Should you be giving your young children supplements? This is a question that often comes up in the office and as a parent for me. So let’s dive in.

The answer is yes and no.

No, because ideally your kids are eating great whole food diets that consistent of a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Yes, because the fact is it’s difficult to always get your hands on good, non GMO foods (that come from soil that hasn’t been depleted of it’s natural compounds) AND we live in a crazy world with a lot of stress. Physical, mental/emotional, toxin-load stress effects our littles too. Additional stress on anyone’s body can be a need for additional supplementation for a period of time.

So let’s start with the basics: your kids should be getting the majority of what they need nutritionally from food. That is, food in it’s purest form, ie, unprocessed, could be recognized by your great great great grandma as something to be consumed. Variety is best! And if possible limit: wheat, dairy, corn, soy and sugar (I’ll get into these at another time.)

Another basic: your children should be drinking HALF their body weight in ounces EVERY day. (You too!)

Ok basics done, let’s get down to business. If you are going to give your child supplements let’s talk about what NOT to do first:

1. No gummies, please! I have yet to find a multi vitamin gummy that doesn’t have more bad stuff in it then good.
2. Don’t give your kid adult dosages of anything please (y’all are completely different sizes and different metabolisms). 
3. Supplements should NOT taste like candy.

“So what should I supplement and when for my children?” Great question!

Here’s a list of my TOP THREE (for some kids, more or less are needed- always consult with your holistic doctor if you have questions)

1. Calcium Lactate- To be used for teething, growth spurts, fevers*; Calcium Lactate in POWDER form is best, it is an incredibly easy supplement to absorb. I would suggest using anywhere 1/3 to ½  of the adult recommended daily amount. ½ for kids about 10 and older, otherwise stick to 1/3^.  BEST natural form of calcium: sardines- before you roll your eyes, let your kids try them; our own kids and numerous kid patients eat these and LOVE them (little bodies are very intuitive if given the chance). My favorite brand: Calcium Lactate from Standard Process.

              *Calcium is taken from the bones into blood to fight infections

2. Liposomal* Vitamin C- To be used when traveling, seasonal changes, decreased immunity. Liquid form is best for kiddos (same suggestion as above for amounts which will be around 200-400mg).  Best natural form: veggies and fruit. My favorite brand: Liposomal Vitamin C from Designs for Health OR Seeking Health.

*Liposomal means ‘fat soluble’- look for sunflower not soy based

3. Vitamin D3- Take during the winter months* (same suggestions for dosage as above which should be around 400-800IU). Liquid is best for kids simply because it’s the easiest to swallow. Best natural source: sunshine- get your kids outside and moving! My favorite brand: Vitamin D from Thorne.

           *The further away from the equator you live, you will need to supplement “sooner” during the colder months.

BONUS: young girls can benefit from additional iodine (not the iodized salt form). This is especially true if your family has a history of hypothyroidism or potentially other hormonal issues and/or detoxing problems). It really is best to get professional help if you plan on supplementing this one. However, a great place to start is getting your daughter to eat seaweed for snack several times a week- we have so many kiddo patients that love the crunchy dried form of this!

OK, there’s some stuff for you to digest. As always feel free to contact me with questions. Keep those littles living their best lives!