In this guide, we will try to answer common questions about children and dietary supplements. We hope it can be a support for you to find 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 naturally 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 lots of refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.
More sources of stress and more radiation from mobile phones and computers.
Environmentally harmful and potentially health-hazardous substances in conventionally manufactured clothes, furniture, buildings, and electronic products.
Less nutrition in 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 depletion of agricultural soils.
Secure yourself with dietary 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 and natural food at home. But it can still be challenging to get children enough of all nutrients, especially at school, and many want to ensure that the whole family has a good nutritional foundation for a healthier life. Therefore, we at Glimja believe that high-quality, natural dietary supplements are a good idea for both adults and children.With us, you can get information about why and who might need dietary supplements.
Which dietary supplements are most important for children?
The three most important supplements to evaluate if you want to give your children extra nutrition are, in our opinion:
1. Multivitamin with minerals
A good multivitamin adapted for children. Provides a good foundation of vitamins and minerals in appropriate doses for growing children. We offer carefully designed multivitamins for children.
2. Omega-3
A good source of the important fatty acids EPA & DHA. Important for, among other things, the development of the nervous system as well as heart and vascular health. Opti3 liquid Omega 3 is a good choice for both children and teenagers. Also Garden of Life's Kids Plant Omega 3 from 4 years of age. Or Mary Ruth's liquid Omega 3 which is suitable from 4 years.
3. Green powder
Green powders are rich in phytonutrients and chlorophyll. They function somewhat like an "insurance policy" to ensure children get their daily vegetable intake. Green Magic is a fine choice for children as it is a green powder. Holistic Fytoenergi is also suitable for children and can be mixed with water, milk, or yogurt. The most important thing is that you as an adult carefully read the ingredient list before choosing one for your child, so the child tolerates all contents. You can always find the complete ingredient list on the product page with us.
Other supplements periodically
Beyond the three supplements, there may be individual needs such as:
Lactic acid bacteria for the stomach.
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 naturopathic doctor.
What doses apply to children?
Generally, we recommend using products that are adapted for children. Then the recommended dose is stated directly on the packaging. For other products, you can start from the dosage for adults and adapt it to your child's weight. If you, for example, have a child who weighs 35 kg, you can use half the dose that is recommended for adults. But keep in mind that not all products are suitable for children, if you are unsure, ask us.
Gummies vs liquid vs capsules?
There are several different forms of supplements for children. It's simply different ways to get the nutrition into the children, which is a matter of taste.
Gummies – "Gummies"
Small chewable portion pieces that often taste a bit like "candy". Most children like these and the only thing you should be aware of is that they cannot access them themselves so they don't eat too many at once. Here we have for example Mary Ruth's Multivitamin Gummies, Garden of Life's Vitamin Code Kids Multivitamin, Garden of Life Magnesium Gummies from 4 years of age, Mary Ruth's Kids D3+B12 Gummies and Mary Ruth's Kids Sleep Gummies.
Liquid supplements
Liquid supplements are easy to give on a spoon or mix into porridge, juices, smoothies etc. Here we have for example 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. Such as super powder for children with vitamins and minerals.
Capsules
It can be difficult, especially for small children, to swallow capsules and there is a risk that children can get them stuck in their throat. Capsules have the advantage that you can open them and mix the contents into food or drinks. Soft omega-3 capsules can be chewed and then children can spit out the "shell" to get the oil. Omega 3 in capsules can be chewed and are suitable for slightly older children. Many capsules can be opened so you can sprinkle the contents on food, porridge, or in a little juice. Such as Terranova's Green Child Living Multivitamin. Or Terranova Green Child Friendly Microflora for children.
Tablets
Chewable tablets that are intended for children work excellently. Such as digestive tablets for children. Here we also have multivitamins for children, good stomach bacteria for children, and multivitamin chewables specially adapted for children. However, hard tablets that must be swallowed we only recommend for older children who can swallow them without problems.
Superfoods and herbs for children?
A very good way to get 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 nutrition. You can also make dressing 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 they don't consume anything that is too strong or disruptive to their development. Here are some herbs that work well 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. Other nutrient-rich products that can be good for children are snacks and bars made from natural ingredients, as alternatives to the artificial varieties often found in grocery stores. Here you can find natural snacks and bars.
Which supplements should not be given to children?
You should not give your child dietary supplements that are designed for adults that affect hormones, provide a lot of energy, create detoxification in the body, or have special high doses for special purposes.
There is much that children don't need, they should for example never be subjected to detox unless a doctor deems it necessary.
It can be valuable to reflect on approaches to children and detox.
Choose primarily dietary supplements made for children or products that are classified as food, i.e. for example green powders and superfoods.
You are always welcome to contact us if you are unsure!
