Every parent wants to give their children the very best and keep them safe and healthy. Engaging in physical activity such as swimming or skating together on weekends, eating a healthy, balanced meal and getting enough sleep is important for all members of the family. While many Calgary families have busy schedules, balancing between work and home life, it can be difficult to follow a healthy regime every day. This is where many parents begin to explore the idea of vitamins for themselves or their children.
The vitamin industry is a billion dollar market. There are thousands of studies and reports out there that claim vitamins help with ailments, give more energy or balance your nutrient intake. There are also just as many studies and reports that state the claims of the vitamin industry are inconclusive and not proven 100%. This can be very confusing to a parent who wants their children to be healthy and grow and thrive properly on a daily basis.
If you have any speculation that you or your children may be deficient in an essential vitamin or nutrient the first step would be to contact your family physician. Easily you can have blood work analyzed to determine if you or your children are low or lacking an essential vitamin or nutrient. Any changes to your vitamin or supplement intake should be explored with a trained physician. With many different opinions and views on the vitamin debate, one should not make an uninformed decision.
Take a look at your current habits as a family. If you find that you are eating fast food often or skipping the required daily amount of fruits or vegetables you may want to adjust your meal planning. Try including a fruit or vegetable as a snack or side item from home, even if you are on the go and anticipating hitting the nearest drive-thru. Often children will not need extra vitamins if they are conscious enough to include an extra serving of fruit or veggies each day.
Do keep in mind that vitamins are expensive. While you can find cheaper, lower priced brands, they will contain harmful additives such as artificial colors and flavors that your children do not need added to their diet. If you have any questions about any vitamins or supplements, be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist on the many different brands and quality that they claim to be.
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