Roughly 70% of children in the U.S. are significantly lacking in at least one essential nutrient, which can have direct effects on their overall health and academic performance. To help ensure your child receives the nutrients they need, consider these regularly recommended supplements for kids:
Probiotics:
Probiotics can help establish and maintain a healthy microbiome balance, which is important for proper nutrient absorption and overall growth, development, and immune function.* Specific research-supported probiotics, tailored for children, are believed to support gut health and immune defenses.* It is advisable to consult with your healthcare practitioner to determine the most suitable probiotics for your child’s needs.
Vitamins and Minerals:
Children are at an increased risk of micronutrient insufficiencies, which is particularly concerning because these nutrients play vital roles in cognitive function, overall brain health, energy production, and immune health.* While obtaining nutrition from food is the gold standard, vitamin and mineral supplements offer the advantages of being easy and convenient to take. This is especially helpful for kids, whose picky eating habits, poor food choices, and small appetites mean many don’t meet the daily recommendations for vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as minerals like calcium and magnesium. Studies show that school-aged children who consumed either a single or multiple micronutrient supplement were significantly less likely to have nutritional insufficiencies than children who didn’t.* A high-quality daily multivitamin that contains both vitamins and minerals can help fill any nutritional gaps that their diet may be lacking.
Omega-3s:
Omega-3s, EPA and DHA, are critical to the structure and function of every cell in the human body.* They are especially important for the development of children’s brains and eyes, and play key roles in learning, focus, immune health, and mood regulation.* However, research shows that many kids and teens have omega-3 levels well below the recommended amount, with many consuming less than half of what they need. While omega-3s are found in cold-water, oily fish, most kids do not regularly eat this type of fish. As a result, ensuring they get enough omega-3s through supplementation is crucial for their growth, development, immune health, and mental well-being.*
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D insufficiency is a widespread concern, particularly among children and teens. Vitamin D is crucial for more than just bone health—it supports multiple systems in the body, including the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.* It plays a key role in immune function.* Vitamin D also supports the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for mental well-being, which is why it’s linked to mood regulation and emotional health.* Given its important roles in immune defense, mental health, and overall well-being, ensuring adequate Vitamin D levels is crucial for children and teens, particularly during growth and development years.
Vitamin C:
Given the fast-paced growth and development that occurs during childhood and adolescence, a sufficient intake of vitamin C is crucial for overall health.*
Vitamin C’s many roles include:
- Supports a healthy immune system*
- Supports the production of collagen—which is important to growth and repair of tissues, including skin, muscles, and bones*
- Provides antioxidant support for cells*
- Supports healthy skin and gums*
Since the body doesn’t produce or store vitamin C, it’s important for kids and teens to get enough through supplementation.