Anyone who has read our articles in the past will know we are fans of eating healthily, that we believe in letting food be our “medicine”. But, we are also parents of young children and can fully empathize with other parents and caregivers who find it difficult to convince their children to eat the healthy foods we put in front of them. We also remember the kids vitamins of the past, which were often chalky, did not taste very good, and/or contained fillers that probably negated any benefits the active ingredients afforded!
Thankfully, manufacturers of supplements nowadays put a lot more thought and care into the supplements they make for children. One of our favourite local manufacturers, ORGANIKA has come out with their line of supplements for Kids and Li’l Kids. They have an ELDERBERRY COUGH RELIEF SYRUP done in a base of honey so not only is your child getting the benefits of elderberry for immune support, it is in a base that will be soothing to the throat. For the child that seems to catch every “bug” that is circulating at their school, Organika’s ZINC SPRAY WITH VITAMIN C is definitely an item you should have in your arsenal to help them fight those infections. Having troubles making your child take a multivitamin? Try their LI’L KIDS MULTIVITAMIN SPRAY to give them their vitamins A, C, D, B6, and B12 in a palatable, orange-flavoured spray. Dosing for many products are for those as young as 1 year old.
For those who are looking for an omega-3 fatty acid supplement for their children, consider the products from NUTRASEA. Their fish oil products are clean-tasting and do not cause a fishy burp-up. This is because the oil is in the naturally occurring triglyceride form, which makes for a fresh tasting product that is easily absorbed.
Has your doctor suggested your child take an iron supplement? KIDSTAR, another local manufacturer has an iron supplement in drop form that is safe for use in infants. Their BIOFE+ Iron supplement (for those 1 year of age and above) will not constipate or stain teeth and is delivered in a tasty oral liquid.
As always, please check with your healthcare provider that supplementation is necessary and check with your Integrative Pharmacist to help you choose the most appropriate product for you or your child.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family- operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore. They would love to hear from you or meet you at one of their seminars. Of course, before you begin any activity program or try any OTC supplementation, check with your physician and pharmacist.
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