Vitamins Help Children Excel in the Classroom
A recent Swedish study showed a correlation between folate intake and academic achievement. To expand upon the information presented in this article, we’ve compiled a list of additional ways to help give your child’s brain a boost this school year.
The diet of our youth consists primarily of processed foods that are high in sugar and simple carbohydrates, yet low in nutritional value. Recent research links health problems and poor mental function with inadequate diets among children. Yet, even with a seemingly nutritious diet, it is still difficult to meet nutritional needs due to factors such as storing and processing of foods, which deplete nutrients.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution: Simply adding a few high-quality to a child’s daily routine has been shown to significantly improve brain development, physical development, resistance to illness and behavioral improvement. In fact, one study showed a group of children who took a multivitamin formula for eight months increased 7.2 IQ points over a placebo group. Help your child perform well in school, and fight off common infections.
Critical for brain function, brain development, learning development and mood. It’s one of the most important supplements for normal brain growth and development in children. Studies have shown that people who eat a lot of fatty fish (omega 3’s) score better on memory tests and are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
An estimated 20% of the US population suffers from some form of folic acid deficiency. Because it is one of the most difficult water-soluble vitamins to absorb, quality plays an integral role when choosing this essential B vitamin. When used in combination with vitamin B-12, folic acid may help facilitate the production of cellular energy.
Good not only for energy but also for reducing stress. Vitamin B-12 has been shown to improve concentration and boost mood. Vitamin B6 acts primarily as an enzyme catalyst in many body functions including energy metabolism, neurotransmitter functions as well as muscle growth and repair.
As noted earlier, zinc has been found to increase academic performance. It also plays a significant role in immune defense and detoxification.
A major structural component of neural membranes where it facilitates the activity of neurotransmitters involved in learning, memory and mood.
Make sure to do your research; in particular, pay close attention to the quality, potency and the manufacturing standards of the product. As a parent, you need to watch out for words that act like sugar in the body but are listed under other names such as sucrose, sucralose, fructose, dextrose, glucose and maltodextrin. If you are new to the vitamin world, a good place to start is with a children’s multivitamin, like Nutri Kids.
We want to hear from you! Are your children currently taking vitamins?
