Growing gains: Boost your child’s well-being with the right supplements

Struggling to ensure your child gets all the nutrients they need? You’re not alone. Many parents face the challenge of balancing their little one’s picky eating habits with the need for a well-rounded diet that fuels their growth and development. 

According to HealthHub, it’s recommended that a child’s daily diet includes an array of vitamins such as A, B, C, D, E and K. These nutrients can readily be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, with many being particularly rich in Vitamins A, C, K and folic acid. Eggs and dairy products are excellent sources of Vitamin B12, while fish is high in Vitamin D.

However, between hectic schedules, fussy eaters and the lure of convenient but nutritionally deficient snacks, ensuring your child gets all the goodness they need can feel like a Herculean task. Food allergies and the pressures of modern life can create additional challenges, potentially resulting in inadequate nutritional intake for children. 

FACTORS THAT AFFECT NUTRITIONAL INTAKE

Understanding the myriad factors influencing a child’s nutritional intake is key to addressing dietary gaps and promoting healthy growth. 

Parents often attribute their children’s aversion to vegetables to their taste buds, but the reason may be more complex. Food neophobia, an apprehension towards new or unfamiliar foods, is common among children aged two to six. This fear often leads them to reject unknown foods, including vegetables. Instead, they tend to gravitate towards sweet flavours and a limited selection of fruits or vegetables they find palatable.

Such dietary limitations can significantly restrict their consumption of a broad spectrum of fruits and vegetables, each offering unique nutritional benefits essential during the critical growing years from ages two to 12. 

Our contemporary fast-paced lifestyle brings additional challenges, notably an increasing prevalence of anxiety among children. In Singapore, for example, about 12.5 per cent of children aged 6 to 12 exhibit signs of emotional issues and/or behavioural issues. 

Research from Harvard University states that persistent stress can strain the body’s metabolic demands, depleting nutrient reserves and potentially impeding growth and development. Without a balanced diet, children face the risk of nutrient deficiencies. This connection between emotional well-being and dietary habits underscores the crucial need to address any underlying anxieties. 

Navigating the dietary needs of children with common food allergies like wheat, soy, peanuts, eggs, shellfish and milk adds another layer of complexity. These allergies pose substantial obstacles in ensuring a balanced intake of essential nutrients. If your children have food allergies, consider consulting a registered dietitian or healthcare professional to help create tailored meal plans that cater to these dietary restrictions. 

ENHANCING YOUR CHILD’S WELL-BEING THROUGH SUPPLEMENTS

While a balanced diet typically provides adequate nutrients for children, there are instances where dietary supplements are beneficial. Herbal Pharm’s Beta Glucan supplement serves to complement the daily meals of children aged three and above, said Ms Logeswari Shivaprakash, chief operating officer of Herbal Pharm.

“The supplement enriches their diet with key nutrients like Vitamins D3, A and C, along with Omega-3. These are vital for bone health, vision, immunity and overall well-being. Coupled with our patented Smart Chew technology that improves nutrient absorption, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are getting the optimal nutrition to flourish,” she shared.

Its key ingredient, beta glucan, is a bioactive polysaccharide found in yeast and mushrooms that supports immune function. Ms Shivaprakash added: “Beta glucan helps keep your gut healthy by balancing the good bacteria in your stomach and strengthening the walls of your intestines.” 

In addition to its primary ingredient, the supplement contains vitamins and minerals that support growth and development. For instance, Vitamin D3 is included to facilitate calcium absorption, enhance bone health and support immunity. The addition of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an Omega-3 fatty acid, plays a crucial role in cognitive development and visual function. DHA aids in transmitting signals between brain cells, promoting optimal neurological function and potentially reducing the risk of vision-related issues. 

Another Omega-3 fatty acid beneficial for brain development, cognitive function and memory is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Its anti-inflammatory properties may alleviate symptoms of asthma, eczema and allergies, and promote better respiratory and skin health in children. Additionally, Vitamin A is vital for vision and eye health, while Vitamin C bolsters the immune system and may contribute to lower blood pressure.

While dietary supplements like beta glucan can enhance a child’s nutrition, it is important to note that they should not be a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. When selecting a supplement, parents should carefully weigh their child’s specific nutritional needs, potential allergies and personal preferences. 

“Other factors to consider include product efficacy, ingredients (whether they are natural, sugar-free or vegan-friendly) and brand trust. If you believe your child may benefit from supplements, do seek advice from a healthcare professional,” said Ms Shivaprakash.

For busy parents seeking to enhance their child’s nutrition, Herbal Pharm’s Beta Glucan supplement offers a convenient solution.

The article should not be taken as medical advice or used as a recommendation for any specific treatment or medication. Parents should consult a healthcare professional before introducing new supplements to their child’s diet.