Children’s Winter Health: Best Supplements and Vitamins for Kids

All of us need to pay closer attention to our health during cold weather seasons, but children are especially at risk. Children are often around other youth that can carry viruses. They can bring illness to the entire family and other friends.

Parents can protect their children’s health with supplements that boost their immunity and support growth and other vital functions. Children need quality products that will keep them healthy and safe.

Learn more about the best supplements for children and find out how much Vitamin C for kids and how much vitamin D for kids to ensure your child enjoys optimal health.

Which Supplements are Best for Kids?

Experts recommend taking essential vitamins including:

  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can protect children from illness. It does not prevent colds, but it may shorten cold duration and severity of symptoms. Are you wondering how much vitamin C is best for kids? Experts recommend 15 mg a day for children 1 to 3 years, 25 mg for 4 to 8-year-olds, 45 mg for 9 to 13-year-olds, and 65 mg for kids ages 14 to 18.
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D supports bone health and immunity. Some research suggests it can reduce the risk of respiratory infections. So how much Vitamin D for kids daily is recommended? Children under 12 months old should have 400 IU a day. Children age 1 year and above should have 600 IU per day.
  • Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial to gut health. They balance bacteria in the digestive system. Their impact can also benefit immunity, but there is little evidence that they reduce cold risk. However, they are recommended as a healthy addition to children’s diets.
  • Iron: Iron helps blood carry oxygen and has a vital role in immune function. It may reduce the risk of cold and flu. However, supplementation is not necessary if your child has enough iron in their diet and does not have a deficiency.
  • Zinc: Zinc has been shown to somewhat reduce cold duration. However, there is little evidence that it can boost the immune system. Most kids get enough zinc in their diet, so your child may not need a zinc supplement unless they have a deficiency.

Which Supplements Should I Add to My Child’s Diet?

Healthline and Parents recommend top supplements to give to your children. Here are some of our picks. They will keep your child healthy during the winter and support growth year-round.  

Children need support to resist germs and achieve growth milestones. Parents must choose the right supplements and know how much vitamin C for kids and how much vitamin D for kids is the recommended dosage. What guidelines will you follow to ensure your child stays healthy throughout the winter and beyond?

FAQs

How to build up your child’s immune system?

In addition to ensuring your child has the required vitamins and nutrients, you should keep your child physically active, keep up with routine vaccinations, and ensure your kid gets enough sleep to support healthy immunity.

How to tell if your child has a weak immune system?

Signs of a weak immune system in children include frequent illnesses and infections, blood disorders, and digestive issues.

Does not washing your hands improve immunity?

In the 1980s, a professor suggested that not washing your hands would expose you to bacteria and build your immunity. However, more recently, it has been found that washing your hands is a better way to stay healthy.