Nutraceuticals for Growing Kids: What Your Child Needs for Healthy Growth

Proper nutrition is fundamental for a child’s healthy growth and development. While a balanced diet of whole foods is the best way for children to get the nutrients they need, certain nutraceuticals—food-derived substances that provide health benefits—can help fill nutritional gaps.

Here is a breakdown of the essential nutrients for growing kids and where to find them:

Key Vitamins

• Vitamin A – Important for vision, immune function, and development of cells and tissues.

  Food sources: Milk, cheese, eggs, and yellow to orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes.

  
  

• B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate, etc.) – The B vitamins (including B6, B12 and Folate) is crucial for energy metabolism ,brain function and production of red blood cells. 

  Food sources: Meat, poultry, dairy products, whole grains, nuts, and leafy green vegetables.

  
  

• Vitamin D – Essential for bone and tooth formation, as it helps the body absorb calcium.

  Food sources: Fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods.

  
  

• Vitamin K – Supports bone health and proper blood clotting.

  Food sources: Leafy green vegetables and vegetable oils

Essential Minerals

• Calcium – The main component of bones and teeth, crucial for building a strong skeletal structure. It also supports muscle and nerve function.

  Food sources: Milk, cheese, yogurt, fortified plant-based milk, and leafy green vegetables.

  
  

• Iron – Necessary for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, causing fatigue and impaired development.

  Food sources: Red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and iron-fortified cereals.

  
  

• Zinc – Supports normal growth and development, metabolism, and immune function.

  Food sources: Meat, seafood, dairy, nuts, and whole-grain foods.

  
  

• Iodine – Required for the formation of thyroid hormones, vital for healthy growth and development. Deficiency can cause developmental delays.

  Food sources: Seafood, dairy products, and iodized salt.

Other Important Nutraceuticals

• Protein – The building block of the body, essential for growth, repair, and tissue maintenance.

  Food sources: Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and legumes.

  
  

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Crucial for brain development and cognitive function.

  Food sources: Fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.

  
  

• Probiotics – Beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut, improve digestion, and strengthen immunity.

  Food sources: Yogurt with live cultures and other fermented foods.

  
  

The Role of Supplements

While a diverse and healthy diet is the best way for children to get their nutrients, some may benefit from supplements. This may include children with dietary restrictions (e.g., vegan or dairy-free diets) or those with certain medical conditions.

Before giving your child any supplements, it is crucial to consult a pediatrician. They can determine if supplementation is necessary and recommend the correct dosage. It is important to remember that excessive intake of certain vitamins and minerals—particularly fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K)—can be harmful.

Zeon Lifesciences Role in Child Nutrition

Zeon Lifesciences is a leading manufacturer addressing child nutrition through high-quality, research-backed nutraceuticals that support growth, immunity, gut health, and overall wellness for children.

References

• Nevins, J. E. H., Donovan, S. M., Snetselaar, L., Dewey, K. G., Novotny, R., Stang, J., Taveras, E. M., Kleinman, R. E., Bailey, R. L., Raghavan, R., Scinto-Madonich, S. R., Venkatramanan, S., Butera, G., Terry, N., Altman, J., Adler, M., Obbagy, J. E., Stoody, E. E., & De Jesus, J. (2021). Omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements consumed during pregnancy and lactation and child neurodevelopment: A systematic review. Journal of Nutrition, 151(11), 3483–3494. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxab238

• Beluska-Turkan, K., Korczak, R., Hartell, B., Moskal, K., Maukonen, J., Alexander, D. E., Salem, N., Harkness, L., Ayad, W., Szaro, J., Zhang, K., & Siriwardhana, N. (2019). Nutritional gaps and supplementation in the first 1000 days. Nutrients, 11(12), 2891. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11122891

• Chevalley, T., Brandi, M. L., Cashman, K. D., Cavalier, E., Harvey, N. C., Maggi, S., Cooper, C., Al-Daghri, N., Bock, O., Bruyère, O., Rosa, M. M., Cortet, B., Cruz-Jentoft, A. J., Cherubini, A., Dawson-Hughes, B., Fielding, R., Fuggle, N., Halbout, P., Kanis, J. A., … Rizzoli, R. (2022). Role of vitamin D supplementation in the management of musculoskeletal diseases: Update from a European Society of Clinical and Economical Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) working group. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 34(11), 2603–2623. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-022-02279-6

• Domellöf, M., Braegger, C., Campoy, C., Colomb, V., Decsi, T., Fewtrell, M., Hojsak, I., Mihatsch, W., Molgaard, C., Shamir, R., Turck, D., & Van Goudoever, J. (2013). Iron requirements of infants and toddlers. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 58(1), 119–129. https://doi.org/10.1097/mpg.0000000000000206