We’re here to share with you our favorite go-to’s — the supplements we keep on-hand for our children’s basic health + immune support. Although lifestyle factors are the KEY to promoting a healthy immune response, supplementation can help to optimize that response. Even with the “perfect” diet, the combination of many factors outside of our control (environmental toxicity, depleted nutrients in soils + less nutrient-rich foods, poor gut health, antibiotic over-usage, etc.) can leave us with vitamin + mineral depletion and inflammation gone awry. Thankfully, we can fill in the gaps and provide our bodies with important nutrients from quality supplementation! Yay!
Children’s Multivitamin
Seeking Health Kids Multivitamin Chewable: when you need that extra nutritional support, a quality multi is just the ticket. A multivitamin is a good foundation for any supplement regimen. We like this children’s chew for the absence of common allergens, colorings, preservatives and because it’s not drowning in added sugar, while still containing a great balance of vitamins + minerals. It also tastes great, and is easy to consume. We’re often asked/reminded by the kids that it’s time to take one – a good sign!
For children ready to swallow a small capsule, we like Junior Nutrients by Pure Encapsulations. Also easy to break open the capsule and add contents to food or liquid.
Immune “Juice”
We refer to this in our homes as ‘Immune Juice’! (We drink it, too!) This powder is delicious with a fruity-flavored, immune boosting “juice”…without all the yucky stuff! The C Complete Powder contains a healthy dose of vitamin C + Quercetin + Rutin – plant-based flavonoids that support the immune system by helping regulate inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and protect immune cells. Together, they promote a balanced immune response and support the body’s natural defenses, especially during seasonal challenges. Yup, we’ll take some of that!
Probiotic
A good quality probiotic supports our gastrointestinal tract, which houses about 70-80% of our immune system! Whoa! It’s no wonder why diet is so important to our overall health!
A 2018 double-blind, randomized prospective trial published in the journal Synthetic Systems Biotechnology, found that probiotics helped specifically support upper respiratory tract function compared to placebo. The microbiome has an important role in digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients, helping kids reap the most benefit from the food they consume. Probiotics help children by supporting a healthy microbiome; therefore, probiotics will help to boost their overall health + immune system function. The Klaire TherBiotic Children’s Chewables have a great cherry flavor and contain 25 billion CFU per chew – they pack a great immune-supportive punch!
For our littlest littles, we like Therbiotic for Infants by Klaire Labs. On a clean finger, add a bit of powder, and apply gently to the inside of your infant’s cheek.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplementation has been shown to support immune cell function. A 2018 pilot study featured in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry demonstrated that it specifically supported B-cell function. (B-cells are our little friends that help fight bacteria + viruses by creating antibodies.)
Carlson Kids Cod Liver Oil, Lemon-flavored: we love Carlson’s fish oil products as we trust the source – they use the highest quality Arctic cod coming off of the coast of Norway using traditional, sustainable methods. It has a pleasant lemon flavor, with the benefit of additional immune-supportive nutrients including vitamins A, D, and E.
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Nordic Naturals ProOmega Junior Strawberry: we realize not everyone is up for a liquid fish oil…these soft gels can be chewed or swallowed, have a pleasant flavor and still pack a healthy dose of omega’s!
Vitamin D3
Adequate vitamin D levels are critical to maintaining a properly functioning immune system. This is especially important during the cold, winter months when we are outside less, which limits the obtaining of D naturally, from the sun.
We like Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3 Drops for our wee ones and Seeking Health Vitamin D3/K2 liquid for our older children. The liquid form is much easier to use with children (or adults!).
Nano-Silver
Nano-silver is another immune-supportive staple we like to keep on hand for both our kids and ourselves, especially during the school year. We like the Silverceuticals Nano-Silver because it’s designed to provide elevated daily immune support during seasons when our bodies may be under greater demand – whether that’s back-to-school, in situations with large crowds, travel, or the winter months. It supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms while fitting easily into a simple, consistent wellness routine.
Nano-silver does not bioaccumulate in the body – this is an important distinction. Unlike older forms of silver that can remain in tissues, nano-silver is designed to be cleared from the body, typically within about 24 hours – one of the reasons we feel comfortable keeping it in our family’s immune-support toolbox. Like all supplements, we view it as just that—a supplement. The biggest impact on immune health will always come from a strong foundation of nourishing food, quality sleep, hydration, movement, and a healthy gut.
We love having these supplements on-hand, as JUST that: supplements, meant to be supplemental. The most important immune supportive strategies revolve around daily sleep, proper nutrition, hydration, and physical activity. Read our article on Daily Immune Basics here for more immuno-supportive strategies.
You can find all of the above supplements listed above in our Fullscript Dispensary. Click here to create a free account, and have them shipped directly to your door. Easy peasy! Happiness + health this cold + flu season and beyond!
And as always please consult your qualified primary care provider prior to starting any new supplement regimen.
References:
Guesdon W, Kosaraju R, Brophy P, et al. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2018;53:72-80.
Zhang H, Yeh C, Jin Z, et al. Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology. 2018;3(2):113-120.
