Kid’s Vitamin D3 Supplements Helping Children with Epilepsy

Children with epilepsy are two to three times more likely to break bones than others within their age group, according to research conducted by the Leicester Royal Infirmary’s Department of Pediatric Neurology. Prior research had shown a link between epilepsy and weakened bones in some children, but this new evidence, published in The Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences, provides more compelling proof.

The cause of the lack of bone strength is suspected to be anti-epileptic medicines that prevent the body from replacing old bone tissue with new tissue. These medications also negatively impact bone density, making bones in children more prone to fractures.

Researchers who published the findings have recommended that children who have epilepsy and are taking anti-epilepsy medications should take a supplement of vitamin d3 for kids. The authors of the published findings stated, “Low dose vitamin D supplementation is now recommended for healthy children, and it is biologically feasible that children with epilepsy may be at higher risk of clinically significant deficiency. It is important that neurologists ensure that low dose vitamin D supplementation should be prescribed in children with epilepsy.”

Epilepsy in Children
According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, approximately 400,000 children in the United States have epilepsy, and most control seizures through medication. Because epilepsy is often a lifelong condition, children who are taking anti-seizure medications will likely need supplementation throughout their lives. With these medications linked to bone-related issues, parents of children with epilepsy should definitely discuss kids vitamin D3 supplements with their pediatrician. Along with potentially helping prevent bone breaks and fractures, vitamin D3 may also be beneficial in minimizing symptoms of other common conditions, including eczema, depression, and ADHD.

What to Look for in Kid’s Vitamin D3 Supplements
For a child to gain the benefits of a supplement of vitamin D3 for kids, it’s important to provide a well-formulated supplement that contains at least 500 IU of the vitamin. It’s also important to choose a brand that is made from the bioavailable active form of the vitamin to support optimal growth and long-term health. An option, such as Animal Parade Vitamin D3, is a good choice because of its quality and taste.

Using Kids Vitamins to Ward off Winter Viruses

It’s that time of year when colds and flu are everywhere. Classrooms are tremendous breeding grounds for winter viruses, including influenza. While it’s easy enough to get kids in the habit of washing their hands and not touching their faces, the reality is they will be exposed to viruses no matter how well they try and avoid it. Proactive strategies such as taking daily kids vitamins may help minimize the risk this winter and beyond.

Flu Vaccine
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting an annual flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Yes, there’s more than one! Flu vaccine can reduce illness, missed school and doctors’ visits. Children six months or older should get the vaccine.

Plenty of Rest
The immune system is weakened by a lack of sleep. Especially during the winter months, kids need to get ample shut-eye to keep their immune system strong to fight off viruses.

Daily Kids Multivitamin
Of course, eating a balanced diet is beneficial. Yet for many kids, getting enough daily nutritional requirements is difficult. Kids vitamins can bridge that gap by ensuring that sufficient vitamins and minerals are being consumed on a daily basis.

Preventive Strategies
The best way to avoid getting sick is to stay away from sick people, although that’s not a reality for kids in school. So, other options include regular hand-washing, covering the nose and mouth during coughs or sneezes and disinfecting surfaces such as desks, keyboards, phones and chairs.

What to Look for in Kids Vitamins
Vitamin C and vitamin D3 are both extremely important for immune system health. A well-balanced formula of kids vitamins will also include all essential vitamins and minerals, along with probiotics, enzymes and bioflavonoids. Because kids are often fussy about vitamins, choosing a product that has a palatable flavor is very important. One option that kids love is Animal Parade Gold Children’s Chewable Multivitamin in cherry flavor.