As a pediatrician, I understand the concerns and uncertainties surrounding ensuring your child is getting the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. To those parents who are confident in their knowledge, hats off!
Healthy children who eat a balanced, age-appropriate diet usually do not need supplements. However, before considering any supplement, it is important to consult with your pediatrician to ensure it is necessary and safe for your child’s specific health needs.
For children who are unable to obtain necessary nutrients from their diet, the right supplements can provide valuable additional support. But with so many choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So I’ve put together a guide to help all parents make informed decisions about the best supplements for their children who need your care and support:
Be sure to consult your pediatrician
Before starting any supplements, talk to your child’s pediatrician. They can assess your child’s nutritional needs and recommend appropriate supplements based on their age, diet and health.
Find brands you can trust
When choosing and looking for the best children’s supplements, choose reputable brands that are transparent about their ingredients, like TruHeight, which adheres to quality standards and third-party testing. This ensures the products contain the safest ingredients and are free of harmful substances, allergens and artificial ingredients.
Focus on key nutrients
Certain vitamins and minerals play a vital role in children’s growth. Look for children’s supplements that contain:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a vital role not only in supporting bone health, but also in strengthening the immune system, making it an essential nutrient for young children. Exposure to sunlight triggers the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin; however, due to modern lifestyles and concerns about sun exposure, many young children may not receive enough sunlight, leading to potential deficiencies. Therefore, supplementation is essential to ensure that young children receive optimal levels of vitamin D, protecting their bone strength and boosting their immune defenses against a variety of infections and diseases.
Vitamin C
This vitamin is essential for immune function, wound healing, and collagen production. It is important to include foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries and green peppers, in your child’s diet. However, supplementation may be necessary, especially if your child’s diet lacks adequate amounts of this vitamin.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for your child’s vision, immune function and skin health. It is found in foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. However, supplementation may be necessary if your child has limited access to these foods or has certain medical conditions that affect absorption. Make sure the supplement provides an age-appropriate dose for your child to avoid any adverse effects.
iron
Iron is not only essential for the development of young children’s brains, but it also plays a key role in preventing anemia, a disease characterized by a lack of red blood cells, or hemoglobin, in the blood. Early in life, when rapid growth and development are at their peak, young children have an increased need for iron to support the formation of new tissue and ensure optimal cognitive function.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are essential nutrients that play a key role in supporting brain and eye development in young children. DHA is especially highly concentrated in the brain and retina, where it aids in the growth and function of nerve cells, aiding in cognitive development and optimal vision. Likewise, EPA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit overall brain health.
calcium
Calcium is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in the development of strong bones and teeth, especially during the critical stages of childhood. Adequate calcium intake is essential to support bone growth and mineralization, ensuring that bones reach their full potential in terms of strength and density. While dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, providing an easily absorbed form of this essential mineral, some young children may be picky eaters or have dietary restrictions such as lactose intolerance, which may Limit their intake of dairy products.
Consider form and dosage
When choosing a supplement for your child, choose a convenient form that’s easy for them to take, such as chewable tablets, gummies, or a liquid formula. Make sure the dose is appropriate for your child’s age and weight to prevent the risk of overdose, which can be harmful to their health.
A great example of a trusted brand that offers different supplement formats is TruHeight, which offers a range of high-quality products designed specifically for young children, including delicious gummies, sleep-promoting tinctures and powdered drinks.
Avoid harmful ingredients
When choosing supplements for young children, be cautious about products that contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, as these additives may have potential health risks, especially for young children with developing bodies. Choosing natural and organic options when possible can help minimize exposure to potentially harmful substances and ensure your child is getting the safest, most healthful supplements.
TruHeight offers products with a focus on safety and quality, giving parents peace of mind looking for supplements they can trust. Their natural formulas are crafted with attention to ingredient sourcing, avoiding the use of artificial colors, additives, flavors, gluten, and major allergens.
Monitor for side effects
Once you start taking a new supplement, be aware of any adverse effects. Common side effects may include digestive problems or allergic reactions. If you notice any problems, discontinue use and consult your pediatrician.
By following these tips and consulting with your pediatrician, you can confidently choose the best supplement for your child to accommodate their growth and development. Remember, supplements should complement a healthy diet, not replace it. Together we can ensure your child thrives and reaches their full potential.
in conclusion
Understanding the importance of the best supplements for children is crucial for parents to ensure optimal growth and development. As a pediatrician trusted by many parents, I always reiterate that while a balanced diet is the foundation of good health, supplements can provide valuable support, especially if nutritional gaps exist.
By considering key vitamins and choosing supplements wisely, parents can increase their ability to support their children’s overall health. Additionally, TruHeight offers a comprehensive solution containing all of the vitamins listed above, providing a convenient and reliable option for parents looking to ensure their children’s nutritional needs are met.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Milobsky is an outstanding pediatrician who received the prestigious Top Doctors honor from 5280 Magazine in 2010 and 2013. Completed pediatric residency at this hospital. His expertise is board certified in pediatrics.
Dr. Milobsky’s extensive experience includes serving as a hospitalist in the pediatric intensive care unit at multiple hospitals and holding senior positions at Sky Ridge Medical Center and Littleton Adventist Hospital. He is the founder and attending physician at Chicken Soup Pediatric Home Urgent Care, providing compassionate care in the comfort of patients’ homes.
source
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Childhood-Nutrition.aspx
- National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8781853/
- WebMD: Children’s Vitamins
