Children's Health
Supplement for fussy eatersA happy child is a healthy child. And there is no better way to keep a child healthy than to provide him or her with good nutrition, exercise and lots of love.
Yet, many parents will find that fulfilling the nutritional part is easier said than done. Giving a child a balanced diet can be a tough call because some children tend to have food fads. Others are fussy about how their food is being prepared, while some children simply have poor appetites or dislike eating.
As such, a certain level of vitamin deficiency is common, as their bodies do not get all the important nutrients necessary for wholesome growth and development. That is where nutritional supplementation might be helpful to ensure your child has all the nutrition for his growing needs.
Apart from supplementation, nutritionists advise parents to try creative ways in encouraging their children to widen their food choices. Here are some tips:
Make eating fun – Create colourful and delicious-looking menus that will entice your child to eat your creations
Create a calm environment – Your child ought to be seated comfortably while eating, not running around with you at his heels
Get him involved – Get your child to help out while you are cooking, whether to wash the vegetables or put them into the pot. Your child will want to taste the dish he had a hand in preparing
Encourage healthy food choices – Lead by example; eat more fruits and vegetables and less fast food or processed foods
Enjoy meals together – Having dinner together is one positive habit every family should practise, as it is a good time to talk and share the day’s experiences. Parents can use this opportunity to explain the health benefits of each food type and encourage their child to try new foods
Read more:
Keep your child ahead
Keep your child ahead
Recommended Products:
Seven Seas Multivitamin Syrup with Cod Liver Oil
Seven Seas Multivitamin Syrup with Cod Liver Oil
Vitamin deficiency is common in children as they tend to have food fads, are fussy eaters or have poor appetites. As such, they might be lacking on certain important nutrients.
A good way to keep your children healthy and happy is to make sure they receive a balanced diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, grains and cereals. Here are some of the essential vitamins that children need to ensure healthy growth and development.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for normal growth and strong bones and teeth in children. It is also necessary for normal vision and healthy teeth structure. One of nature’s most abundant sources of Vitamin A is cod liver oil. It can also be found in sufficient, but lesser quantities, in vegetables such as carrots and other root crops.
Vitamin D
An important nutrient for children as it assists in the absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus that is needed to form strong, healthy bones. Foods that are high in Vitamin D include cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, milk and egg yolks.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is the most widely used nutrient in the world. It helps to keep gums and teeth healthy as well as increases the body’s resistance to infection. Vitamin C can be found in abundance in all types of citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy green vegetables and potatoes.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 or Thiamine, is necessary for the breakdown and utilisation of carbohydrates. It helps the body maintain healthy muscles and a healthy nervous system. Thiamine can be found in whole grains, lean meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables and dairy products like milk and cheese.
Vitamin B2
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is involved in the production of energy in cells using oxygen, and in the breakdown and utilisation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It also helps to keep the eyes and skin healthy. Meat, beans, poultry and nuts are rich sources of Vitamin B2.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, in the form of Nicotinamide, is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and digestive system. It is also an important element in the production of energy from blood sugar. Vitamin B3 can be found in dried beans, seeds, legumes and pulses.
Vitamin B6
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is needed for the production of red blood cells and antibodies as well as for normal function of the central nervous system and several hormones. Foods that are rich in Vitamin B6 include meat, poultry, fish and beans.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is vital for healthy cell structures as it protects the lungs, tissues and red blood cells from damage by pollutants and poisons in the bloodstream. It is also involved in the production of energy in the heart and muscles. Vegetable oils, wheat and whole grain cereals contain high amounts of Vitamin E.
Cod Liver Oil
Cod Liver Oil is a potent source of natural Vitamin A and Vitamin D as well as Omega-3 fatty acid, which contains EPA (Eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexanoic acid). Vitamin D is essential for calcium utilisation and bone development, whereas Vitamin A is well known for its function in supporting healthy eyes and skin. EPA is the precursor for prostaglandins, which helps the body to deal with inflammation. DHA is an essential nutrient for growing kids since it helps in promoting memory and enhances the learning process. It also promotes normal brain development and visual function.
References:
- www.healingwithnutrition.com
- Eat Right, Grow Right guide
- The Total Child
