Ensuring healthy growth and development in children requires a focus on balanced nutrition. From building strong bones to a robust immune system, children need a variety of essential vitamins and nutrients to thrive during their formative years.

However, meeting these nutritional needs isn’t always straightforward. Modern diets often lack certain nutrients due to food processing, preparation methods, or dietary preferences. Additionally, some children may resist consuming nutrient-rich foods, making it even more challenging for parents and caregivers to ensure they get the nutrition they need.

the role of essential vitamins and nutrients for children

Certain vitamins and nutrients play a critical role in supporting children’s growth and overall health:

• Calcium and vitamin D are fundamental for building strong healthy bones and teeth. Calcium, combined with vitamin D, assists in promoting proper bone development and reduces the risk of deficiencies that may affect growth.
• Vitamin C and D for immune support: these vitamins are known to strengthen the immune system, helping children ward off common illnesses.
• B vitamins (such as B1, B6 and B12) are essential for energy production and the development of the nervous system. They support brain function and overall wellbeing.
• Vitamin A and E contribute to healthy vision and skin and several other key functions in a growing child’s body.

Read our article on mineral wealth: essential nutrients for health.

challenges in ensuring proper nutrition

Despite the importance of these nutrients, various challenges can hinder proper intake:

• Modern food processing: many processed foods lose their natural nutrient content during production. These losses make it harder to achieve a balanced diet through commonly consumed foods.
• Selective eating habits: children are often selective about what they eat, avoiding nutrient-rich foods like vegetables or dairy, which are key sources of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Dietary restrictions: allergies, intolerances, or specific diets (such as vegan or vegetarian preferences) remove certain food groups that may naturally provide essential nutrients.

guidelines for providing children with a nutrient-rich balanced diet

Parents and caregivers can help bridge these nutritional gaps and ensure a balanced diet by following these guidelines and applying them to their daily lives:

• Focus on diversity: provide a variety of nutrient-dense foods in daily meals, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, whole grains and protein sources like nuts, beans, eggs, and dairy (or dairy alternatives fortified with calcium and vitamin D).
• Encourage healthy eating habits: make mealtimes fun and engaging to encourage children to try new foods. Cooking together can also foster interest in healthy eating and and create awareness of the importance of proper nutrition.
• Be mindful of fortified options: some foods and beverages are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, for example, plant-based milks enriched with calcium and vitamin D. These can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
• Introduce supplements (if needed): for children who struggle to get enough nutrients from food alone, supplements can be considered to support their overall intake. Always consult a healthcare professional before introducing any supplement to ensure it aligns with your child’s needs.

supporting long-term health

Providing children with the right nutrition isn’t just about meeting immediate needs – it’s about setting them up for a lifetime of good health. With the right balance of nutrients, children can build strong physical foundations and cultivate healthy habits that benefit them as they grow into adulthood.

In today’s fast-paced world, parents and caregivers often struggle to meet all nutritional needs through diet alone. That’s why Brunel Laboratoria has introduced Floradix® Kindervital Fruity. This delicious liquid supplement is specially designed to support children’s healthy growth and development. Rich in essential vitamins and nutrients, Floradix® Kindervital Fruity provides vital calcium and vitamin D to promote strong bones, alongside other nutrients that contribute to overall wellbeing.