Child Nutrition tips from Anita Bean
Nutritional information and Tips by Anita Bean!
Anita Bean, BSc, R.Nutr. is a registered nutritionist, best-selling author and health writer. She has written over 22 books on nutrition and fitness including Slim Secrets, The Complete Guide to Sports Nutrition, Healthy Eating For Kids, and Food For Fitness.
Anita has written some great information on Probiotics and Omega 3. We hope you find the information useful.
Probiotics
As the sheer amount of health messages we receive on a daily basis can be confusing, I’ve created this simple fact sheet on probiotics, so it’s easy to understand the basics.
Q: What are probiotics?
Probiotics help promote digestive health and support the body’s natural defense system
Q: How do probiotics work?
Probiotic supplements are designed to support intestinal balance. Eating foods or food supplements that contain probiotics will help top up the good bacteria and support a healthy balance which in turn can help maintain a child’s natural immune defences.
Q: Are probiotics safe for children?
Research has not found any side effects of probiotics in children, so there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be incorporated into your child’s daily diet. it’s a great way to ensure you are supporting your child’s immunity.
Q: Why should I give my child a probiotic?
Trials have shown that probiotics may help support the immune and digestive systems, by topping up the levels of ‘good’ bacteria in the gut.
Q: What is the best way for my child to get probiotics?
A probiotic supplement, ideally taken after food, is an easy way to ensure your child receives their daily intake of good bacteria, to help support their natural immune and digestive systems.
Q: What is Omega-3?
A: Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid found naturally in fish oil. Studies suggest that Omega-3 may play a vital role in child development and may support healthy brain function, learning ability, and concentration.
Q: Why do children need Omega-3?
A: A daily dose of Omega-3 may support healthy development of the brain and may help to support concentration levels in growing children.
Q: How much Omega-3 does your child need?
A: The richest natural source of omega-3s is oily fish but research shows that many children are not eating the government’s recommended levels. To safeguard your children’s dietary intake of omega-3 ensure your children receive at least two portions of fish a week including one serving of oily fish.
Q: How should I incorporate Omega-3 into my child’s diet?
A: Portions of oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, salmon, herring or fresh tuna are the best and most natural way to source Omega-3 however, if your child doesn’t like fish an omega-3 food supplement is a good alternative to ensure they receive their daily dose.
