Some parents worry about their children not getting enough well balanced meals. Others may be on vegetarian or vegan diets, or special and restricted diets due to allergies or intolerances. Most children will be getting enough nutrition through a healthy, balanced diet. Some pediatricians, however, may recommend a daily multivitamin or supplement for children who may not be getting the recommended level of vitamins and minerals.

If you do give vitamins to your children, here are some tips to heed:

1) Nutritional Gaps

Look at your child’s eating and diet carefully to determine if he or she may have nutritional gaps. There are children who are still not meeting the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin A and zinc. Omega-3 fats, fibre and amino acids also play an important part in your child’s nutrition, so it is important that they have a healthy and balanced diet that includes oily fish, protein and grains. Always speak to a pediatrician to address any concerns you may have.

2) Supplements Aren’t Sweets

Keep multivitamins well out of your children’s reach, and make sure they know these supplements are not candy.

3) Don’t Overload

There may be an urge to give your child several different supplements or multivitamins to ‘cover all bases’. Large doses of vitamins can do more harm than good for children, as certain fat-soluble vitamins and iron can be toxic if kids consume too much. A good multivitamin for children should contain all the essential vitamins and minerals.

4) Food First

Supplements may help your child with a boost of necessary nutrients, but do not give up on offering as wide a variety of food as possible. In no circumstances should supplements replace food. Continue to give your child a wide selection of healthy and fresh food, and don’t be discouraged. Young children are known to be fussy eaters, but if you keep introducing different foods to them, they may grow to accept and even like them!

5) Chewable Charms

Try a chewable supplement if your child won’t take it in pill or liquid form. Parents can also try Chewies Immunolicious for children ages two and up, with a soft chewy texture preferred by children. The gummies are also in three flavours – orange, mango and strawberry. Immunolicious contains Wellmune, clinically researched and proven to support the immune systems of children.

Available at Guardian, Watsons, Caring, Vitacare, Aeon Wellness and all participating pharmacies. More information, head to the Chewies Facebook page here.

By Nellie Liang

 

This is a sponsored post presented by Chewies.