure that recommended dietary allowances are met. Many of the top grocery store brands are lacking in certain vitamins or minerals. However, adult multivitamins will have amounts that are too high for children. As well, most brands of kids liquid vitamins contain artificial colors and sugar. These should be avoided. A high quality brand of kids natural liquid vitamins is the best choice. Nature’s Plus Animal Parade is a good choice for those who want a high quality liquid formula.

Of course, it’s a good idea to discuss nutritional supplements with your child’s pediatrician. Recommendations can be made based upon his or her specific health and nutrition needs. With the right formula of kids natural liquid vitamins, you can have confidence in knowing you’re providing a balanced formula that will support your child’s development through these critical growth years.

Taking on Flu Season 2014-15 with Kids Multivitamins

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current flu season is expected to be one of the worst in years. An unforeseen mutation in this year’s dominant flu strain will mean that even those who have been vaccinated are more likely to contract the virus. With a greater risk now present, many health experts are recommending that children be given kids multivitamins to help support healthy immunity.

This year, more than half of the reported cases of flu have been a version of H3N2 virus. With this strain, there typically is a higher rate of hospitalizations. Health officials are still recommending that children be vaccinated despite the mutation because it will offer some amount of protection. However, additional precautions should be taken because of the increased risk of contracting the virus.

For children, immune-boosting kids multivitamins with recommended dietary allowances of vitamin D3, K2 and other vitamins and minerals can be beneficial. This is especially true for children who do not have a balanced diet or who have certain health conditions that require additional nutritional supplementation.

Besides kids’ multivitamins, there are other preventative measure that can be taken to minimize the chances of contracting and passing on flu this year:

• Teach children to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze
• Promote regular hand washing with soap and water.
• Provide an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Remind children to not touch their eyes, nose, or mouth which are common paths for germs to spread.
• Don’t send children to school when they are sick.
• Get children vaccinated.

The two types of flu vaccine (flu shot and nasal spray) can offer some protection this year, so vaccination remains a good idea. As well, taking proactive measures to avoid the virus while boosting immunity with kids multivitamins is the most effective way to prevent the flu from becoming a major illness in your family this year.

Creating Healthy Routines at a Young Age with Liquid Vitamins for Kids

One of the most important ways a parent can teach a child good habits such as healthy eating, sleeping, and exercise is to incorporate daily liquid kids vitamins into their routine from a very young age. Setting the stage with healthy habits from the start can lead to social and emotional well-being.

The key to establishing healthy habits in children is to start early when they are just beginning to form their patterns of behavior. The simple habit of giving daily kids liquid vitamins sends a message that daily tasks are essential to good health.

Liquid kids vitamins are easy to administer and taste great, so there is usually no battle with getting a child to take them. Thus, a positive habit such as this can start a child on a positive road towards nutrition and health.

Along with vitamins, establishing a clear bedtime routine can also be one of the earliest healthy habits that can be formed. And, this habit can also have long-lasting benefits by improving physical, social, and emotional development, as well as improve their academic performance. A consistent bedtime routine that includes bathing, brushing teeth, reading a story, or listening to music can signal that it’s time to unwind from the day and go to sleep. In time, children will begin to complete this routine with few reminders or even on their own.

Choosing healthy foods is also vitally important and should be a daily habit. Nutritious foods build strong bodies and smart brains. During these early years, make it part of your routine to introduce new foods, too. A diet with a wide variety of foods is more beneficial to a growing child. For picky eaters, liquid kids vitamins can help augment deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.

Developing a structured routine and encouraging healthy habits does take time and patience. However, it will set the foundation for a lifestyle of good health in your child.

Kids vitamin D supplements May Help Kids Suffering from Eczema

Kids vitamin D supplements given on a daily basis may help children with eczema that flares up in the winter suggests a new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 

Researchers who conducted the study found that vitamin D significantly reduced the symptoms associated with the chronic skin disorder that is characterized by itchy, inflamed patches of skin. A common treatment for winter-related atopic dermatitis is ultraviolet light which stimulates vitamin D production. In the study, they look at the possibility that the condition gets worse in the winter when there is less sunlight. Because sunlight exposure enables the body to produce vitamin D, there is a greater chance of developing eczema during the darker months of winter.

The study was conducted with the help of the Health Sciences University of Mongolia and involved 107 Mongolian children between the ages of 2 and 17 – all with atopic dermatitis that flared up in the winter months. One group of the participants was given a daily dose of vitamin D and the others received a placebo.

Of those who received the vitamin D supplement, there was a 29 percent improvement in symptoms. These findings will give new hope in treating this chronic condition. With kids vitamin D supplements, there may be a safe, affordable, and convenient treatment for kids suffering from eczema.

More studies will be conducted to determine if vitamin D supplements for kids could also be beneficial for those who suffer from year-round atopic dermatitis. In the meantime, it’s worthwhile to discuss the benefits of vitamin D with your child’s doctor to determine if kids vitamin D supplements are beneficial.

For more information about vitamin D, go to the U.S. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements website.

The Top 6 Vitamins and Minerals Kids Get in Children’s Multivitamins

Running down the alphabetized list of essential vitamins and minerals that can be found in childrens multivitamins, these are the most important for keeping kids healthy and growing:

Vitamin A
This ubiquitous vitamin found in nearly all children’s multivitamins helps support growth and development. It’s also essential for tissue and bone repair, healthy skin, eyes, and the immune system. Vitamin A can be found in milk, cheese, eggs, and yellow to orange vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash.

Vitamin Bs
The B vitamin family includes B2, B3, B6, and B12. These vitamins help support metabolism, the circulatory and nervous systems, and energy production. Sources of vitamin B include lean meat, fish, nuts, eggs, dairy products, beans, and soybeans.

Vitamin C
A key ingredient of nearly every formula of childrens multivitamins on the market, vitamin C is a necessary vitamin for supporting the immune system, as well as in promoting healthy muscles, connective tissue, and skin. Sources include citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, and green cruciferous vegetables.

Calcium
Necessary to build healthy bones, calcium can be found in milk, cheese, yogurt, tofu, leafy green vegetables, and calcium-fortified juices.

Iron
This mineral helps to build healthy red blood cells, as well as muscles. Sources include red meat, turkey, spinach, beans, and prunes.

All of these nutrients are essential to a child’s healthy development and can be found in children’s multivitamins. A natural formula that contains the daily requirement of these vitamins and minerals can help ensure your child is obtaining the nutrition they need to support their growth.

Boost Your Child’s Immunity with a Children’s Chewable Vitamin

With flu season starting to kick in across the country and new concerns over enterovirus 68, boosting your child’s immune system with a children’s chewable multivitamin can only be beneficial.

The fact is that children are more susceptible than adults to viruses for two primary reasons. First, children are exposed to a greater number of viruses in facilities such as schools and daycare. They are also still building their developing immune systems.

The good news is that your child can increase resistance to viruses. Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and ensuring your child gets enough sleep are all important. Regular hand-washing and keeping hands away from the face can also help stop the spread of viruses.

A daily children’s chewable multivitamin can help kids ward off illness, too. This is especially the case for children who do not or cannot eat balanced diets or have other health challenges. Vitamins and minerals found in a balanced children’s supplement such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc can all help fight off symptoms of colds, flu, and other viruses including enterovirus 68.

Choosing a Children’s Supplement that Fights Infection
There is a dizzying array of children’s chewable multivitamin brands on the market. These can be found in grocery stores, pharmacies, warehouse discount chains, and health food specialty stores. What’s the best choice for your child?

The most effective formulas are those that offer the daily recommended requirements of vitamins and minerals along with enzymes, organic whole foods, and probiotics. These additional ingredients help to synergistically promote healthy immunity and nutrient absorption. Of course, a children’s chewable multivitamin needs to be palatable so that there isn’t a battle each day with your child.

Tackling Childhood Obesity with Kids Vitamin D supplements

It has long been known that vitamin D is important for bone health – particularly for growing children. However, new research is showing a link between vitamin D and healthy weight in children. In a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, vitamin D deficiency was found to be widespread in obese adolescents. This compelling evidence is prompting some healthcare professionals to recommend kids vitamin D supplements for children battling weight gain.

Dr. Ze’ev Harel, the author of the study, said, “It is possible that the association between obesity and low vitamin D status is indirect, arising from obese individuals having fewer outdoor activities than lean individuals, and therefore, less exposure to sun. Likewise, is it also possible that obese individuals do not consume enough foods that contain vitamin D?”

All individuals, regardless of their age, are at increased health risk with vitamin D deficiency. These health risks include higher rates of some types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and other diseases. Vitamin D, whether it is consumed in food or taken as children’s vitamin D supplements, is also beneficial in boosting the immune system.

Another theory linking vitamin D deficiency and obesity has to do with its role in the regulation of calcium. Calcium deficiency, which often goes hand-in-hand with vitamin D deficiency, increases the production of synthase, an enzyme that converts calories into fat. A calcium deficiency can increase synthase production by up to 500 percent. Vitamin D is also important in the regulation of blood sugar.

Children’s Vitamin D to Support Good Health
Kids vitamin D supplements are a quick and easy solution for ensuring your child is getting enough vitamin D to support good health. In a single chewable, a child can get enough supplemental vitamin D to support optimal health.

According to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, more than 75% of Americans, including teenagers, are deficient in vitamin D. More than 25% are obese. With additional research, the role vitamin D plays in obesity and weight loss will determine whether or not kids vitamin D supplements will be recommended to all children to ward off the risks of being overweight.

Should You Choose Liquid Vitamins for Kids Instead of Chewables?

Do you struggle daily to give your child a multivitamin? When a daily supplement is needed, it can be a battle when children don’t like the taste or texture of a vitamin and mineral supplement. One solution that can take away the hassle is to switch to liquid vitamins for kids.

Liquid children’s multivitamins are often more palatable for kids who can’t swallow tablets and capsules and don’t like the taste or texture of chewables. A high quality brand, like Nature’s Plus Animal Parade Gold Liquid, is a great choice because it offers all of the nutritional benefits of a chewable in a flavorful liquid that is quick and easy to swallow. Children who have issues with other types of supplements are often delighted to make the switch to liquid vitamins for kids because of the flavor.

Additional Benefits to Liquid Children’s Multivitamins
Beyond liquid vitamins for kids being easier to administer, they are also better absorbed than many other types of children’s supplements. On average, they are absorbed about three to five times more effectively than vitamin pills. For children who require supplementation for specific health issues such as autism, food allergies, or diabetes, maximum absorption is critical.

Liquid children’s vitamins also offer comparable nutritional values in a single liquid formula. The most complete formulas will also contain additional nutritional boosts, beyond vitamins and minerals, such as lutein for eye health and prebiotics to promote a properly functioning digestive tract.

Not sure if liquid children’s multivitamins are right for your child? Contact your pediatrician and discuss your options. In many cases, making the switch to a liquid formula is a choice that benefits both kids and parents.

Preventing Enterovirus-68 with Kids Multivitamin Supplements

Nearly every state in the U.S. has reported outbreaks of enterovirus-68 in children. In most cases, the virus appears similar to the common cold. However, for a few, it is life-threatening. Keeping your child healthy this season with the use of kids multivitamin supplements and other immune boosting strategies is a smart solution to prevent infection of this serious, contagious virus.

Prevention is obviously the best strategy when it comes to battling viruses like enterovirus-68. This means being diligent about hand-washing, getting plenty of rest, and eating right. Nutritional supplementation is also an important component for many children who do not get enough vitamins and minerals in their daily diet.

Vitamin C, found in nearly all kids multivitamin supplements, is a key vitamin when it comes to boosting the immune system. Beyond supplementation, kids should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in the vitamin such as citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Vitamin A is also a must for a kids multivitamin. This fat-soluble vitamin can help prevent upper respiratory infection which is often the most dangerous aspect of enterovirus-68.

Probiotics that give children good bacteria to fight off diarrhea, cramps, and even symptoms of asthma are also very beneficial during cold and flu season. Food sources for probiotics include live-culture yogurt and keifer. Some kids multivitamin formulas also contain probiotics.

Of course, it’s next to impossible to prevent your child from getting all colds, flus, and other viruses. But, you can provide the immune support required to fight off most infections. By getting your child into the daily habit of washing hands frequently, eating right, and taking a kids multivitamin, you can give them the best chance of avoiding enterovirus-68 and a variety of other illnesses.

5 Strategies for Overcoming School Lunch Challenges Including Giving Kid Liquid Vitamins

School is back in session, and many parents are once again battling with the challenges of getting their children to eat a well-balanced lunch. Most school cafeterias offer lunch fare that is far from healthy. And, many children quickly tire of the sandwich, chips, fruit combination that most parents pack in lunch boxes. The following strategies offer some new ideas to help you improve your child’s nutrition this school year. Yes, kids liquid vitamins are one quick strategy for bridging the nutritional gap on a daily basis. But, there are other creative, nutritional ideas, as well.

Venture beyond the Traditional Turkey Sandwich
In past generations, bologna was the sandwich meat of choice. These days, it’s turkey. However, there is a lot more you can do with turkey than slap it between two slices of wheat bread. Turkey tucked into a pita with hummus and cucumbers can be a tasty alternative. A slather of cranberry sauce on a sourdough roll can add some additional tang.

Introduce Fresh Vegetables
Baby carrots, jicama slices, radishes, or celery sticks are always a favorite with kids, and they’re easy to pack into a lunch. Do you battle with your kids to eat vegetables of any kind? Continue to offer them on a regular basis, and augment their intake with a well-rounded formula of kid liquid vitamins.

Don’t Forget the Grains
Whole grain bread, cereal, or pasta can satisfy the hungriest of kids and provide the fiber they need on a daily basis. Invest in a couple of reuseable storage containers that you can fill with quinoa, rice, or pasta flavored with tomato sauce or pesto.

Start with a Healthy Breakfast
Success in school begins with a healthy breakfast. Many studies have concluded that children who eat a balanced breakfast are better prepared for the challenges of learning. Oatmeal, whole-grain toast, yogurt smoothies, and even scrambled eggs can help kick off a successful school day. And, don’t forget to get them in the habit of making healthy choices every day by also providing daily kids liquid vitamins.

Treating Children with Vitamin D Deficiencies with Chewable Vitamin D supplements

An important fat soluble vitamin that helps facilitate the absorption of calcium and phosphate levels in the body, vitamin D is vital to growing children. Vitamin D helps with both bone growth and immune function, and a deficiency can result in a serious condition called rickets. Fortunately, chewable vitamin D supplements can prevent rickets and other health problems by providing the recommended daily allowance.

Vitamin D can be obtained in the diet through fortified milk, as well as some types of fish. Vitamin D is also produced naturally in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. However, as more parents protect their children’s skin with sunscreen and fewer drink milk, the rate of children acquiring rickets is growing. African American children and breast-fed babies are at a higher risk.

Determining Vitamin D Deficiency
A simple blood test that measures blood levels of calcidiol can determine if there is a vitamin D deficiency. Normal levels of vitamin D are greater than or equal to 20 ng/mL. Levels that are less than 12 ng/mL indicate a deficiency and possibly the need for vitamin D chewables for supplementation.

Other indicators of vitamin D deficiency include skeletal deformities, slowed growth, and dental problems.

Obtaining the Daily Allowance in Vitamin D Chewables
The recommended daily allowance for vitamin D in children up to 1 year old is 400 IU and 600 IU for children up to 18. A well-formulated chewable vitamin D for children, such as Animal Parade Vitamin D3, contains 500 IU of the bioavailable form vitamin D3.

If you suspect a possible vitamin D deficiency in your child, consult your pediatrician right away. Oftentimes, the addition of chewable vitamin D supplements can bring levels back to normal quickly to prevent symptoms before they become serious problems.

Is a Children’s Multivitamin Beneficial during Puberty?

As children enter adolescence, their bodies go through many changes that affect the way they look, feel, and behave. While always important, a healthy diet is particularly vital during the pre-teen and teen years when hormonal changes begin. A children’s multivitamin is often a good idea during these years – especially for children who are picky eaters or who are very active in sports.

Puberty typically begins between 8 and 13 for girls and 10 and 15 for boys. A 2010 study published in “Pediatrics,” showed that puberty is beginning at a younger age now than in past generations. Many researchers speculate that earlier puberty may be caused by a diet rich in high-fat foods. Overweight and obese girls often enter puberty at an earlier age than average.

Nutritional Needs of Adolescents
The start of puberty is usually marked by a noticeable growth spurt which increases the daily caloric needs. This means that an adolescent needs more protein, as well as vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth. Upon the start of menstruation, girls also need extra iron.

Deficiencies of calcium, protein, or other nutrients during puberty can actually lead to long-lasting problems that can affect bone and muscle growth. This is why it is so important to eat a balanced diet and to consider a well-balanced, natural multivitamin for children during adolescence to provide supplementation for any nutrients that are lacking.

Talking to your child’s pediatrician is a good place to start to ensure your child is getting enough nutrients during this critical stage of their development. With a smart eating plan and a determination on whether or not a children’s multivitamin is needed, you can provide the right amount of nutrition.

4 Benefits of Kids Liquid Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are absorbed by the body through the foods we eat. They can also be absorbed by taking vitamin supplements. For children, getting the daily requirements of vitamins and minerals from food can be challenging – especially for those who are very active or have certain health issues such as food allergies, diabetes, or autism. Supplementation is sometimes necessary. When this is the case, there are options for supplementation including tablets, gummies, and liquids. Many medical experts believe kids liquid vitamins offer some strong advantages. Here are a few of the reasons why:

Easier to Administer
Natural liquid vitamins are easier to take, particularly for children who have problems swallowing pills or have issues with choking or swallowing. Look specifically for a formula created for children, such as Animal Parade Gold Liquid, which has a delicious tropical berry flavor and contains tooth-friendly xylitol as a sweetener.

Better Absorption
As opposed to other types of supplements, natural liquid vitamins are quickly absorbed by the body with an average absorption rate of 90 to 98%. This is approximately three to five times more concentrated than vitamin pills that have to be completely digested before the nutrients can be absorbed.

Contain the Same Nutritional Values as Vitamin Pills
Many parents wonder if kids liquid vitamins can actually contain enough of each nutrient to provide actual value. The answer is definitely yes. Again, it’s important to look for a high quality, natural formula that clearly states that it contains the daily requirements. Some will also provide extra nutritional boosts with nutrients such as lutein for eye and skin protection and prebiotics to promote a healthy digestive tract.

Before you administer kids liquid vitamins or any supplement to your child, talk to your pediatrician. With the right information and a well-formulated vitamin supplement, you can help support your child’s health and well-being.

Could Children’s Multivitamins Improve Your Child’s Grades This School Year?

Did you spend the last school year struggling with your child to improve their grades? Yes, school issues can be incredibly challenging for everyone in the family. It’s important to look at all of the factors that could be affecting your child’s school performance. From poor study habits and lack of sleep to learning disabilities and behavior disorders, many issues could be playing a part in the problem. Your child’s eating habits should also be carefully evaluated as balanced nutrition is so important to childhood development. In some cases, making dietary changes and beginning a regimen of children’s vitamins can help improve your child’s success in school.

In a recent study published in the Journal of School Health, eating healthy along with other health habits was linked to improved test scores in children. This makes sense when you consider that everything from brain and muscle development to vision are all dependent on obtaining sufficient nutrients.

Of course, it’s always better to obtain the recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals through well-balanced meals. However, this can be a big challenge for children who are picky eaters, extremely active, or who have food allergies and intolerances. In these situations, children’s multivitamins can provide that nutritional boost to ensure your child is obtaining enough of the nutrients they need to support their health during these important years.

Choosing the Right Childrens Vitamins
There are many choices when it comes to children’s vitamins. Those that are the most beneficial to children are those that are specifically formulated for their growing bodies. Natural, sugar-free supplements that contain a full range of vitamins and minerals, as well as lutein for eye protection and vitamin k2 for immune health can be particularly beneficial to children struggling in school.

Using Kids Multi Vitamins to Treat Eczema

Eczema is a chronic condition that results in inflammation of the skin. This common condition that affects more than 30 million Americans, can produce a variety of symptoms in children including itching, flaking, scaling, weeping, and crusting. The most common type is atopic dermatitis which often goes hand-in-hand with other allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma. There are also many other causes and triggers. Typically, eczema symptoms are treated to relieve pain and itching. However, an increasing number of medical experts are recommending kids multi vitamins as a way to treat eczema from the inside out.

The FDA has approved two drugs known as topical immunomodulators (TIMs) for treating mild to moderate eczema. However, doctors have been warned to prescribe the drugs with caution as there are possible cancer risks associated with their use. This has further warranted many to leverage the benefits of kids multi vitamins to take a more natural approach to treating eczema.

Supplements that contain vitamin B3 (niacin) and B6 can be particularly beneficial as they are both necessary for skin health. Vitamin C and vitamin D can also help by inhibiting inflammation of the skin which often leads to itching and dryness. Zinc may also be helpful by enhancing the immune system and natural healing.

If you are concerned about your child’s eczema, it’s a good idea to discuss all treatment options with your pediatrician. Many times a treatment plan will include medication, avoidance of harsh soaps and detergents, and the addition of kids multi vitamins. With the right plan in place, symptoms often quickly lessen and sometimes disappear altogether.

Vitamin D for Kids – Beneficial for Treating ADHD?

Medical researchers have long investigated links between vitamins and minerals and ADHD. This includes studying causes of ADHD and treatment of symptoms. Significant research has shown that there are links between ADHD and deficiencies of iron, zinc, magnesium, and omega 3s. However, more research is being conducted to determine a link between vitamin D deficiency and ADHD. New evidence is slowly coming out which is identifying a link. Because of this, some children’s health experts are recommending vitamin d for kids who have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Reasons to Incorporate a Kid’s Vitamin D Supplement into Your Child’s Diet
While researchers are still uncovering reasons why vitamin D could help children who struggle with ADHD, there are some facts that we do know:

Vitamin D boosts levels of glutathione in the brain. This antioxidant regulates an enzyme called gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase which helps support metabolism and recycling of gluthatione. Antioxidant deficits have been shown to worsen ADHD symptoms. Thus, the vitamin, which can be taken in the form of a kid’s vitamin D supplement can help to keep antioxidant levels in check.

Vitamin D may also play a role in catecholamine synthesis. Catecholamines include the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine which are used to treat ADHD.

Vitamin D boosts the effects of choline acetyltransferase. This is an enzyme that helps produce the neurotransmitting agent acetylcholine which plays an important role in maintaining sustained attention.

As well, the strongest reason to recommend vitamin D for kids with ADHD is the connection between a deficiency of the vitamin and depressive-like symptoms. There are possible connections between ADHD and a particular form of depression called seasonal affective disorders (SAD).

Although currently vitamin D does not have as obvious an effect on ADHD as other vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids, it does have specific neurodevelopmental and neuroregulatory properties which may be beneficial in controlling symptoms of the disorder.

It’s always a good idea to discuss supplementation with your child’s pediatrician. If a kid’s vitamin D supplement is recommended, choose a natural one that delivers the bioavailable active form of vitamin D3.

Giving Liquid Vitamins for Kids When Swallowing Tablets Is a Problem

Most children begin to be able to swallow tablets at around 10 years of age. Prior to that, a fear of choking prevents many from swallowing them. There are also children who have difficulty chewing tablets because they don’t like the taste. These issues can be particularly challenging for parents who are trying to provide a daily multi vitamin for their child. One alternative is liquid vitamins for kids.

It’s never a good idea to force a child to swallow a tablet. This can lead to both choking and a long-term fear of taking medications. Of course, there are tried and true strategies for helping kids learn the art of pill swallowing. These include practicing swallowing candy such as Tic-Tacs and M&Ms. Using a pill cup designed to teach kids to swallow pills can also help.

If you are dealing with a daily struggle to get your child to swallow or chew a vitamin, it might be time to consider children’s liquid vitamins. Products, such as Animal Parade Gold Liquid Multi from Nature’s Plus, can make vitamin time much easier. Flavored specifically for children and containing a full range of vitamins and minerals, liquid vitamins for kids can provide the same nutritional supplementation as vitamin tablets and gummies.

Swallowing pills is a skill that children need to learn at some point. However, making it a battle of wills each day with vitamins is not beneficial for anyone. Choosing liquid vitamins for kids can bridge the nutritional simply and easily until they are willing and able to swallow tablets.

Can Adults Take Children’s Nutritional Supplements?

Millions of adults take a daily baby aspirin to lower the risk of heart attack. And, countless men and women also pop one or two of their children’s nutritional supplements as a kind of “insurance policy” to fill in the gaps of a less than balanced diet. Does this sound familiar? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and risks of taking kids multi vitamins as an adult.

Nutritional needs of adults and children are naturally different. While a child may only need around 4 mgs of iron each day, an adult male needs 6 mgs. These variances span both vitamins and minerals. There are also some health circumstances that warrant increased amounts of certain nutrients. For example, pregnant women require additional folic acid to prevent neural tube defects.

In other words, kids multi vitamins are unlikely to contain enough vitamins and minerals to meet the needs of most adult men and women. With that said, supplements formulated for kids do offer some amount of nutrition regardless of your age. If you are in the habit of taking children’s nutritional supplements at the same time as your kids, make sure you choose a natural formula with a balanced list of vitamins and minerals. Nature’s Plus Animal Parade Gold Children’s Chewable is a good choice because it offers a full range of nutrients in a delicious, sugar-free formula. Both you and your kids will love the taste!

Most dieticians will tell you that vitamins are not always necessary if you eat a balanced diet that includes fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein. If getting in daily allowances of vitamins and minerals isn’t possible through diet, supplementation is a good idea. This should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

In almost all cases, taking children’s nutritional supplements is safe. However, it’s important to keep in mind that they will almost certainly not provide all of your nutritional needs. An adult supplement may be a better choice.

Warding Off Asthma with Children’s Multivitamins. Does It Work?

Vitamin D made big headlines a couple of years back when a comprehensive study linked its deficiency to a host of conditions including asthma. Published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, the study concluded that a vitamin D deficiency could lead to increased airway reactivity, lower lung functions, and poor asthma control. Vitamin D found in most children’s multivitamins can ensure that a child is receiving the correct daily requirement.

By supplementing vitamin D, the body can block inflammation causing proteins in the lung while increasing production of interleukin-10 which has anti-inflammatory effects.

A deficiency of the vitamin has become increasingly common in children over the last several decades as sunscreen has become more widely used. Because it is naturally produced in the body when it is exposed to sunlight, sunscreen and staying out of the sun can lead to a deficiency. The vitamin is also added to milk. Thus, children who do not drink milk are particularly susceptible to deficiency. This is when a children’s multi vitamin can be particularly beneficial.

New studies are being conducted currently to determine if a vitamin D deficiency also leads to a worsening of existing asthma symptoms. Health experts know that asthma does get worse in the winter when there is typically less sun exposure. Thus, researchers are trying to assess if vitamin D supplementation is a viable treatment option for children with asthma.

In the meantime, parents with children who have asthma may want to consider children’s multivitamins as a way of minimizing any chance of a deficiency. The vitamin offers a variety of health benefits along with potentially minimizing symptoms of asthma.

How Much Vitamin D Is Optimal?
A balanced children’s multi vitamin will contain approximately 500 IU of vitamin D which is 125% of the daily requirement. Of course, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician to determine the exact amount required for your child.

Autism and Vitamin D Deficiency – Could a Children’s Vitamin D Supplement Help?

In a study conducted at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI), vitamin D was shown to play a role in three brain hormones that affect social behavior. Autism, which is characterized by abnormal social behavior, has been linked to low serotonin and vitamin D levels. This research is shedding new light on the benefits of children’s vitamin D supplements.

In the study, researchers discovered that vitamin D activates a gene that helps to produce serotonin in the brain. This hormone plays a big part in social behavior. This lack of activation of the gene helps to explain many of the not understood facts about autism including:

1. Autistic children have low levels of serotonin in the brain.
2. Males are more likely to be autistic. Estrogen helps to boost brain levels of serotonin.

The study also suggests that dietary intervention with vitamin D, tryptophan, and omega 3 fatty acids would help boost brain serotonin concentrations to help prevent some symptoms associated with autism without side effects. Because there is little vitamin D found in most common foods, a children’s vitamin D supplement is an inexpensive solution that can help raise vitamin D levels.

Of course, it’s important to discuss the addition of any new therapy, including kids vitamin D, with your pediatrician. Monitoring of vitamin D levels should be monitored closely, and it is becoming increasingly clear that the vitamin should be an important part of prenatal care such as folic acid.

5 Reasons Why Your Child May Need a Kids Multivitamin

Not every child needs kids multivitamins to stay healthy, but some do. Here’s a rundown of five of the top reasons why kid’s multivitamins might be beneficial for your child.

1. Your Child Is a Finicky Eater
Picky eating is a common problem that parents face when trying to provide a balanced diet for their children. Fruits and vegetables are essential for obtaining sufficient nutrition to support healthy, growing bodies. Unfortunately, not all children are willing to load up on these healthy foods. While there are plenty of processed foods on the market that are vitamin and mineral fortified, these products can be loaded with sugar, fat, sodium, and preservatives. An easy way to ensure your child is getting sufficient vitamins and minerals is to provide a daily kids multivitamin with a balanced formula.

2. Your Child Has Asthma
According to a new study from Washington University School of Medicine, daily usage of inhaled steroids for asthma can often be reduced when combined with a vitamin D supplement.  This nutrient can easily be provided with a daily multivitamin.

3. Your Child Is Active in Sports
Very active children and adolescents often need more than just the daily recommended requirements for vitamins and minerals. These can be challenging to obtain from just a healthy diet. For young athletes, a kids multivitamins can be beneficial to supporting their physical activities.

4. Your Child Has a Slower than Normal Growth Pattern
Children who are thin or short in comparison to other boys and girls their age many need additional supplementation. Your pediatrician will track your child’s height, weight, and BMI (body mass index) and will make recommendations based on these numbers. In many cases, if there is a slower-than-normal growth pattern, kid’s multivitamins will be prescribed.

5. Your Child Is a Vegetarian
A growing number of children and teens are choosing meat-free diets. This can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency. If you have a child on a meatless diet it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician to determine if supplementation is necessary.

Choosing the Right Kids Multivitamin
A few guidelines for choosing vitamin supplements for your kids:
• Choose a high quality brand of natural kid’s multivitamins
• Read the label carefully
• Look for a formula that offers a full range of vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron, and zinc
• Choose a supplement with no artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors

Does Your Child Need Vitamin D3 Supplements This Summer?

In days gone by, children received plenty of sun during the long school break. By simply playing outside, sun exposure was not a challenge. These days, in the age of video games and movies-on-demand, many children spend their summer vacations indoors. This can lead to a lack of exposure to natural sunlight which is necessary for the production of vitamin D. If you have a child who is spending more time indoors than out this summer, vitamin D3 supplements might be necessary to ensure healthy vitamin production.

Vitamin D deficiency is significantly more common today than it was in past decades. And, our increasing use of computers and other electronics indoors can be partially to blame. However, we’re also far more aware of the dangers of too much sun exposure. Most children do not spend hours in the sun as their predecessors did. Sunscreen is now part of most children’s daily routine. However, this protection can also lead to vitamin D deficiency. Protection from the sun can also mean an insufficient amount of sun exposure to produce the vitamin. This is yet another reason why a children’s vitamin D3 supplement can be beneficial – even during the summer months.

What Vitamin D3 Supplements Are Best?
When choosing vitamin D3 supplements, it’s important to read labels. They’re not all created equal. The best formulas contain the bioavailable active form of vitamin D3 such as Animal Parade Vitamin D3 supplements by Nature’s Plus. This form best supports optimal growth and long-term health in growing children.

Children's Liquid Vitamins to Keep Kids Health This Summer

Just when you think you’ve made it past cold and flu season, the kids come down with a fever, sore throat, and cough. Growing research suggests that children’s liquid vitamins can help fight off viruses during the warmer months of spring and summer?

Colds and Flu Viruses Don’t Just Spread in the Winter
While the late fall and winter months are notorious for being the time of year when school age kids pick up viruses, the reality is colds and flu can be transmitted any time of the year. And, when school is out and it’s time for outdoor fun, being stuck in bed with an illness is no fun for kids – or parents!

It’s simply a reality that the majority of children do not get ample vitamins and minerals in their daily diet to support a healthy immune system. Thus, many are susceptible to picking up common cold and other easily-transmitted viruses.

Children’s Liquid Vitamins to Support Healthy Immune Systems
Ideally, a child should get the nutrients they need from their diet. However, when that’s not possible, liquid vitamins for kids can help bridge the gap to strengthen their immune systems.

Interestingly, some parents use children’s liquid vitamins as insurance during cold and flu season to help stave off illness, and then discontinue supplements during the spring and summer. However, viruses spread all year long. Because of this, children who are given multivitamin formulas throughout the year receive a steadier source of nutrients they need to support their immune systems.

Daily requirements of vitamin A, C, D, and other nutrients found in balanced formulas of children’s liquid vitamins can help support healthy immune response in children. And, regular usage can be beneficial to help fight off illness throughout the year.

Natural Kids Vitamins for Stronger Bones

Has your child suffered from multiple fractures from injuries? A Mayo Clinic study has shown that forearm fractures have increased by more than 32 percent in boys and 56 percent in girls in the past three decades. This same study also linked these early forearm fractures with hip fractures and osteoporosis later in life. Obtaining proper nutrients from a balanced diet and natural kids vitamins can be beneficial in preventing fractures in children and can help build bones that will be strong for a lifetime.

Peak Bone Mass Is Reached before the Age of 25
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, nutrients are very important to bone health because peak bone mass is obtained by the mid-20s. And, dietary and lifestyle factors during childhood can have a profound effect on the level of bone mass in young adults. These factors include:

• Poor dietary choices – especially many processed foods and beverages that can actually deplete nutrients
• Hypercalcuria – A disorder that leads to minerals being excreted too fast
• Lack of sunshine – causes vitamin D deficiency
• Lack of exercise – insufficient weight-bearing exercise to strengthen the bones
• Poor quality nutritional supplements – leads to malabsorption of nutrients

A Healthy Diet and Natural Kids Vitamins – A Winning Combination
While calcium commonly found in milk is an essential vitamin for bone health, there are also other nutrients that work synergistically with this important mineral to help build healthy, strong bones in children. These include vitamin D3 and vitamin K2. These can be obtained through a balanced diet and from a high quality formula of natural vitamins for kids.

By combining a diet rich in nutrients and natural kids vitamins, you can help provide the healthy foundation your children need to have strong bones for a lifetime.

Natural Children’s Vitamins and Immunity

With over 90 cases of measles reported in the United States in just the first three months of 2014, this most recent outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease has shed new light what happens when parents do not vaccinate their children. The MMR vaccine, which is used to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella, has long been the source of debate over its safety. However, children who are not vaccinated are at risk of acquiring otherwise preventable diseases.

Regardless of what side of the vaccine debate you fall on, supporting your child’s natural ability to fight off infections is vital to their long-term health. This includes providing healthy, balanced meals that supply ample amounts of vitamins and minerals to support a properly-functioning immune system.  For those who have dietary restrictions, food allergies, aversions or any number of nutritional issues, obtaining sufficient vitamins and minerals each day from food is not always possible. In these cases, it makes sense to supplement with natural children’s vitamins.

Let’s take a look at some of the primary ways you can boost your child’s immune system:

Fruits and Veggies
Fresh fruits and vegetables are, without a doubt, the best source of vitamins and minerals. And, these nutrients are fundamental to a child’s health. Some of the best sources are berries, melons, tomatoes, broccoli, sweet potatoes, bananas, apples, carrots, and leafy greens.

Natural Children’s Vitamins
To bridge any nutritional gap, getting in the habit of offering natural vitamins for children is a good idea. Look for a brand that is naturally sweetened with Xylitol and contains a full range of the vitamins and minerals that are needed each day.

Sleep
Young bodies need lots of downtime for re-energizing and repair. Make sure your child is getting the right amount of sleep for their age.

Exercise
Daily play and exercise is an excellent way to promote a healthy immune system. Whether it’s organized sports or running around in the backyard, every activity helps.

Fluids
Children are prone to getting dehydrated. And, this can lead to a drop in the body’s natural immune function. Make sure your child get plenty of water, along with recommended amounts of milk and fruit juice in their daily diet.

From natural children’s vitamins to drinking plenty of H2O, there is a lot you can do to stave off the germs and viruses that your child is exposed to each and every day. Of course, you should talk to your pediatrician about vaccines and other ways to prevent infection to keep him or her as healthy as possible throughout these important years.

Are You Choosing the Right Vitamin D3 Supplement for Your Child?

Vitamin D is essential to your child’s good health and can be found in foods such as fatty fish, fortified milk, and orange juice. As well, the body produces vitamin D naturally when the skin is exposed to the sun. However, if your child doesn’t get ample sun exposure and happens to not consume foods that contain ample amount of the vitamin, a deficiency can occur. In these cases, a vitamin D3 supplement may be beneficial.

Vitamin D3 Recommended Daily Allowance
Child health experts do not all see eye-to-eye when it comes to what a child should be receiving each day. However, most recommended amounts range from 200 IUs per day for infants up to 2,000 for active adolescents and adults. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants should receive a minimum intake of 200 IU of vitamin D either in their diet or via a D3 supplement, and older children should consume 400 IUs.

The Benefits of a Vitamin D3 Supplement
Vitamin D is vital for the absorption of calcium. Without it, growing bones become brittle and prone to breaks and structural change. This essential vitamin also helps support a healthy immune system and reduces the chance of your child developing multiple sclerosis and some types of cancer.

Risks of Supplementation
It is possible to overdose on vitamin D3 because it is stored in the fat in the body. Symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, a metallic taste in the mouth, loss of appetite, headache, and fatigue.
  
To ensure that your child obtains enough, but not too much vitamin D3, it’s wise to choose a vitamin D3 supplement designed for children and not adults. Animal Parade Vitamin D3 500 IU Children’s Chewable, for example, has the right dosage of the vitamin in a bioavailable active form that supports optimal growth and long-term health.

Liquid Vitamins for Children – A Simple Solution for Kids who Don’t Like to Take Vitamins

Liquid vitamins for children can be a real lifesaver for parents who have difficulty getting their kids to take chewable vitamins on a regular basis. Whether it’s the taste or texture they don’t like, some kids can be very stubborn when it comes to taking a regular multivitamin.

The dilemma is that kids who don’t consume an adequate number of nutrients in their diet require a balanced supplement that bridges the nutritional gap. Whether it’s due to consuming a diet of fast foods and processed meals or it’s a food allergy that prevents eating certain types of food, this challenge can be overcome quite simply by using liquid vitamins for children.

Benefits of Children’s Liquid Vitamins
The digestive tracts of children can easily absorb liquid supplements. In fact, liquid vitamins for children can be absorbed more efficiently than in a capsule, chewable, or tablet. Less than 20 percent of a vitamin tablet is absorbed. When you compare this with 90 percent of a liquid vitamin, you can definitely see the advantage of providing children with their supplement in a liquid form.

Types of Liquid Vitamins for Children
Some liquid supplements can be measured out with a dropper and administered. Others are incorporated into drinks, squeeze packets, and drink mixes. The price of children’s liquid vitamins varies widely depending on the brand, quality, formula, and the form it is in. One affordable option that children like because of its great taste is Animal Parade Gold Liquid from Nature’s Plus.

Safety
While liquid vitamins are just as safe as those in other forms, it’s essential to give only the recommended dosage to avoid any possibility of vitamin toxicity. Symptoms of an overdose of liquid vitamins for children include nausea, headaches, vertigo, skin dryness, and joint pain. Like with any supplement or medication, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician before administering to your child.

Natural Children's Vitamins for Better Eyesight

While we think of poor eyesight as a problem that afflicts adults in middle age, the reality is approximately 10% of American children and teenagers wear some form of corrective lenses. Genetics certainly play a large part in whether or not a child has vision problems. However, there are certain nutrients found in natural children’s vitamins that can help prevent or delay the onset of certain eye conditions.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient required to produce rhodopsin, the receptors in the retina that allow the eye to react to light. Without enough vitamin A in the diet, it can be challenging to see in dim light. A prolonged deficiency of vitamin A can result in corneal ulcers, scarring, and eventually vision loss. A diet full of fruits and vegetables can supply ample vitamin A. For picky eaters, natural children’s vitamins can bridge the nutritional gap.

Vitamin C
Commonly found in natural vitamins for children, vitamin C has been shown to lower the risk of irreversible vision loss from macular degeneration. By getting the daily requirement each day, a child will decrease the chance of obtaining the sight-robbing disease in later years.

Vitamin E
This vitamin, commonly found in nuts, avocados, and vegetable oils, can also help prevent macular degeneration along with uveitis, a condition in which one of the layers in the eye becomes inflamed and obscures vision.

Vitamin D
Commonly associated with bone health, vitamin D is also important for maintaining good eye health. The vitamin can help inhibit tissue inflammation and the development of abnormal blood vessels that contribute to age-related macular degeneration.

All of these common nutrients are found in well-formulated natural children’s vitamins.

Choosing a Vitamin D Supplement to Prevent Deficiency

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in vitamin D deficiency being reported in the United States and other countries. This deficiency can contribute to significant problems with bone strength in children. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium in our diet to build strong bones. Also referred to as rickets, vitamin D deficiency can be prevented by consuming the essential vitamin in a healthy diet and by taking a daily vitamin D supplement.

While the body can make sufficient vitamin D with just a few minutes a day of midday sun, children, who are protected by sunscreen, are often those who are deficient. Children can also obtain the vitamin D by drinking milk and orange juice that are often fortified with it. Food allergies and other dietary restrictions can also contribute to a vitamin D deficiency.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Institute of Medicine both recommend a daily intake of 400 IU per day of vitamin D during the first year of life and 600 IU for everyone over the age of one.  Other health organizations suggest even higher recommended amount up to 2,000 IU per day to prevent the painful, growth-stunting effects of rickets.

Many health experts encourage parents to give their children a vitamin D supplement as a preventative strategy even if they are getting ample sun exposure and consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet. For those children who have already acquired some level of vitamin D deficiency, a kids vitamin D supplement is almost always recommended, and typically the condition can be reversed quickly if it is diagnosed in its early stages.

Available in chewable form, a daily vitamin D supplement to children is a simple and highly effective solution for preventing a serious condition in children.

Supporting Children’s Heart Health with Kids Vitamins

While we typically think of heart health as something that adults need to focus on starting in middle-age, it’s actually important in childhood, too. And, with an increasing number of children now being diagnosed with metabolic conditions such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels, it’s never too soon to incorporate a healthy diet. Many dieticians and nutritionists believe that kids vitamins can be an important part of this diet – particularly for those children who have special dietary needs or who are finicky eaters.

For kids vitamins can be obtain through a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats. The most ideal foods that support healthy cardiovascular health are low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugar.

Total fat intake for children ages 4 to 18 should be no more than 35 percent with the majority of the fats coming from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.

Every meal of the day should contain at least one fruit or vegetable. Children’s recommended fruit intake should be approximately one to two cups per day. Vegetable intake should amount to two to three cups per day.

While grain/high fiber breads and cereal are much more heart-healthy than refined grain products. Total grain intake should be approximately seven ounces each day. As well, fat-free and low-fat dairy foods are also important. Children need approximately two to three cups of milk each day. This can be substituted with a combination of other dairy products like yogurt and cheese.

According to the American Heart Association, the estimated calories needed by children range from 900 per day for a one year old all the way to 2,200 calories for a 14-18 year old boy.

What about Kids Vitamins?
For many children, getting sufficient nutrients on a daily basis can be a struggle. Food preferences, allergies, and other dietary issues can make it particularly challenging. In many cases, adding a kids vitamin supplement to a balanced diet can help bridge the nutritional gap to support heart health. If you have a child who isn’t obtaining enough nutrients in their daily diet, it’s worth discussing this with their pediatrician. And, kids multivitamins will probably be suggested to augment what they’re currently getting in their diet.

Giving Kids Who Don’t Like Vegetables Children’s Multi-Vitamins

While adults understand the importance of eating a balanced diet with lots of vegetables, children usually don’t. This can result in meal-time battles and frustration for everyone involved. While the goal is always to encourage children to eat their vegetables, this isn’t always a simple task. Sometimes, adding children’s multi-vitamins to their diet can help bridge the nutritional gap until they are more willing to expand their dietary horizons.

Given daily, kids multi-vitamins can offer a complete range of essential vitamins and minerals to meet the nutritional needs of their growing bodies. So, what should you look for in a nutritional formula for kids? Here are some guidelines for those picky eaters in your life.

Meets the Daily Requirements
Well formulated children’s multi-vitamins will contain 100% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin D3, as well as vitamins A,C, E, B12, B6, and other B vitamins.

A Healthy Base
Understanding what the base of a nutritional formula consists of is very important. Many of the grocery store brands do not have particularly healthy bases. Instead, you will want to choose a formula that has a base of nutritious foods like spirulina, carrot, broccoli, brown rice, and spinach.

Immune-Supporting Phytonutrient Benefits
One of the key benefits of children’s multi-vitamins is that they can support a healthy immune system. With the right nutrients, children will be less susceptible to colds, flu, and other viruses. The leading formulas also contain additional ingredients to further boost immunity. Look for ingredients like mushrooms, basil, lemon, guava, and amla.

Sugar-Free
When you’re trying to improve a child’s diet, it just doesn’t make sense to give him or her a daily vitamin sweetened by high fructose corn syrup. The best option is one that is sweetened by Xylitol which is a naturally occurring compound found in berries, vegetables, and mushrooms. Xylitol has been shown to have decay-preventative properties and may actually reduce oral bacteria.

The Best Children’s Multi-Vitamins 
Animal Parade Sugar Free Multi Chewables from Nature’s Plus meet all of the above guidelines, and they also taste great! Available in cherry, orange, grape, watermelon, and assorted flavors, they are a great way to augment your child’s diet to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

Can Kids Multivitamins Help Prevent Stomach Viruses?

In the early spring, norovirus and other stomach viruses seem to appear every year. Children across the country are kept home from school because of a variety of symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. While it’s often called the stomach flu, it is not related to influenza. Rather, it’s a virus that can be easily transmitted from person to person – often from child to child in a school or daycare setting. While Norovirus is easy to catch, there are some preventative steps you can take to minimize yours and your children’s chances of getting it. From kids multivitamins to hand sanitizer, here’s what you can do to reduce your chance of your family getting the dreaded stomach bug this year.

Step 1: A Daily Habit of Kids Multivitamins
A high quality multivitamin can help boost the immune system and maintain healthy immune function all year long – even during cold and flu season. There are a lot of vitamin supplements on the market for children, so it’s wise to look closely at labels before deciding on a brand. The best options will be those kids natural vitamins that are not loaded with artificial colors and flavors.

Step 2: Regular Hand Washing
Unfortunately, taking kids multivitamins isn't going to stave off all viruses. This is why it’s essential that you and your children get into the regular habit of hand washing with both soap and water. This is the best method of preventing the transmission of a stomach virus. This should include hand washing after using the restroom, before and after meals, after handling money, and whenever you’re in contact with germs in public facilities.

Step 3: Sanitize Your Bathroom Often 
Anti-bacterial bathroom cleaner is a prime ally during this season. Spray and wipe down the toilet and counter tops on a very regular basis to prevent transmission.

Choosing the Right Children’s Multivitamin for Kids in Sports

Children who are extremely active or participate in competitive sports have unique dietary needs and often require a children’s multivitamin to obtain the amount of nutrients necessary to support their rapid growth.

With average amounts of activity, most children can get sufficient vitamins and minerals through the foods that they eat. However, young athletes who are often exercising multiple hours each day can quickly suffer from nutritional deficiencies which can affect their performance and their growth. This is when a children’s multivitamin can be a beneficial dietary supplement.

A typical balanced diet for a healthy, active child includes:
• Milk and dairy products such as cheese and yogurt (ideally low-fat products for kids over the age of 3).
• Fresh fruits and vegetables (with a focus on leafy, green vegetables)
• Protein such as chicken, fish, meat, and eggs
• Whole grains including brown rice, quinoa, and oats

When Is a Children’s Multivitamin Needed?
Kids who participate in demanding sports such as gymnastics, football, track & field, soccer, and tennis typically practice long hours and burn a tremendous amount of calories. With these extra demands placed on their bodies, they need more vitamins and minerals. A children’s natural multivitamin with a balanced formula can be a good way to ensure that their nutritional needs are being met.

The most beneficial supplements will include:
Vitamin A – to support normal growth and development, tissue and bone repair.
Vitamin B – to support energy production, as well as healthy circulatory and nervous system function.
Vitamin C – to promote healthy muscle development and proper immune response.
Vitamin D – to promote bone and tooth formation and to help the absorption of calcium.
Iron – to build muscle and produce healthy red blood cells.

Yes, all of these nutrients can be found in healthy foods. But, with the extra amount of calories being used during physical activity, deficiencies can occur in active children. A multivitamin can help bridge that nutritional gap.

The best children’s multivitamins for kids and teens are sugar-free, with no artificial flavor or colors. You may also want to choose one that is gluten-free, vegetarian, and hypo-allergenic depending on your child’s specific health needs.

With the addition of the right multivitamin, you can be assured that your active child is receiving the right amount of vitamins and minerals they need during this important time in their life.