In addition to a diet of whole foods, a daily multivitamin/mineral supports your child's growth and development.
It's "insurance to prevent nutritional deficiencies," says Elson M. Hass, MD, and it supports learning and mood too.
Other supplements to consider:
Omega 3s: These essential fatty acids support focus and concentration and may reduce the risks for allergies, asthma, and infections. Look for omega-3 supplements in a formula that contains both DHA and EPA.
Magnesium: Can help with attention, stress, and aggression issues related to low nutrient status. Magnesium plays a key role in the production of noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter that may be responsible for filtering out unimportant stimuli.
Probiotics: Help restore balance to the gastrointestinal tract, especially following a round of antibiotics. Aids immunity.
Astragalus: This herb is useful both as an antiviral and for its long-term immune-boosting effects.
SELECTED SOURCES
"Astragalus Extract Attenuates Allergic Airway Inflammation . . ." by Z.C. Yang et al., Am J Med Sci, 12/21/12
"Astragalus in the Prevention of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Children . . ." by C. Zou et al., Evid Based Complent Alternat Med, 4/19/13
"Probiotics, Immunity, and Pedatric Health" by J.M. Saavedra, Gac Med Mex, 2011
"Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Magnesium, and Zinc in Children Seeking Medical Advice for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems . . ." by M. Huss et al., Lipids Health Dis, 9/24/10
