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.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
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.
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.
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