Sick days are no good for anyone. Children may hope for sick days so they can stay out of school, but when the reality of coughs and aches sets in, they realize they should be careful of what they wish for. Parents also suffer as they take days off work or juggle sitters to get them through, all the while hoping they don’t get sick themselves.
There’s not much you can do to eliminate sick days, but you can make them less likely to occur with immune support for kids. Foods, vitamins, and healthy activities that support their immune system will make them less likely to get sick, resulting in less stress and misery. This article will review the best vitamins for kids immune systems and other things you can do to keep sickness at bay.
Best Vitamins for Kids’ Immune System
The following vitamins are highly rated for kids immune support, helping reduce the risk of sick days.
- Mary Ruth’s Organics Organic Kids’ Immunity: Mary Ruth Organics produces clean, delicious supplements for the entire family. Their Organic Kids Immunity is formulated with antioxidants like vitamin C and zinc to optimize children’s wellness.
- Little DaVinci Immuni-Z Natural Lemon Flavor: Da Vinci Labs stands out for its raw, high-quality ingredients. Its Immuni-Z provides a healthy dose of zinc to improve kids’ immunity.
- Carlson Labs Kids Chewable Vitamin C with Natural Tangerine Flavor: Carlson Labs offers effective, all-natural supplements. It’s Kids Chewable Vitamin C provides a potent antioxidant dose combined with calcium for a gentle digestion formula.
- Megafood: The Megafood brand commits to quality, purity, and sustainability. It offers a Kids One Daily with 21 nutrients, including essential vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin C and zinc. Its Mega Flora Kids Probiotic boosts immunity from the inside out.
- Nordic Naturals Daily Omega Kids: Nordic Naturals stands out for its innovation in the omega-3 industry. Its Daily Omega Kids supports healthy brain and eye development, providing the nutrients children require.
Find more products that support your child’s wellness in Natural Healthy Concepts’ Children’s Health supplements.
Which Supplements are Recommended for Kids’ Immune Support?
When choosing products that provide kids immune support, look for the following vitamins and supplements:
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C has long been associated with immune-boosting effects. It helps protect immune cells in the body. While no evidence supports its ability to prevent colds, it may shorten their duration.
- Vitamin D: Studies reveal that vitamin D deficiencies are linked to a higher risk of infections. Research finds it may be effective in reducing respiratory infections. However, an extensive study found it cannot prevent diarrhea or pneumonia in children under 5.
- Zinc: Although you don’t need much zinc, the tiny amount required supports hundreds of chemical reactions in the body, including those that boost immune system function. Studies reveal it may reduce the severity of cold symptoms. However, there is no evidence that it reduces the duration of illness, the risk of respiratory infections, or its ability to boost immunity in kids.
- Iron: Iron helps blood carry oxygen, which is vital to immune function. It also supports kids’ memory and attention. However, parents should be cautious about supplementing with zinc as it is found in many foods, and excessive amounts can cause digestive issues. Talk to a doctor to determine if it’s necessary for your child.
- Elderberry: Elderberry has long been used to treat respiratory infections. While there’s evidence that it may support immunity, no research has proven its ability to shorten cold duration or symptoms. Furthermore, it is not FDA-regulated, so purity and potency can vary among products. This is another supplement you should only give your child after consulting a healthcare professional.
- Probiotics: Probiotics increase good bacteria in the gut, creating a balance that supports immunity. It may prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, but the jury is out on its ability to address other digestive issues and illnesses.
Other Ways to Boost Kids Immune Support
The best vitamins for kids immune system may help them achieve higher levels of health, but they are even more effective when combined with healthy lifestyle activities, including the following:
- A Healthy Diet: While supplements are helpful, vitamins and nutrients are even more beneficial when delivered through food. Ensure your child eats healthily to ensure optimal wellness.
- Sleep: During sleep, the body produces cytokines that regulate the immune response and fight infections. It also supports the production of white blood cells, including T-cells, which fight off pathogens, and regulates the stress response, reducing cortisol levels that can suppress immune function. Parents who oversee a healthy sleep schedule for their child will see fewer sick days.
- Keep Them Active: Exercise supports the circulation of immune cells, improving their ability to fight off pathogens. It also reduces inflammation, which can impair immunity. To ward off disease, keep kids active by encouraging physical activity each day.
- Reduce Stress: Elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, can impede immunity. Parents should support children to help them keep stress under control. Talking to them or providing professional support can help. Exercise, meditation, and other mindful activities can also reduce stress.
- Get Them Vaccinated: Follow your doctor’s vaccination recommendations to prevent illness and diseases.
- Other Precautions: Other precautions, like washing hands frequently and wearing a mask, can also help with immunity.
Conclusion
Kids immune support is vital for parents who want to prevent sick days and ensure their child enjoys optimal wellness. Natural Healthy Concepts offers products that may prevent illness without unwanted side effects. Browse our selection, reach out to our representatives, or contact one of our practitioners to determine which are best suited to your family’s needs.
FAQs
Is vitamin A or C better for immunity?
Vitamins A and C are both antioxidants that may help prevent disease and illness. However, vitamin C plays a bigger role in immune health. It supports immune cell function and enhances the ability to protect against infections.
Which food increases immunity in a child?
To boost immunity, children should eat yogurt, citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, lean meat, fish, berries, seeds, oats, eggs, and turmeric. These foods are rich in antioxidants that reduce the risk of illness.
What vitamins are good for the immune system for teens?
Immune needs evolve as children become teenagers and shift to a more mature immune system while undergoing hormonal changes. The best vitamins for kids immune system include vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K, folate, copper, iodine, selenium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
