Why Kids Should Take Vitamins In Winter (With Our Vitamin Suggestions)
Everyone goes through added stress in colder months, especially children’s growing and developing bodies. They get exposed to winter bugs and become more prone to catching a cold or flu. Their immune system must work harder to protect them from winter bugs.
Unfortunately, what we consider ‘normal’ food and lifestyle may not be optimal for keeping kids healthy. Things like peaky eaters, certain health conditions, weak immunity, or insufficient sun exposure can contribute to kids’ low energy levels and poor immune systems response in colder months.
It’s also known that cold affects our bodies so that we are More Susceptible to Falling Sick During Winter (read about this in our other blog). It is important also to remember that children must also get enough sleep, maintain an active lifestyle, eat fruit and vegetables and keep warm in winter to help their immune systems protect them naturally.
Below are our picks for vitamins to support kids’ immunity in winter:
1. Pure DHA Softgels - Brain Support
Omega-3 fatty acids aid in inflammation reduction and lower the risk of diseases. It plays a vital role in helping the brain function and supports brain memory, brain performance and behavioural functions, and aids healthy skin.
2. Vitamin D3 - Immune System And Bones
Our bodies produce this vitamin naturally through sunlight exposure. However, whether it’s summer or winter, we here in New Zealand don’t get enough UVB radiation. Summer sun can really hurt, so we protect ourselves with sunblock, and winter sun is very limited. Getting Vitamin D from food alone is challenging, so supplementing this vitamin in winter is a wise choice to boost immunity and support bone health.
3. Vitamin C - Immune System Boost
Vitamin C has always been well-known for its immune-boosting properties. It helps the immune system function properly, so it’s a no-brainer when it comes to it in colder months when our immune system is under stress.
4. Zinc - Immune Support And Healthy Body
Zinc is one of the most essential minerals and aids various body functions and processes like immune function, maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails, and others.
5. Vitamin B (Found in Multi-Vitamin SoftMelts) - Energy Boost And Stress Support
This often-overlooked vitamin is responsible for energy production and supports the nervous system. It also supports the health of our muscles and skin. Vitamin B6 aids in healthy brain development and is associated with such chemicals as serotonin which can help regulate stress responses, mood and normal body function.
6. Echinacea - Immune Defense
It is used in the winter season to support your child’s immune system. Echinacea can be given four times daily for up to ten days when needed. It can also be used periodically throughout the year.
7. First Defense - At The Onset Of Ills And Chills
If your child gets unwell, this is a magic formula designed to be given at the onset of ills and chills and used 3-4 times daily. It can also be used to support the immune defence to help your child during times of risk. Use it for a day or two until you are sure the child is all clear.