Kids Vitamins Containing Vitamin D May Be Beneficial for Overweight and Obese Children

In a study published in Pediatrics, research has shown that overweight and obese children and teens are at higher risk of having low vitamin D levels than those with healthy weights. Because this vitamin is vital for bone growth during both childhood and adolescence, many pediatricians are now recommending testing for overweight and obese children to screen for vitamin D deficiency and recommending kids vitamins as a preventative health strategy.

The study looked at more than 12,000 children and teens ranging in age from six to 18. Approximately 21 percent of the health weight study participants were deficient in vitamin D. This percent jumped to 29 percent in overweight children, 35 percent in obese children, and nearly 50 percent in those who were classified as severely obese.

Vitamin D deficiency rates were also noted to be higher in Latinos and African-Americans. In severely obese African-American children, the percentage was a whopping 87 percent. With such high numbers in overweight and obese children, specialty weight management clinics are now routinely checking vitamin D levels.

The Benefits of Kids Multi-vitamins
While the vitamin D found in kids multi-vitamins can help support bone development, it is also beneficial in helping to stave off certain chronic conditions that have been linked to vitamin D deficiency including high blood pressure, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Drinking vitamin D-fortified milk can also help provide ample amounts of the vitamin. However, for children who are battling weight issues, the extra calories may not fit into a calorie-restricted diet. 

Parents who are concerned about vitamin D deficiency in their children should talk to their pediatrician about taking supplements such as kids multi-vitamins.

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.

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.

How to Establish Good Nutrition Early with Kids Multi-vitamins

Kids multi-vitamins can help your children develop good nutritional habits at an early age. By taking them regularly, it creates a foundation for healthy behaviors that can last a lifetime. Besides multi-vitamins for kids, there are other habits that can help set a healthy foundation.

Offer Healthy Food from the Start
Good or bad nutritional habits are learned through repetition, and over time, they can be hard to break. This is why it’s such a good idea to set a good example for children as early as possible. As parents and caregivers, we can offer balanced, nutritious foods. By doing so, they will become the foods that they will reach for when they are able to make their own food choices.

Limit the Sweets
Sugar is an addictive substance with little nutritional value. This is why it is so important to minimize sugar intake during a child’s formative years. If you have a habit of snacking on sweets, your child will, too. By offering healthier alternatives and setting a good example, you can prevent a lot of future battles.

Be Adventurous
Many parents are reluctant to offer a wide variety of foods for fear that their child won’t like them. However, studies have shown that kids that are given many food choices tend to eat healthier. You just may be surprised by what your child enjoys. Whether it’s arugula, artichokes, fava beans, or something even more exotic, if it’s nutritious why not try it? Kids multi-vitamins can often help bridge the gap in nutritional deficiencies. However, eating a broad spectrum of foods can also go a long way towards your child getting the nourishment they need to thrive. To learn more about the types of nutrients and servings required for good health, check out the US government’s guidelines.

A good formula of multi-vitamins for kids will contain the essential vitamins and minerals along with whole foods and probiotics for digestion. Choose one with a flavor that your children like, and make sure that you incorporate the supplement into their daily routine. This will help establish those healthy habits that will facilitate good health for many, many years to come.