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As parents, we all dream of seeing our children grow up strong, bright, and full of energy. But let’s be honest, between picky eating, jam-packed schedules, and those inevitable daycare sniffles, making sure they get everything they need can feel like a challenge.
That’s where a little extra support comes in. Nutrients and vitamins for kids can act like a safety net, filling in the gaps and helping your child’s body and mind thrive. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how ingredients in Ultra Flora Kids Care, Meta Zinc with Vitamin C Powder, and Omega Care for Kids can boost immunity, nurture gut health, and support brain development. Think of it as your easy-to-follow toolkit for raising healthy, happy kids, without the confusing jargon.
Kids Probiotics: The Gut Health Heroes That Boost Immunity
Did you know your gut is home to much of your immune system? That’s why probiotics, our friendly “good” bacteria, are powerful allies when it comes to supporting a healthy immune response. They help keep your gut balanced and your defenses strong. Two superstar strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07, have been shown to boost kids’ immune responses by increasing protective immune-enhancing proteins, known as antibodies like Immunoglobulin type A.1 In fact, one study found that children aged 3 to 5 who took a combo of NCFM® and Bi-07 probiotics had fewer colds, needed fewer antibiotics, and missed fewer school days, just 3.3 days compared to 6.5. That’s not just good news for kids, it’s a big win for parents too.2
Zinc & Vitamin C: Your Child’s Immunity Dream Team
Think of zinc as the scaffolding that holds everything together while your child grows. It’s essential for brain development, immune strength, and physical growth. In fact, one study found that kids who took just 5–10 mg of zinc daily showed better motor skills and overall development.3,4 And then there’s Vitamin C, which is like the spark plug that keeps immune cells firing on all cylinders. When zinc and Vitamin C team up, they don’t just support immunity; they help shorten colds and make symptoms less severe. One trial showed that kids who took 15 mg of zinc had coughs that lasted just 1 day instead of 6, and fewer runny noses. That’s a huge relief for parents looking for ways to cut down sick days.5 Another review confirmed it: children with enough zinc and Vitamin C had fewer infections, better growth, and stronger immune responses.6 These two really are a dynamic duo for your child’s health.
Probiotics for Kids: Building a Balanced, Thriving Gut
Probiotics do so much more than support digestion; they can genuinely make day-to-day life feel easier. Take kids with sensitive tummies, for example. LGG®, one of the world’s most researched probiotic strains, has been shown to ease abdominal pain in children aged 6 to 16.7 That’s real, tangible relief for little bellies. And if lactose intolerance is another challenge in your household, probiotics like NCFM® can help soften those uncomfortable symptoms when taken with milk,8 making accidental dairy moments a whole lot less stressful for everyone. Even during antibiotic treatment, probiotics can step in to help. In one study, children who took LGG® had dramatically fewer cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, just 7 compared to 25 in the placebo group. That’s a huge difference for kids, and a big dose of peace of mind for parents.9
Fuel for Young Minds: How Omega-3s Power Focus and Learning
Your child’s brain is like a sponge in those early years, soaking up everything from ABCs to big feelings. To keep that sponge working at its best, it needs the right fuel. Enter another key vitamin for kids, omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA, key players for brain development, learning, and even mood. Think of omega-3s as the building blocks for healthy brain cells and smooth nerve signaling. In one study, children with autism who took omega-3 supplements for eight weeks showed improvements in communication and behavior.10 That’s powerful! And for kids with ADHD? Omega-3s may help sharpen focus and ease symptoms by addressing underlying deficiencies. It’s like giving the brain the perfect oil so it runs smoothly and efficiently.11
Making Supplements Kid-Friendly By Turning Essential Vitamins Into Easy Daily Wins
Let’s be honest, getting kids to take supplements can feel like a daily showdown. But with a little creativity, it doesn’t have to end in tears. Here are some tried and tested strategies to help children with taking vitamin supplements.
Mix powders into smoothies, yoghurt, or mashed banana or stewed pear.
Freeze into juice ice cubes or jelly cups for a fun treat.
Use a straw to bypass taste buds.
Blend with a little honey or natural peanut butter.
Growing Strong, One Supplement at a Time
Nutrients and vitamins can be supportive allies in your child’s health journey, especially when combined with a balanced diet and active lifestyle. From supporting immunity and soothing little tummies to fueling curious, growing minds, the right nutrients can truly make a noticeable difference. To learn more about supplements for kids’ health, explore our Children’s Health range, and click here to find a practitioner who specialises in children's health.
Interested to learn more about the benefits of nutrients for whole body health? Check out these articles
References
- Link-Amster H, Rochat F, Saudan KY, Mignot O, Aeschlimann JM. Modulation of a specific humoral immune response and changes in intestinal flora mediated through fermented milk intake. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 1994;10(1):55–63.
- Leyer GJ, Li S, Mubasher ME, Reifer C, Ouwehand AC. Probiotic effects on cold and influenza-like symptom incidence and duration in children - PubMed Pediatrics. 2009;124:e172–e179
- Gardner JM, Powell CA, Baker-Henningham H, et al. Zinc supplementation and psychosocial stimulation: effects on the development of undernourished Jamaican children. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Aug;82(2):399-405.
- Bhatnagar S, Taneja S. Zinc and cognitive development. Br J Nutr. 2001 May;85 Suppl 2:S139-45. doi: 10.1079/bjn2000306.
- Rerksuppaphol S, Rerksuppaphol L. A randomized controlled trial of chelated zinc for prevention of the common cold in Thai school children - PubMed Paediatr Int Child Health. 2013 Aug;33(3):145-50. doi: 10.1179/2046905513Y.0000000064.
- Maggini S, Wenzlaff S, Hornig D. Essential role of vitamin C and zinc in child immunity and health - PubMedJ Int Med Res. 2010;38(2):386-414. doi:10.1177/147323001003800203
- Gawrońska A, Dziechciarz P, Horvath A, Szajewska H. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of Lactobacillus GG for abdominal pain disorders in children. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2007;25(2):177-84.
- Montes RG, Bayless IM, Saavedra JM, Perman JA. Effect of milks inoculated with Lactobacillus acidophilus or a yogurt starter culture in lactose-maldigesting children. J Dairy Sci 1995; 78:1657-1664.
- Vanderhoof JA, Whitney DB, Antonson DL, Hanner TL, Lupo JV and Young RJ. Lactobacillus GG in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children. J Pediatr. 1999;135(5):564-568. doi:10.1016/s0022-3476(99)70053-3
- Doaei S, Bourbour F, Teymoori Z, et al. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on social and behavioral disorders of children with autism: a randomized clinical trial. Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2021;27(1):12-18. doi:10.5114/pedm.2020.10180
- Chang JP, Su KP, Mondelli V, Pariante CM. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials and Biological Studies. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018 Feb;43(3):534-545. doi: 10.1038/npp.2017.160.
