In an ideal world, all kids get their vitamins from a balanced healthy diet that includes milk and dairy products, plenty of fresh fruits and leafy, green vegetables, protein, and whole grains. But – since most kids are also picky eaters – getting in an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals through healthy eating isn’t always possible. Under these circumstances, supplements may be needed to ensure optimal health. Keep reading on to find out which supplements will help to boost your kid’s gut health.
Dietary guidelines for Maltese kids
Ensuring that your child is getting all the nutrients they need from healthy, home cooked meals can feel overwhelming. You may have also heard conflicting advice on what’s good and what isn’t, particularly when it comes to portion sizes. The Ministry for Health has published dietary guidelines for Maltese children that take into account our Mediterranean environment and way of life. The guide aims to support parents, grandparents and guardians to provide a healthy lifestyle for children aged 3 to 12 years. We’ve found it helpful, and think that you would too!
Does my chid need supplements?
We all know how difficult it is to get toddlers and preschoolers to eat a healthy variety of foods. If you’re concerned about whether or not your little one is getting the recommended level of vitamins and minerals, speak to your child’s paediatrician and they will be able to guide you. A specific vitamin supplement or a multivitamin may be especially helpful for kids who don’t eat regular, balanced meals. It can also help in cases of physical or developmental growth delays, chronic conditions (such as asthma) or food allergies, and in cases of a restrictive diet.
Best Supplements for Kids in Malta
In our years of parenting there was some trial and error involved on the vitamin and supplements front. According to our own kids: some vitamins didn’t look ‘nice’, others felt ‘heavy’ on the stomach, and others – while they looked like a perfectly delectable gummy bear, tasted like ‘broccoli’ (their words, not ours). Needless to say, we were quite thrilled when we finally found a vitamin option that actually works. Plus, a vitamin option that has no excessive coaxing and without the promises of a treat later on. We’ve been using Viridian’s kids range vitamins for a while now. We saw a noticeable difference in the number of times we had to resort to other off the counter medication to treat runny noses and other common ailments – a definite plus!
Together with Browns, we’re excited to introduce the Viridian range to the Island Bébé community. Learn more about their range of products and find out which supplement is best for your own kids:
Viridian Kids’ Vitamins
Viridian Nutrition is a UK-based vitamin company known as the supplement company with an organic heart. Their products are made from 100% active ingredients. Viridian products have no nasty additives, added sugars, colourings, and artificial flavourings. They are also non-genetically modified, non-irradiated and vegan. Basically: as pure and as simple as possible. As a company, Viridian follows green business practices, including organic growth and recycling. Viridian is also committed to supporting the community through significant charity donation programmes.
Viridikid Vit D3 Drops
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It contributes to the maintenance of the immune system and supports bones, teeth and muscles. The main source of Vitamin D is summer sunlight on the skin. Although we’ve got plenty of that in Malta, children (and babies especially) should not be out in the sun too long in hot weather. Additionally, the skin cannot create Vitamin D if covered in sunscreen or clothing. Vitamin D is only found in a few foods. It is also sometimes added to fat spreads and breakfast cereals. Yet, it’s still difficult to get enough Vitamin D from food alone. Breast milk, too, is typically low in Vitamin D.
What you probably didn’t know is that most Vitamin D supplements are derived from Lanolin. This is a yellow waxy substance secreted by the glands of sheep (!!). If this makes you low key gag, it’s good to know that Viridian’s vitamin D3 drops is responsibly sourced. It is extracted from a special lichen plant and produced at the same site to ensure optimum freshness. Viridian Vitamin D3 Drops are indicated for infants with a Vitamin D deficiency and children from the age of six months. It comes in an easy to use dropper bottle. Vitamin D Drops can be given directly into the mouth or added to food or drink. The Viridian Vitamin D3 Drops has a pleasant orange flavour, is free from excipients and preservatives, and as already indicated, vegan.
Synerbio Children’s Powder
From birth, babies are colonised by bacteria which establish in the gut. These play an important role in determining good health by influencing the digestive system, immune system and the whole body. Breastfeeding, diet and antibiotics all affect children’s gut flora. Disrupting this gut flora can lead to illness.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that may help restore healthy gut flora. Studies have also shown that probiotics help in the management of colds and flu but not only. They also help to manage upper respiratory infections, the prevention and reduction of atopic dermatitis, eczema, functional gastrointestinal disorders, persistent diarrhoea and food allergies. Viridian’s Synerbio Children’s Powder has 2 billion viable good bacteria – a blend of four strains of good gut bacteria, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, all selected through a unique process designed to identify the most clinically researched probiotic strains. This product also features buffered Vitamin C which contributes towards healthier bones, cartilage, skin, gums and teeth. Vitamin C also aids in maintaining the immune system and contributes to normal psychological function.
Synerbio Children’s Powder is great for improving your little one’s general health, digestive and immune health. It also helps to prevent recurring infections, and restore healthy gut bacteria. It’s also ideal during antibiotic use to retain the perfect gut balance.
Viridikid Multivitamin and mineral formula
Inadequacies or deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, iodine, vitamin A, Vitamin D and zinc may negatively affect cognitive and physical development in childhood. Just one microcapsule provides iron, vitamin C, Calcium, magnesium, zinc, natural beta carotene, vitamin B5, Vitamin B3, Choline, Vitamin Ds, Potassium, Vitamin E Natural, Selenium, Manganese, Copper, Inositol, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, Biotin, Iodine, Chromium, Folic acid, Molybdenum and Vitamin B12. These nutrients are contained in an easy to swallow microcapsule. These microcapsules are free from sugars, additives and excipients. Viridikid Multivitamin and mineral formula supports the needs, optimal growth and long term health of children aged 2 to 13.
Vitamins and Kids: Which way to go?
Good nutrition rests on serving a wide variety of whole, fresh foods to your child. However, when this is much easier said than done, there are supplements that can support your child’s overall health. Viridian Kids’ Vitamins are made responsibly and ethically to ensure that your little one gets the best start in life. Check out the full range at Brown’s Pharmacies across Malta.
We hope you loved reading this.
