3 cases where your child may need vitamins
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Parents often wonder if their children are getting all the vitamins and minerals their growing bodies need. Nutritional imbalances, coupled with busy lifestyles, seasonal changes, and airborne illnesses are all reasons to think about this.
While some children can get all their nutritional needs met through diet alone, this is often not the case for many. A busy family life can lead to easy solutions such as fast food, or ready-made processed foods from the store that are easy to heat up. Then you always have a picky eater, a child who will only eat certain foods.
Calcium is important for a growing body
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our bodies. It is essential for bone growth and teeth. Eighty-five percent of the phosphorus in our bodies is stored in our bones. This abundant mineral is second only to calcium. Soda is full of phosphates that disrupt the delicate balance between the two minerals. This prevents a child’s body from converting vitamin D, an important component for absorbing calcium. Ultimately, this can affect bone mineral density.
Foods rich in calcium
Fill your fridge with calcium-rich foods that are easy to get. Think low-fat milk, low-fat yogurt, cheese and cottage cheese. Portion packs of yogurt, for example, can help motivate children to eat more calcium-rich foods.
When it comes to supplements, consider adding Aarja Health's Vitamin D3 for Kids . Each chewable tablet contains 10 μg of bioavailable vitamin D3. Not to mention, it tastes great! Naturally flavored with Nordic blueberry and xylitol, kids will love this one!
Adapt to northern conditions
As the seasons change, so do our vitamin needs. The summer months bring sunshine, and vitamin D is absorbed through the sun's rays. However, a vitamin D supplement can be beneficial, especially during the dark and cold winter months when we are not exposed to as much sunlight.
Kids love to socialize, whether it’s at summer camp, with neighborhood friends, or when they’re going back to school. The risk of germs and airborne diseases used to be more of a concern during the winter months. Now with different strains of Covid-19 circulating, and other viruses, a strong immune system is a must any time of year. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are two powerful antioxidants that can handle the task.
Children also benefit from the best of nature
Fresh berries, kiwis, and citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are a fantastic source of vitamin C. Consider making homemade lemonade! Also consider adding Aarja Health's Vitamin C for Kids with Blueberries for an extra boost.
When it comes to vegetables that are rich in vitamin C, you can add broccoli, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables to your diet. How do you get a picky eater to eat their vegetables? Berry smoothies! Throw a handful or two of spinach in a blender, add some fresh or frozen berries, a banana, and a dash of cinnamon. Add a little milk, too. This smoothie is so good that your kids won't even notice the vegetables!
Vitamin E on porridge and yogurt
Vitamin E occurs naturally in sources like seeds and nuts. These are so easy to sprinkle on cereal, weekend pancakes, and banana splits. Also try it out as an ingredient in muffins or bread. A little extra crunch on a salad can also be good. For a healthier dessert, serve low-fat yogurt topped with fresh berries and sliced almonds.
Children don't always manage to get all the nutrients they need every day. Dietary supplements don't make up for unhealthy eating habits, but vitamins and minerals are a supplement that, when combined with a varied and balanced diet, can help give parents one less worry.
Frequently asked questions
Do children need supplements?
Children get all the vitamins and minerals they need through a good diet. However, there may be cases where circumstances, be it weather or access to different types of food, mean that vitamin and mineral supplements can be a good way to ensure that your child gets what they need. Nutritional imbalances, along with busy lifestyles, seasonal changes, and airborne illnesses are all reasons to consider this. However, as mentioned, you should always consult your healthcare professional first.
Why should children especially need calcium?
Calcium is a natural building block in our bodies, helping with growth and skeletal structure. Growing children are particularly dependent on enough calcium, and should therefore have plenty of it to form the foundation for a strong and healthy body.
How can I get my child to eat more vegetables?
This is a question that many parents ask themselves these days, children are usually more sensitive to both taste and texture. So how do you get a picky eater to eat their vegetables? Berry smoothies! Throw a handful or two of spinach in a blender, add some fresh or frozen berries, a banana and a little cinnamon. Add some milk too. This smoothie is so good that your kids won't even notice the vegetables!