As summer is winding down, parents everywhere are preparing their children for the new school year. While out shopping for backpacks, pencils, and notebooks, another essential to consider is our children's health. The ABCs of a successful school year also consist of incorporating nutrient-packed supplements that can give them an overall boost as they head back to school. 

Top Vitamins for Kids' Health

The top back to school supplements for success include omega-3s, vitamins D3 and K2, an immune supportive formula, and a vision product. These will help ensure they have the energy, focus, and overall health they need to excel.

A well-balanced diet provides all the necessary nutrients for a growing child's body and brain. But many children don't get enough of these essential nutrients from diet alone. By supplementing with a multivitamin/mineral, we can help fill nutritional gaps. Beyond a multi, omega-3s are essential for brain, vision, immune, and whole body health.

Research shows omega-3s help promote brain development, learning, and nerve and vision health in children. Adding a high-quality fish oil to children’s daily routines are a great way to ensure they get the recommended amount of omega-3s, including DHA for brain support. Cod liver oil provides omega-3s with the added benefit of vitamins A and D3, which provide additional eye, brain, and immune support. Fish and cod liver oils can be found in flavored chewable soft gels and delicious liquids. A great way for children to get their dose of omega-3s is by drizzling it into some of their favorite foods like yogurt or smoothies.

Vitamin D is crucial for bone strength, brain health and immune function, while vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting, bone and teeth support, and cardiovascular health. Many children don't get enough of these important vitamins from diet alone or sun exposure (for vitamin D), so a supplement can be beneficial. Vitamin D3 can be found in many formats such as soft gels, unflavored drops that can be put right on food, and as delicious gummies. There are also concentrated, convenient unflavored drops available that combine D3 and K2 as MK-7.

During the school year, it’s important to give our children an immune boost. Consider adding an immune formula with black elderberries, vitamin C, and zinc. Black elderberries have a high concentration of beneficial flavonoids called anthocyanins, recognized as powerful antioxidants that support healthy immune function. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and enhances iron absorption. Zinc is a mineral with antioxidant capacities that’s necessary for proper growth and development, as well as immune support.

With many children spending hours each day on computers or tablets for schoolwork and entertainment, it's essential to safeguard their eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids with antioxidant capabilities that protect the eyes from harmful blue light emitted by digital screens. They are clinically proven to support eye health by filtering high-energy blue light from digital devices and indoor/outdoor light. These nutrients help reduce eyestrain from digital device use, support glare tolerance while using digital devices, protect against oxidative stress, and promote healthy eye function. You can find these available in tasty gummies that kids love.

As parents, we all want our children to succeed academically and lead healthy lives. By providing them with the proper nutrients through supplementation, we can help ensure they have everything they need to excel in school. Incorporate supplements into your child's daily routine at mealtime for optimal absorption. With the right support, your child will be well-equipped for a successful school year!