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.