Are you curious whether your child needs supplements and what to look for in vitamins or probiotics?
Little Steps has gathered essential insights for you. A balanced diet typically provides all the necessary nutrients, but sometimes, exceptions exist. Children who are picky eaters, have food allergies, or have certain health conditions might benefit from supplements.
Who Might Need Vitamin Supplements?
Nutritional Gaps
Children who cannot meet their nutritional requirements solely through their diet. This could be due to limited dietary choices, pickiness, or specific health conditions.
Special Circumstances
Certain groups, like those planning pregnancy, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with chronic illnesses, vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies or intolerances, might need additional supplementation.
What to Look for in a Vitamin?
Source and Brand Reputation
Ensure the supplements are purchased from reputable sources. The brand’s history and credibility play a significant role in product quality.
Labeling and Information
Look for a clear expiration date, batch number, and information about the manufacturer on the label. This information indicates transparency and quality control.
Ingredients
A shorter ingredient list is often better. Avoid supplements with a long list of additives, fillers, or preservatives.
Dosage and Storage
Adhere strictly to the recommended dose for the child’s age. Also, follow storage recommendations to maintain the efficacy of the supplements.
Points of Caution
Fat-soluble vitamins and minerals: Vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as minerals like iron, accumulate in the body. Excessive amounts can be toxic. Be aware of the Daily Recommended Values (DRVs) and avoid exceeding them.
Specific Risks for Pregnant Women and Children
Pregnant women should avoid high Vitamin A supplements like fish liver oil, which can be harmful to the fetus. Children should not use effervescent supplements due to their high salt content.
Probiotics: Do Kids Need Them?
General Use
While probiotics are widely beneficial but not essential for healthy individuals who maintain a balanced diet.
Strain and Dose
The effectiveness of a probiotic depends on using the correct strain and dose. Over 10 million CFUs is a typical effective dose.
Storage
Proper storage is crucial for probiotic efficacy. They should be kept away from high temperatures and direct sunlight.
Choosing the Correct Probiotic Strain
Specific Needs
The choice of strain should be based on the child’s specific health needs. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended to identify the most beneficial strain.
Examples
Lactobacillus Plantarum for general IBS symptoms.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
L reuteri for infantile colic.
The Role of Diet in Probiotic Effectiveness
Natural Sources
Many foods naturally contain probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha.
Importance of Fiber
Fiber acts as a prebiotic, which is essential for the survival of probiotics. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes is crucial for maximizing the benefits of probiotics.
While supplements can be beneficial in specific scenarios, it’s vital to approach their use thoughtfully and with professional guidance, especially for children. A balanced diet remains the cornerstone of good health, and supplements should be considered as a secondary measure to address specific dietary gaps or health conditions.
Certain strains are beneficial for specific conditions like IBS, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, or infantile colic.
Various foods naturally contain probiotics, like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and kombucha. A balanced diet with adequate fiber is crucial for probiotics to be effective.
Discover a science-forward solution to enhance your little ones' immune and digestive systems with Akesi, Singapore's gut health experts, and their improved Probiotic+ Elderberry Boost formulation. Now available in a convenient single-use sachet, this delicious and naturally purple powder is a favorite among children.
Kids will love the taste, and you'll appreciate the inclusion of 10 probiotic species, prebiotic fiber, and a postbiotic, providing a total of 10 billion good bacteria in every serving. The delightful purple color and delicious flavor are attributed to the health-promoting elderberry. Elevate your family's gut health effortlessly with Elderberry Boost – an easy, surefire way to nurture your loved ones. Why not give it a try and experience the benefits firsthand?
Akesi Wellness, hello@akesiwellness.com, www.akesiwellness.com
Zoo-Vite children's supplements offer your child a delightful and healthful experience, featuring natural fruit flavors without any artificial preservatives, sweeteners, or colors. They are specially crafted to be gluten- and gelatin-free and free from peanuts, tree nuts, yeast, and starch, ensuring suitability for various dietary needs. These 100% vegan and halal-certified supplements are designed to support children's healthy growth and development. The range includes calcium, DHA, immune support, vitamin C, chewable elderberry gummies, and multi-vitamin gummies in tasty jelly sticks in various flavors. There's also the convenience of single-serve liquid sachets like Zoo-Vite Flu Resist for Kids, perfect for on-the-go use. Zoo-Vite Vitamin C+ A Gummies are essential for your child's growth, offering antioxidant support and boosting the immune system while maintaining healthy vision and skin. These supplements provide a sugar-free, great citrus flavor and are an excellent choice for even the fussiest eaters.
You can find the product online at Essentials Pharmacy, Guardian, Watsons, Nishino, Welcia BHG, and Fairprice. It's also available on e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee and through various online retailers.
Zoo-Vite, Guardian Singapore, numerous stores across the city or online, 21 Tampines North Drive, 2 #03-01, Singapore, +652 6891 8000, sg@dfiretailgroup.com, https://www.guardian.com.sg/natures-essentials-zoo-vite-immune-jelly-sticks-30pcs/p/172813
Youguth is a specially designed probiotic health supplement with a patented formula to enhance immune and digestive health. With a foundation of 50 years of research, it delivers a potent dose of 100 billion CFUs. The Child Strength Up variant of Youguth focuses on promoting a healthy digestive system for children by introducing beneficial bacteria into the intestines. It effectively restores and maintains a balanced intestinal flora, improving digestive health. Particularly beneficial for immune strengthening, it's also recommended for use after antibiotics to replenish good bacteria in the gut. Enriched with colostrum and zinc to further bolster immunity, Child Strength Up helps fortify your child's natural defenses against infections. Suitable for children aged one and older, this supplement comes in a milk-flavored powder stick format, making it a delightful and easy option for kids to consume.
Youguth is available for purchase at several locations. You can find the Child Strength Up variant, suitable for children aged one and older, at Watsons, Unity, Robinsons, OG, and Metro. Additionally, it's accessible on popular online marketplaces such as Lazada and Shopee and various other online platforms, offering a convenient option for purchasing this milk-flavored powder stick supplement that kids will surely enjoy.
Youguth Probiotics, Watsons, numerous stores across the city or online, 300 Beach Road, #39-01/04, The Concourse, Singapore, +65 6908 1374, tfohelpdesk@watsons.com.sg, https://www.watsons.com.sg/product-categories/c/1?text=:productBrandCode:productBrandCode:230142&masterBrandCode=230142
You asked for a comprehensive nutritional solution for your kids, and here it is - Kids Good Stuff. This all-in-one supplement, tailored for growing bodies, is crafted from fruits, vegetables, and pea protein. It's enhanced with probiotics, calcium, and over 20 vitamins and minerals to bolster immunity, digestion, focus, and growth. Mix two scoops (15g) of Kids Good Stuff with 250ml of water, shake or stir, and you're ready to go. It's also great in smoothies! Choose from delicious flavors like wild strawberry, rich chocolate, and vanilla caramel. Plus, with their monthly subscription, available for 30 or 60 days, you'll never run out. You have the flexibility to cancel your subscription anytime.
Nuzest Kids Good Stuff, online, info@nuzest.com, https://nuzest.sg/collections/kids-good-stuff
GreenLife Multi-vitamins for Kids is ideal for fussy eaters and provides vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support children's immune function, growth, and development. It includes bioavailable mineral chelates and active B vitamins. As per healthcare advice, the recommended daily dosage is one chewable tablet for three to 12-year-olds and two for older kids. Established in 1994, GreenLife International Pte Ltd specializes in health supplements, focusing on local needs and trends since 2002, ensuring high-quality products through international collaborations.
Greenlife Multi-vitamins for Kids, GreenLife International Pte Ltd, 221 Henderson Road, #02-02 Singapore, +65 8011 4243, info@greenlife.sg, https://greenlife.sg/products/multvitamins-for-kids#tab1
SmartyPants gummy multi-vitamins for kids pack a powerful nutritional punch with 50% more nutrients than the leading kid’s multi gummy. They're crafted with over 15 premium nutrients, including omega-3 EPA and DHA essential fatty acids, essential for healthy growth and development. In a delicious, non-GMO formula that kids love, these gummies support immunity, bone health, and energy metabolism. They come in three tasty flavors: lemon, orange, strawberry, and banana, all with natural flavors. These gummies are ideal for kids four and older, enhancing your child's daily nutrition.
SmartyPants Kids Formula, available online at Amazon, https://www.smartypantsvitamins.com/collections/kids
Vitamin Code Kids is a specially designed multi-vitamin for children aged four and up. It's vegetarian, gluten-free, and made with food created nutrients. This supplement includes live probiotics from ProBiora3, enzymes, and antioxidants, ensuring your child's health and vitality. It's packed with vitamins and minerals derived from 24 different whole-food fruits and vegetables. As a chewable multi-vitamin, it supports the immune system, bone health, digestion, energy levels, and eye health. Importantly, it's raw, non-GMO verified, and a multi-vitamin free from dairy, artificial flavors, sweeteners, or additives. Even during warm summers, Amazon handles the product according to the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain quality.
Garden Of Life Vitamin Code Kids Cherry Berry Chewables, Amazon Singapore, https://www.amazon.sg/Garden-Life-Vegetarian-Multivitamin-Supplement/dp/B003TTZWZ2?th=1
AvaCare, created by three dedicated fathers, pharmacists, and nutritionists, offers vitamins and mineral products designed with their families and yours in mind. Their commitment to quality is reflected in the AvaCare Promise - only products good enough for their families make it to yours. They believe in equal access to high-quality supplements and actively support initiatives to make vitamins and minerals available to everyone. Committed to sustainability, AvaCare sources its ingredients ethically and strives for environmentally friendly practices, manufacturing locally in the UK. Their Omega 3 Child Super Plant Strength supplement, featuring Vitamin D3 for bone, teeth, and muscle development, Vitamin E as an antioxidant, and brain-function enhancing Omega 3 from algae, is a testament to their dedication to providing your child with a 30-day supply of safe, effective, and ethical nutritional support.
VitaKids, various stores across Singapore, including Parkway Parade, Tampines 1, and Marina Square, +65 6296 8123, info@vitakids.biz, https://www.vitakids.biz/
VitaKids offers a wide range of children's probiotics and dietary supplements, including Kindernurture's natural and organic products under distinct family-friendly brands. For your child's probiotic needs, consider Kinderbiotics berry chewable probiotics tablets, featuring a multi-strain formula with a true potency of 5 billion CFU, no need for refrigeration, and gluten-free. These tablets, formulated with Activator Hybrid Culture™ technology, help bolster your kid's immune system and support healthy digestion. Suitable for children aged three and older, just one chewable tablet with a meal daily is recommended. Additionally, KinderNurture offers children's multi-vitamin and minerals in gummy form, a tasty and nutritious option made with all-natural flavors and without preservatives. These vegetarian, gelatin-free gummies, produced in the USA, are perfect for ensuring healthy growth and development. One gummy daily is advised for children two to three years old, and those four and older, two gummies. Remember to have your child chew the gummy before swallowing.
KinderNurture, NaturesWisdom™, 29 Tai Seng Street, #03-01, Singapore, +65 6443 8846, or online, https://www.natureswisdom.sg/products/kindernurture-childrens-multi-vitamin-mineral-60-gummies-1
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