Where did the summer go? I can’t believe it’s already that time of year, where kids of all ages, teachers, professors, and other school employees head back to school. As we move from being outside, where we're soaking up vitamin D, to primarily being indoors – now, more than ever, we need to focus on maintaining a robust immune system. There are several nutrients that can assist with supporting immune health throughout the school year. Consider adding antioxidants, like vitamins A and C and zinc; Black Elderberry, and Immune Boost Gummies. Kid's should also take omega-3s and vitamin D3 year round.
Boost Kids' Immune Health
Vitamin D3 promotes healthy growth and development; supports teeth, bone, and muscle health; aids in a healthier mood; and is a very important immune system modulator. The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) latest recommendation for children over 1 year old into adulthood is 600 IU / day (15 mcg / day); however, the Vitamin D Council, Endocrinology Society, and many physicians disagree with the IOM. They feel the IOM's vitamin D3 recommendations are too low. The amount of vitamin D3 we need varies from person to person. The best way to know how much we should take is by testing our vitamin D levels at a physicians office or at-home with a Vitamin D Test Kit. Carlson offers vitamin D3 in strengths from 400 IU (10 mcg) to 10,000 IU (250 mcg) and in forms for the whole family: soft gels, convenient liquid drops, gummies, and liquid blends.
Cod Liver Oil is a great option. It provides the beneficial omega-3s EPA and DHA, plus vitamins A and D3. Vitamin A is an important antioxidant that is essential in the formation of white blood cells and promotes immune health. It is available as soft gels or liquids. The liquids come in award-winning lemon, bubble gum, or green apple flavor and can easily be added to any meal. Some recommendations are to drizzle it over popcorn, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or pizza; stir it into hummus or yogurt; or add it to a smoothie. They are so tasty, they can also be taken directly from a spoon.
Adding more antioxidants to our daily regimen is important for protecting our cells from free radical damage. Carlson offers the adult formula ACES+Zn, which provides vitamins A, C, E; selenium; and zinc. Vitamin C Gummies and Vitamin D Gummies are also offered for adults and kids.
Astaxanthin is another important antioxidant carotenoid that plays an important role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. Since it can cross the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers, it can deliver antioxidant protection to our eyes, brain, and nervous system. Vitamin C regenerates other antioxidants like astaxanthin, and they work synergistically to promote healthy immune system function. Our Kid's Immune Boost Gummies and Astaxanthin Gummies for adults are made with Astaferm™, the first fermented astaxanthin that is fast-acting and highly absorbable, and it comes in delicious, natural cherry-flavored, vegetarian, non-GMO gummies.
Some minerals also promote healthy immune system function. Zinc has antioxidant components and is cucial for the normal development and function of immune mediating cells. Well-absorbed forms of zinc can be found in a delicious chewable form for children or lozenges such as Zinc-Ease for older children and adults.
There are many types of elderberries available, including black, blue, and red, but the black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is the premier variety for boosting immune health. Black elderberries have a high concentration of beneficial flavonoids, called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins give berries their deep color and are recognized as powerful antioxidants that support healthy immune function. The addition of vitamin C and zinc make this unique blend one of the best immune protection formulas. So be sure to add in Kid's Black Elderberry Gummies or Elderberry Gummies for adults to help keep yourself and your kids healthy through the school year.
Even we as adults have issues with getting enough of the daily nutrients we need, and children are no different. Supplements that help maintain a robust immune system can help fill nutritional gaps. Many of these supplements are conveniently available in kid-friendly flavors and chewables that children and adults. We hope you and your children get a healthy start to the school year.
