In this guide, we will try to answer common questions about children and dietary supplements. We hope it can be a support for you in finding the right habits and supplements.
Do children really need dietary supplements?
The simple answer is that children have essentially the same nutritional needs as adults, but obviously in lower doses. In that sense, the need for dietary supplements is also the same.
Everyone has increased nutritional needs
We are now born into a world that is not evolutionarily adapted to our DNA. There are many factors in the modern world that increase our nutritional needs, such as:
Artificial additives, flavorings, and sweeteners in food and beverages.
Processed food with high amounts of refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.
More sources of stress and increased radiation from mobile phones and computers.
Environmentally harmful and potentially hazardous substances in conventionally manufactured clothing, furniture, buildings, and electronic products.
Less nutrition in our food
At the same time, the nutritional value in our regular food has declined over the past 100 years. An orange or a lettuce leaf no longer contains the same concentration of nutrients as they once did, due to the depletion of agricultural soils.
Ensure optimal nutrition with supplements
The combination of these factors leads to increased nutritional needs for all people, including children. The most important thing we can do to counteract this is to try to live as healthy and natural a lifestyle as possible and eat clean, natural food at home. However, it can still be challenging to ensure children get enough of all nutrients, especially at school, and many want to make sure that the whole family has a good nutritional foundation for a healthier life. That's why at Glimja we believe that high-quality, natural dietary supplements are a good idea for both adults and children.
You can read more about why and who might need dietary supplements here.
Which dietary supplements are most important for children?
The three most important supplements to consider if you want to give your children extra nutrition are, according to us:
1. Multivitamin with minerals
A good multivitamin designed for children. Provides a good foundation of vitamins and minerals in appropriate doses for growing children.
See our thoughtfully selected multivitamins for children here.
2. Omega-3
A good source of the important fatty acids EPA & DHA. Essential for the development of the nervous system as well as heart and cardiovascular health.
Opti3 liquid Omega 3 is a good choice for both children and adolescents.
Garden of Life's Kids Plant Omega 3 is also suitable from 4 years of age. Mary Ruth's liquid Omega 3 is also appropriate from 4 years of age.
3. Green powder
Green powders are rich in phytonutrients and chlorophyll. They function somewhat as an "insurance" to ensure children get their daily portion of vegetables.
Green Magic is an excellent choice for children as it's a green powder. Holistic Phytoenergy is also suitable for children and can be mixed with water, yogurt, or cultured milk. The most important thing is that you as an adult carefully read the ingredient list before choosing one for your child, to ensure the child can tolerate all ingredients. You'll always find a complete ingredient list on our product page.
Other supplements for specific periods
Beyond these three supplements, there may be individual needs such as:
Probiotic bacteria for gut health.
Extra vitamin D during the winter months.
Specific vitamins such as B-12.
Specific minerals such as zinc.
If you want to know exactly what your child needs, you can consult a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner or naturopath.
What dosages apply to children?
Generally, we recommend using products specifically designed for children. The recommended dosage will be clearly stated on the packaging. For other products, you can use the adult dosage as a baseline and adjust it according to your child's weight. For example, if you have a child who weighs 35 kg, you can use half the recommended adult dose. However, keep in mind that not all products are suitable for children, so if you're uncertain, please ask us.
Gummies vs liquid vs capsules?
There are several different forms of supplements for children. These are simply different ways to provide children with nutrition, which is a matter of preference.
Gummies
Small chewable portions that often taste a bit like "candy". Most children like these, and the only thing you should be mindful of is keeping them out of children's reach so they don't eat too many at once. Here are some examples:
Mary Ruth's Multivitamin Gummies
Garden of Life's Vitamin Code Kids Multivitamin
Garden of Life Magnesium Gummies for ages 4 and up
Mary Ruth's Kids D3+B12 Gummies
Mary Ruth's Kids Sleep Gummies
Liquid supplements
Liquid supplements are easy to administer on a spoon or mix into porridge, juices, smoothies, etc. Here are some examples:
Earth Harmony Liquid Multivitamin from 4 years of age
Mary Ruth's Liposomal Kids Multivitamin
Vimergy's liquid B-12 and liquid zinc for children.
Powder
Powder is perfect to mix into juice or smoothies. For example, Helhetshälsa's Dunderpulver for children with vitamins and minerals.
Capsules
It can be difficult, especially for small children, to swallow capsules and there's a risk that children might choke on them. Capsules have the advantage that you can open them and mix the contents with food or drinks. Soft omega-3 capsules can be chewed and then children can spit out the "shell" to get the oil.
Opti 3 Omega 3 in capsules can be chewed on and is suitable for slightly older children. Many capsules can be opened so you can sprinkle the contents on food, porridge, or in a little juice. For example, Terranova's Green Child Living Multivitamin. Please see the video by the image about the product. Or Terranova Green Child Friendly Microflora for children.
Tablets
Chewable tablets designed for children work excellently. Examples include Enzymedica's Kids Digest digestive tablets. We also have
Dr. Mercola's multivitamin
Holistic's tasty gut bacteria LactoVitalis Kids
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Kids
However, we only recommend hard tablets that must be swallowed for older children who can swallow them without problems.
Superfoods and herbs for children?
A very good way to give children extra nutrition is through individual superfoods such as wheatgrass, spirulina, dulse, or chia seeds that can be mixed into smoothies and provide lots of extra nutrients. You can also make dressings with several of them or, for example, chia pudding. Organic herbs are another good source of phytonutrients for children. However, it's important to know which herbs are suitable so that they don't consume anything that's too strong or disruptive for their development. Here are some herbs that are good to use and make your own herbal tea from or use a little in a smoothie:
Chaga
Lemon balm
Peppermint
Chamomile
Nettle
Propolis
Global Healing's Lung Health is an example of a natural herbal extract for respiratory support for children from 3 years of age. Other nutritious products that can be beneficial for children are snacks and bars made from natural raw ingredients, as alternatives to the artificial versions often found in grocery stores. You can find natural snacks and bars here.
Which supplements should not be given to children?
You should not give your child supplements designed for adults that affect hormones, provide excessive energy, create detoxification (detox) effects in the body, or contain special high doses for specific purposes. There are many things children don't need; they should never be subjected to detox unless a doctor indicates it's necessary.
You can read more about how to think about children and detox here.
Primarily choose supplements manufactured specifically for children or products that are considered food, such as green powders and superfoods. You are always welcome to contact us if you're uncertain!
