Nourish - Back to School Supplement Support For Your Kids
Hello and welcome to this blog all about Back to School Supplement Support For Your Kids. As children head back to their classrooms, I thought I’d share some tips on how you can help support your child’s immune system and cognitive health during this busy time with the help of kid-friendly supplements.
Children and their immune systems are going to be very busy after heading back to their classrooms, They will be in more contact with others, experience additional stresses and then have the usual back to school bugs to deal with. And we haven’t even mentioned the feelings of uncertainty about what the school year in our “new normal” may be like. Undoubtedly, maintaining a strong immune system throughout the school year is incredibly important, so let’s cover some tips on how you can help support your kids during this back to school time.
No. 1 – Multivitamins
Whilst of course, a healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies, whole grains and good fats is ideal, who are we kidding? We’re talking about children here! If your child is a big fan of broccoli, fatty fish and sauerkraut, you need to write a book on how you did it, and fast so we can all learn 😊
Jokes aside, a solid foundation of healthy eating and good habits are essential to support optimal health. Children of all ages need additional support for both their growth as well as a result of our modern lifestyles. Nutritional issues, gut health, stress and a decreased time spent outdoors are all causes of a lowered immune system, and that’s something we need to tackle head-on.
That’s where multivitamins come in!
To start simply, try getting some multivitamins into them. Revive Active have some fantastic options and they’re super easy to take.
Revive Active Junior Revive
This product is developed in Ireland with 22 active ingredients in every sachet. It’s designed for children aged 4-12 and is enriched with prebiotics, probiotics and Wellmune® (a natural yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan).
This unflavoured supplement comes in a powder sachet and is easily added to your child’s favourite juice or smoothie. Either let them take it with or after breakfast Monday to Friday before they head off to school.
Alternatively, mix it with water or foods such as yoghurt as it is barely noticeable.
Junior Revive is a gluten-free supplement which makes it suitable for those with coeliac disease. Additionally, it is also free from fillers, binders, sugar, caffeine, preservatives, additives & colourants and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Supportive Benefits
Immune System – Folate, Vitamin A, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin D support the function of the immune system.
Brain – Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function whilst pantothenic acid supports mental performance.
Bones – Manganese, Vitamin D, Vitamin K and Zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal and healthy bones.
Revive Active Teen Revive
Nutrient requirements continue to increase as the child continues to grow and that’s where Revive Teen comes in.
With that in mind, this supplement was specially formulated for teenagers aged 13-18 years.
Teen Revive contains a superior blend of high-quality ingredients formulated to fuel and support a teenager’s active and healthy lifestyle. This special formula includes 22 active ingredients to work as an all-rounded support of each teens heart, brain, bones and immune system.
Handily, Teen Revive comes in an easy powdered sachet. Simply empty the contents into a glass, add 100mls water or favourite juice and stir to dissolve. Alternatively, add it to a yoghurt, healthy cereal, or smoothie.
Again, it’s best taken in the morning with or after breakfast.
Supportive Benefits
Brain – Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function. Pantothenic Acid supports normal mental performance.
Energy and Fatigue – Vitamin B3 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and contributes to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue.
Immune System – Folate, Vitamin A, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Copper contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
Bones & Heart – Manganese, Vitamin D, Vitamin K and Zinc supports the maintenance of normal bones. Thiamine contributes to the normal function of the Heart.
Nature’s Aid Natures Aid Multivitamin Infant Drops
If your little ones are very small and off to daycare, don’t worry. Nature’s Aid multivitamin infant drops offer fantastic support for tiny people. These drops are suitable for ages 3 months-5 years and work a treat for when they have now decided the wall is a better place for their dinner than their bellies.
While you may be trying with all your might to provide the healthiest daily nutrition for your little ones, it is often very challenging to keep up with their dietary needs as they grow and develop their own personal preferences. Which, naturally, change constantly! That’s where these multivitamin drops come in handy! They create a bridge between what your kids should eat, and what ends up alternatively, on the floor!
Nature’s Aid Mini Drops Multivitamin liquid supplement contains a carefully balanced combination of 9 vitamins, specifically geared to support the everyday health and development of children aged three months to five years. It’s sugar-free, contains no artificial sweeteners, colours or flavours and comes in a natural orange flavour for fuss-free delivery of multivitamin goodness straight into your child 😊
No. 2 – Probiotics
Probiotics are the good or ”friendly bacteria” that live in the intestinal tract. These friendly bacteria are essential for the body to function properly and maintain overall health. Currently, it’s understood that about 70 percent of the immune system resides within the gut and that having a wide variety of beneficial bacteria is essential to staying healthy. Thankfully, with every passing year, more and more research is being done to discover a lot more about how the gut works and affects our health.
As the gut microbiome continues to develop during childhood, probiotic foods, as well as probiotic supplements, are a fantastic way to support their immune function and overall health.
As kids go back to school, their friendly: unfriendly bacteria balance may come under attack from all matter of things. Whether it’s another sick child, poor hygiene habits, stress, too much sugar and so on. Bad bacteria causes intestinal microflora imbalances that can lead to general un-wellness. This may include sickness, thrush, digestive problems, IBS symptoms and even skin problems.
To help balance this out, look for good bacteria sources to feed your kids. This comes from kefir, natural yoghurt and if you’re brave enough to try it, sauerkraut and fermented veggies. Alternatively, you can try incorporating some good bacteria supporting foods in the diet like artichokes, onion and garlic for example.
Another option that is perhaps easier, especially if your child is particularly fussy with food is to try supplementation.
Udo’s Infant Blend
For small children aged between 0 and 5 years old, Udo’s’ choice have an Infants blend powder. This is easily added to formula or any liquid as part of a meal. It’s a really easy way to add in probiotics and ensures your kids will receive a minimum of 3 billion viable/active cells and 6 strains of healthy bacteria.
Udo’s Children’s Blend
For children aged between 5 and 15 years, a children’s blend is available also from Udo’s choice. Within this formula, there are 5 Billion viable/active cells and 7 strains of healthy bacteria.
A child’s healthy microflora will closely resemble that of an adult, but due to their smaller size, children need much smaller quantities of the same bacteria.
The intake of these friendly bacteria will:
- help limit the influence of unfavourable bacteria
- aid absorption of minerals
- promote regular bowel movements
- support their immune system.
See my blogs on gut health here and here for more info to improve gut health with food.
No. 3 – Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid
Understandably, growing brains and bodies need constant nourishment from a variety of foods to obtain the nutrients needed for growth and development. Omega oils are just one of those essential nutrients required, however getting them into a child’s diet can sometimes prove difficult. Cod liver oil anyone?!
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) such as Omega 3, 6 & 9 are crucial for brain development and performance. Interestingly, we don’t make these fatty acids ourselves so we have to get them from our diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids are constantly being studied for their role in the support of many systems in the body, but one of the most studied is in the area of brain function.
Omega 3 intake shows to improve cognitive function, including hand-eye coordination, attention span, social skills, behaviour, attention and intelligence test scores.
Furthermore, omega 3’s are even linked to strengthening the immune system, improved mood and a reduction in hyperactivity.
Getting them into your child’s diet isn’t too complicated. It may just take some trial and error depending on their taste palate.
Good examples of Omega- 3 rich foods include:
- oily fish such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
- a variety of nuts and seeds including walnuts, flax, chia, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Try adding chia pudding into their diet with berries and yoghurt. Alternatively make a chocolate flavoured one with cacao powder and maple syrup to sweeten.
Additionally, if they like granola or muesli, walnuts, flax, pumpkin etc. are easily added into the mix, and again, a dollop of chia pudding wouldn’t go amiss.
When it comes to fish, potato fish cakes, roasted salmon or salmon sarnies are often winners. Naturally, then we have supplementation.
Omega 3 Supplements
For under-fives, look for supplements with higher DHA levels. These are important for the proper development of the brain, eyes, and nervous and immune systems.
Older kids require higher levels of EPA which helps to support cardiovascular, joint, skin, immune and brain health.
Eskimo Kids is a firm favourite with the Nourish team, our customers and especially our youngest little shoppers. It’s a pure, natural, essential fatty acid supplement specially formulated for the requirements of children aged 1 up to the age of 12.
For older teens, have a look into:
No. 4 – Comvita Children’s Manuka Honey Elixir (Lemon Flavour)
Should your child come home from school feeling under the weather, this elixir is sure to be a soothing friend.
This is a great tasting all-in-one formula specifically formulated for children over 2 years old. It contains a unique formula to aid children in the treatment of sore throats, coughs, colds and flu’s.
To use this elixir, take 10mL (2 teaspoonfuls) every 2 to 3 hours as required. (Take up to 40mL daily.) Combine with plenty of rest and fluids and your child will be thoroughly supported 😊
This product contains:
- Contains MGO 263+ (UMF™10+) Manuka Honey
- Contains Propolis which has high levels of bioflavonoids
- Great tasting
- No artificial sweeteners or preservatives
And that’s it for Back to School Supplement Support For Your Kids. Naturally, these supplements should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise and are not a replacement for either. They are simply supportive and help fill in any nutritional gaps. Equally, they are great extra helpers during this strange time.
Stay safe 🙂
Emily Nöth
Any questions? Drop into your local Nourish store to chat with our expert team and explore our full range of foods, supplements and skincare. You can also find our full product range in our online store.
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*Please note that while we are knowledgeable about our products and nutrition, this blog should never be a substitute for medical advice and attention.
Please remember that you should always obtain the all-clear from your doctor before starting any new supplement plan or diet if you’re on any medication
