Natural Vitamins for Toddlers to Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency has become one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in toddlers and infants because of the increased usage of sunscreen and decreased amount of time in direct sunlight. Although this vitamin is produced by the body with just a few minutes a day of midday sun exposure, many children are not getting enough sunlight to produce sufficient vitamin D. Many pediatricians are now recommending vitamin D in natural vitamins for toddlers or supplemental drops to prevent the occurrence of rickets, a severe deficiency in this important vitamin.

Occurrence of rickets dropped significantly in the 20th century as milk and certain foods began being fortified with vitamin D. However, with dietary changes and a bigger focus on keeping children out of the sun to prevent the risk of skin cancer, a jump in cases of rickets has been seen in the last five years.

If children are not getting enough vitamin D, either from their food, from the sun, or from multi-vitamins for toddlers, there can be significant health ramifications. Vitamin D deficiency can show up in a variety of ways, including stunting overall growth and contributing to bones being weak, brittle, and misshapen. 

Oftentimes, a diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency is made after a child begins to complain of bone or joint pain. Blood work combined with x-rays can show abnormal bone growth. Once a diagnosis is made, vitamin D replacement is typically prescribed along with orthopaedic treatment. 

Of course, the best solution is to prevent vitamin D deficiency from occurring by supplementing with natural vitamins for toddlers and children. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Institute of Medicine recommend a daily intake of 400 IUs per day of vitamin D during a child’s first year and 600 IUs for children over the age of one. Most multi-vitamins for toddlers have amounts of vitamin D that are consistent with these recommendations.

There are also foods that contain vitamin D, and these should be included in a balanced diet. Some of the foods with the highest amounts include salmon, tuna, soy milk, shrimp, orange juice, low-fat milk, mushrooms, and yogurt.

Symptoms to Watch for…

Interestingly, vitamin D deficiency is commonly misdiagnosed because there are a wide variety of symptoms. Besides painful bones and joints, the following can also be an indicator of a deficiency:

• An unusually high incidence of respiratory infections

• Muscle weakness

• Psoriasis

• Kidney disease

• Asthma

• Periodontal disease

• Depression

If you suspect that your child may have a vitamin D deficiency, it’s important to consult with their pediatrician. A prescription for over-the-counter vitamin D supplements, such as Animal Parade Vitamin D3 liquid drops, or multi-vitamins for toddlers or children will most likely be made as a preventative measure. Nearly all medical professionals agree that a proactive approach to preventing vitamin D deficiency is a good idea because it can enable your child to avoid a host of chronic diseases and conditions that can last a lifetime. 

Incorporating vitamin supplements for kids into your summer eating plan

The lazy, hazy days of summer usually means lots of free time for the kids and hopefully healthy meals along with vitamin supplements for kids to make up for any nutritional gaps.  Unfortunately, with daily routines not as planned as during the school year and plenty of access to the refrigerator and pantry, summer eating can be a time when good nutrition goes right out the window.

Trips to the local ice cream shop, hot dogs at the ballpark, and cotton candy at the fair can only add to the challenges of good nutrition. With these challenges, many parents wonder how they can better manage their children’s nutrition in the summer months and whether or not they should be incorporating vitamin supplements for kids.

Without a good plan, the risk of weight gain grows substantially. And, the early onset of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are possibilities. The following tips can help you keep your children healthy through these fun, school-free months.

Get Excited about Summer Fruit
In most parts of the country, there is no shortage of summer fruit choices. From berries to apricots, peaches, and melons, kids enjoy the sweetness of a fresh piece of fruit. To get them interested in the variety of summer fruits, head to your local farmer’s market, and let them help pick out what they want to eat. Fruit can also be creatively used in frozen pops and baked treats like cobblers and crisps for summer desserts that are far healthier than cakes and cookies. While the best children’s vitamins can provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals, it’s always a good idea to get the bulk of these nutrients through fresh food.

Avoid the Fast Food
When the temperatures begin to climb, you may not want to turn on the stove or oven to cook a meal. But, don’t get tempted to head to the drive-thru window of your local fast food joint. There are plenty of great meals that you can make quickly with having to cook. Think turkey sandwiches, salads, wraps, salads, and healthy dips with plates of mixed fruits and vegetables. Not only will your kids eat better, you’ll save money, too!

Keep Track of Activities
Summer is usually when kids are swimming, playing games at camp, hiking, biking, and just enjoying plenty of active time outdoors. With extra calories being burned, kids often reach for junk food and sodas to satisfy their increased hunger and thirst. To avoid this situation from occurring, make sure to incorporate plenty of healthy proteins such as lean meat, low-fat dairy, nuts, and legumes into meals. And, consider adding vitamin supplements for kids into their daily routine to ensure that their daily requirements of vitamins and minerals are being met.

Evaluate Summer Camp Menus
If your child is attending a day or overnight camp, it’s also a good idea to evaluate what they’ll be eating so that you can help them stick with their healthy eating choices. If you aren’t happy with what they’ll be served, consider packing healthy lunches for them or discussing the meal options with the camp management. Yes, vitamin supplements for kids can help bridge the gap in eating, but you still want to make sure that they are consistently getting healthy meals each and every day.

If you will be supplementing, choose one of the best children’s vitamins and don’t just grab the first brand you see on the grocery store shelf. Nature’s Plus Animal Parade line of vitamin supplements for kids is highly recommended by many because of their natural formulas and great taste.

Using Diet and the Best Vitamins for Kids to Combat Childhood Obesity

Could the best vitamins for kids help solve the obesity crisis in the United States? Childhood obesity has become a problem of nearly epidemic proportions throughout the country. In fact, one out of three children is considered to be overweight or obese and the obesity rate has more than tripled in the last 50 years.

Two primary factors have contributed more to the obesity crisis than any others. First, children today are getting less exercise and playtime than previous generations. With the rise of video games, hand-held mobile devices, PCs, and cable TV, kids are spending more time in front of screens and far less time outside playing
The second factor is nutrition. With busy schedules, parents are less likely to be feeding their children home-cooked meals and are more often heading through the drive-thru line after work. With processed, high-fat, high-sodium food on the menu most nights, weight gain is nearly inevitable, particularly when it’s coupled with low amounts of physical activity.

A healthy diet and a regular exercise regime are essential for every child’s good health. This means meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy. Highly processed, fried, or sugary foods should be avoided.

Of course, offering healthy meals and getting kids to eat them are two different things. Picky eaters can often be lacking in essential vitamins and nutrients. This is when it makes sense to supplement with one of the best vitamins for kids on the market. Children’s vitamins that contain a balanced formula of vitamins and minerals can actually help reduce fat and jump start weight loss while also filling in the nutritional gaps.

A study from 2010 showed that children’s vitamins combined with a healthy, well-balanced diet can stimulate a rise in basal metabolic rate (the rate at which the body burns calories when at rest). As well, specific vitamins within supplements have weight-loss effects. For example, a lack of vitamin D, which may be the most common deficiency in the United States, can contribute to weight gain. Thus, taking a multivitamin with vitamin D can be beneficial. As well, B vitamins and calcium can also help support healthy weight loss.

Of course, the best vitamins for kids are those that have natural flavor and aren't sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup. You will also want to choose a formula that is hypo-allergenic, gluten-free, or vegetarian if you have a child who is on a restricted diet due to health issues.

By combining a good diet and children’s vitamins, you can help promote a healthy lifestyle that will help prevent weight gain now and into the future.

Multi-vitamins For Kids To Meet Nutritional Needs

If you’re a parent, you know that it can be a daily battle to get kids to eat nutritiously. Incorporating enough fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains into their diet is tough under the best of circumstances. Because of this, it can be beneficial to add multi-vitamins for kids to their daily routine.

Of course, children, as well as adults, should get the bulk of their nutrition from healthy foods. When it’s not possible because of dietary restrictions or pickiness, you naturally want to choose the best children’s vitamins.

While chain grocery and drug stores carry many brands of multi-vitamins for kids, most of these are not all-natural, and many have unhealthy ingredients such as synthetic dyes, aspartame, hydrogenated vegetable oil, artificial flavors, and other additives. These are not good options for children.
Alternatively, it’s better to choose natural multi-vitamins for kids that are hypo-allergenic, gluten-free, and vegetarian.

Nature’s Plus Animal Parade Multi Children’s Chewable is one such supplement that can help provide essential nutrients without the unhealthy additives. Known as one of the best children’s vitamins on the market, Animal Parade features a formula containing vitamin D3, vitamin K2, over 20 certified organic whole foods, all essential vitamins and minerals, probiotics, lutein for eye and skin protection, enzymes, and bioflavonoids.

Their formula also contains xylitol as a sweetener which helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay, but doesn’t have the health risks associated with artificial sweeteners like aspartame.

Along with multi-vitamins for kids, there are also other types of supplements that may be beneficial depending on your child’s particular nutritional needs. For example, calcium supplements can be helpful for kids who have dairy allergies or sensitivities. A good calcium supplement can help support bone growth during the important growing years and beyond.

Probiotics and acidophilus are often recommended by doctors for children with intestinal difficulties. Zinc and vitamin C supplements can be particularly beneficial during cold and flu season. And, nutritional shakes are a great source of protein and fruits & vegetables for kids who are underweight, involved in sports, or just picky eaters.

It’s always a good idea to first discuss multi-vitamins for kids with your child’s pediatrician prior to purchasing a particular formula. They can advise you on any specific nutrients that may be particularly beneficial for your child’s health needs.

Once you have the go-ahead, choose the best children’s vitamins based upon nutritional ingredients and establish a specific time when you will provide them to your child. The goal should be to establish a habit so that a vitamin simply becomes a natural, regular activity like brushing teeth or making the bed.