Does my child need multivitamins?
Did you know that studies show that a multivitamin each day improves cognitive function of children and is just as important as them eating breakfast every day? Studies of over 80 children 8-14 taking a low potency, one a day, multivitamin/mineral supplement for 12 weeks showed after a variety of computer based tests that their focus, reaction time, memory and recognition of familiar symbols etc increased. The children who took the supplements had a faster reaction time and could distinguish images better.
We all know that good nutrition increases children’s development and intelligence and that deficiencies affect their cognitive function. A multivitamin not only increases cognitive function but can reduce aggressive behaviour due to lowering of stress levels. Do children suffer stress? You bet they do. What do they get stressed about? Exams, loneliness, image, what mum and dad are fighting about and whether they can keep up with their friends (just for starters).
The argument that we do not need multivitamins is not valid because often the levels of vitamins and minerals in the blood are not even tested so there is no adequate basis for the assumption that your multivitamin level is adequate. So if your children are not performing well at school, are getting colds, coughs, asthma too often, are tired and just lie around watching TV and sleeping in, seem to lack interest in life, are aggressive, grouchy or tired check their vitamin levels.
There are many good multivitamin supplements on the market. Liquids are more easily absorbed and the iron in them tends to not be constipating. Steer clear of one’s containing wheat, yeast, gluten etc as these are not good for anyone due to food intolerances. If your child will eat chewable bears then go for that. The squishy fish oils on the market are good also to increase brain power. Add to this a good breakfast, a healthy lunch and meat and veggies for dinner, with a few in between snacks and you have a healthy eating plan for your child.
What is my response to the junk foods out there? Don’t buy them. People sometimes ‘if and but’ regarding giving their kids a treat with junk foods and my response is…they are not good for you, they have too much salt, too much sugar and help your child develop a habit of looking at these foods as a ‘treat’. Can your kid have chocolate? Yes, maybe once a week a small bar. Chips? Yes, maybe a small pack once a week. I need to say I am shocked though when I see people taking their children to fast food outlets on a regular basis. Once in a while is fine, we need to keep a balance but often fast food is used as an excuse for just not wanting to cook.
It doesn’t take much to peel a few veggies and throw them in a steamer while you go change after work and then to throw a steak on. Your meal is cooked in about 20 minutes and if you don’t have 20 minutes to look after your health then you seriously need to assess your lifestyle. This is not unreasonable. If you don’t look after yourself now then you can expect to not be healthy when you get older and if you don’t look after what your kids eat then they will be unhealthy adults. Prevention is better than cure.
