As a father of 2 & working in the supplement industry for 10+ years, it's rare that I go a day without being asked the question...
"Should my kids be using supplements?"
With so many supplements out there, and so much information to sort through ... getting the real answers on a topic like this can be tough.
But, in short ... the answer is most definitely YES.
Your kids can certainly be using supplements (just as mine do) ... and it can make a huge difference in their health & wellness.
I mean look at us as adults ... we still struggle to get all the nutrients we need through diet alone, and we have complete control over what we're eating.
Now kids, who tend to be a little more "picky" & also don't have direct control over what they're eating every day ... are most certainly missing out on some nutrients they need to be as healthy as possible.
So, let's take a look at some specific supplements that can help your kids improve their health & wellness:
Kids Multivitamins - Probably the most commonly seen kids supplement. These types of vitamins are specifically formulated for kids, with nutrients that are typically not common in the average youngsters diet.
These can be given to kids as young as 2 years old in many cases ... and act as "safety net" in making sure they get all the nutrients they need on a daily basis. They also come in delicious gummies ... that most kids will look forward to taking.
Kids Phytonutrient Powders - Newer to the scene when it comes to kids supplements ... but these are typically made up of organic greens, fruits, veggies, and digestive blends. The best quality products in this category will contain zero additives, sweeteners, artificial ingredients .. and be almost completely sourced from whole food sources.
I know most kids are not getting anywhere close to the necessary amounts of fruits & veggies they need on a daily basis ... and these products can be an easy (and tasty) way to fix that.
Protein Powders - This one is often asked about, but just about every protein powder is safe for kids. Just like any powder though, you'll want to check on quality. Make sure it's low temperature processed & cross flow micro-filtrated (made using low heat & no harsh chemicals). This ensures a great taste & easy digestion.
Your kids obviously don't need as much protein as you ... but 1-2 scoops per day (pending their age/needs) can help make them grow, strengthen their muscles & ligaments, and more.
I know personally, sometimes my kids don't love typical, whole food protein sources (chicken, beef, eggs, etc) ... and that makes protein powders even more helpful.
Some "honorable mention" supplements that kids can utilize also include:
Creatine Monohydrate - A proven (and very effective) supplement for high-school-aged athletes looking to improve their athletic performance & strength.
Electrolytes - For kids who spend a lot of time outside in the heat, or kids who tend to sweat more, athletes, etc.
Protein Bars - Similar to protein shakes, these can be a nice little snack for kids who need a little extra protein in their diet ... and often times they taste just like a candy bar, without being extremely high in sugar.
Even high-protein smoothies (that we now offer ourselves at select S2 locations) can be a great option for kids who need a quick, healthy meal ... and they're also incredibly delicious.
So, to answer your question again ... your kids can absolutely be using supplements to improve their healthy & wellness.
And now you know exactly which supplements can make the biggest difference for your little ones.
If you have any more questions about this topic ... just stop into your local Supplement Superstores Location, and we'll be more than happy to help.
*This post was written by Wes Osburn, who is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist. Wes is also a father of two boys.
