In this guide, we’ll try to answer common questions about children and supplements. We hope it can help you find the right habits and supplements.
Do children really need supplements?
The simple answer is that children have more or less the same nutritional needs as adults, but obviously in smaller doses. In that sense, the need for 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 drinks.
- 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 hazardous substances in conventionally manufactured clothing, furniture, buildings, and electronic products.
Less nutrition in food
At the same time, the nutritional value of our everyday food has declined over the past 100 years. An orange or a lettuce leaf no longer contains the same concentration of nutrients as it once did, due to soil depletion.
Ensure adequate nutrition with supplements
The combination of these factors leads to increased nutritional needs for everyone, including children.
The most important thing we can do to counteract this is to try to live as healthily and naturally as possible and eat clean, natural food at home. But it can still be challenging to make sure children get enough of all the nutrients, especially at school, and many want to ensure that the whole family has a good nutritional foundation for a healthier life.
That’s why we at Glimja believe that high-quality, natural supplements are a good idea for both adults and children.
We can provide you with information about why and who might need supplements.
Which supplements are most important for children?
In our opinion, the three most important supplements to consider if you want to give your children extra nutrition are:
1. Multivitamin with minerals
A good multivitamin formulated for children. Provides a good foundation of vitamins and minerals in suitable doses for growing children.
We offer thoughtfully selected 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 and heart and vascular health.
Opti3 liquid Omega-3 is a good choice for both children and teens. Also MaryRuth´s Omega-3 Gummies, suitable from age 4.
3. Green powder
Green powders are rich in phytonutrients and chlorophyll. They work a little like an “insurance policy” to help make sure children get their daily portion of vegetables.
Green Magic is a great choice for children because it is a green powder that can easily be mixed with water, cultured milk or yogurt.
The most important thing is for you as an adult to read the ingredients list carefully before choosing one for your child, to make sure your child can tolerate all the ingredients. You can always find the complete ingredients list on the product page on our website.
Other supplements from time to time
In addition to 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 therapist or naturopath.
What doses are suitable for children?
In general, we recommend using products that are formulated for children. The recommended dose is then listed directly on the packaging.
For other products, you can start with the dosage for adults 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 dose recommended for adults. But keep in mind that not all products are suitable for children. If you’re unsure, ask us.
Chewables vs. liquids vs. capsules?
There are several different forms of supplements for children. They are simply different ways of giving children nutrients, and choosing between them is a matter of taste.
Chewables – “Gummies”
Small chewable pieces that often taste a little like “candy.” Most children like these, and the only thing you should keep in mind is that they must be kept out of children’s reach so they don’t eat too many at once.
Examples include MaryRuth´s Multivitamin Gummies, MaryRuth´s Kids D3+B12 Gummies and MaryRuth´s Kids Nighttime Gummies.
Liquid supplements
Liquid supplements are easy to give by the spoonful or mix into porridge, juices, smoothies, etc. Examples include MaryRuth´s Liposomal Kids Multivitamin, Vimergy liquid B-12 and liquid zinc for children.
Powders
Powders are perfect for mixing into juice or smoothies. For example, Dunder 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 may choke on them. One advantage of capsules is that you can open them and mix the contents into food or drink. Soft omega-3 capsules can be chewed, after which children can spit out the “shell” to get the oil.
Omega-3 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 into a little juice. Examples include Terranova's Green Child Living Multivitamin, or Terranova Green Child Friendly Microflora for children.
Tablets
Chewable tablets designed for children work well, such as digestive tablets for children. We also have multivitamins for children, beneficial gut bacteria for children and multivitamin gummies specially formulated for children.
However, we recommend hard tablets that need to be swallowed only for older children who can swallow them without difficulty.
Superfoods and herbs for children?
A great way to give children extra nutrients is with individual superfoods such as barley grass, spirulina, dulse or chia seeds, which can be mixed into smoothies and provide lots of extra nutrients. 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 too strong or that could interfere with their development.
Here are some herbs that are suitable for use in homemade herbal tea or in small amounts 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 aged 3 and up.
Other nutritious products that may be good for children include snacks and bars made from natural ingredients, as alternatives to the artificial varieties often found in grocery stores.
Here you'll find natural snacks and nuts.
Which supplements should not be given to children?
You shouldn't give your child supplements designed for adults that affect hormones, provide a lot of energy, promote cleansing (detox) in the body, or contain especially high doses for specific purposes.
There are many things children don't need. For example, they should never be subjected to detox unless a doctor believes it's necessary.
It may be worthwhile to reflect on approaches to children and detox.
First and foremost, choose supplements made for children or products considered food, such as green powders and superfoods.
You're always welcome to contact us if you're unsure!
