Vitamins and Self-Care Products for Kids Going Back to School

Back-to-school season in the Pacific Northwest is here, which means prioritizing your child’s health is now more important than ever. Proper nutrition and self-care habits can help protect kids’ immunity and overall wellness. And, adding a vitamin supplement to their daily routine can help fill any nutritional gaps.

In this article, our experts from the Whole Health Department share their valuable knowledge on nutrition, school-ready vitamins, and self-care products for common childhood issues, like acne and lice.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Kids

A well-balanced diet supports a strong immune response, which is your child’s first line of defense against seasonal colds and flus. A proper diet can also help kids to concentrate, focus, and have the energy they need for study and play. To plate a proper diet for your growing school kid, we recommend focusing on foods that are naturally enhanced with these vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, strawberries and leafy greens all have immune-boosting properties that protect our bodies from common infections.
• Vitamin D: Fortified dairy products and fatty fish, like salmon, are all good sources of vitamin D, which is crucial for regulating the immune system and absorbing calcium.
• Zinc and Iron: Zinc helps combat bacteria and viruses, while iron is essential for producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body. Both zinc and iron occur naturally in eggs, meat, poultry, lentils and chickpeas.

Choosing Supplements for Kids

Even the best diets will benefit from high-quality supplements to fill in nutritional gaps. It’s best to choose supplements from reputable brands that follow good manufacturing practices, including third-party testing to verify quality and purity. Here are three of our favorite dietary supplements for kids:

Kid’s Omega 3 products from Nordic Naturals for brain health: These great-tasting gummi vitamins and supplements are made with high-potency ingredients that deliver real benefits for brain, mood, vision and immune system functions without artificial coloring, flavoring or preservatives. Nordic Naturals Kids Omega 3 products are a great way to start the school year strong.

Vitamin D gummies from Nordic Naturals for immune system and bone health: The long rainy season in the Pacific Northwest makes it harder for our bodies to receive vitamin D from sunlight. Nordic Naturals’ great tasting, dairy-free and gluten-free gummi vitamin D can help facilitate your body’s natural ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus.

Mary Ruth’s Multivitamins for Kids: Mary Ruth’s offers sugar-free gummies and liquid multivitamins for kids. Formulated to support every day health, these vegan and gluten-free supplements are a natural and effective way to fill in nutritional gaps and support overall wellness.

Acne and Lice Prevention

Getting the right nutrients isn’t the only challenge kids face as they head back to school. Childhood issues, like acne and lice are commonplace on the playground too. Here are a few products we love for treating and preventing acne and lice.

Alba Botanica AcneDote: This line offers a range of skin care products formulated with salicylic acid and willow bark extract, both of which are known for clearing up the complexion. All Alba Botanica skin care products are plant-based, cruelty-free, and contain no artificial colors, sulfates, parabens, phthalates or synthetic fragrances. Non-comedogenic ingredients and an all-day matte finish means no shiny or tight-feeling skin.

Tea Tree Essential Oils: No two pests spread faster on the playground than gossip and lice. We have no advice for gossip, but when it comes to handling lice, prevention is your best bet. Try adding a few drops of tea tree essential oil to your child’s shampoo, as a natural lice deterrent. Look for your favorite brands of tea tree oil in our curated selection of high-quality essential oils.

Be sure to stop by your local Market of Choice Whole Health Department for kids’ natural back to school self-care products, and vitamins.