Collection: Children's Health

The most common health conditions in children fall into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute conditions include the common cold, ear infections (otitis media), influenza, bronchitis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFM), conjunctivitis, and gastroenteritis. Chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies are more long-term. In South Africa, additional health concerns in children include HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and tuberculosis (TB).

Building a strong immune system starts with good nutrition and healthy practices. For infants, breastfeeding for at least six months provides critical immunity. In children of all ages, a diet rich in phytonutrients (natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables) strengthens the immune system. Limiting sugary foods and beverages is also essential, as sugar can weaken immunity. Nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, iron, colostrum, probiotics, vitamin D, and green supplements (such as barley grass, spirulina, and wheatgrass) are particularly beneficial for immune support.

During flu season, specific supplements can help protect children’s health and reduce the severity of symptoms. These include vitamins C, D, and A (found in cod liver oil), as well as zinc. Homeopathic remedies like Oscillococcinum and herbal supplements such as echinacea, olive leaf, and andrographis can also provide additional immune support.

Children who are picky eaters or consume unbalanced diets are more likely to experience nutrient deficiencies. The most common deficiencies include iron, which can lead to anemia, as well as vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and fiber. These deficiencies can impact their overall growth and development.

Nutrient deficiencies in children can present with various symptoms, including recurrent infections with slow recovery times, low appetite, fatigue, apathy, pale skin, weight issues (being either underweight or overweight), poor concentration, tooth decay, and stunted physical growth. Children with iron deficiency may experience a loss of appetite, which can improve with iron supplementation. It has been suggested that iron plays a role in regulating the satiety hormone leptin.

While a balanced diet is the best source of nutrients, supplements designed specifically for children are safe when used appropriately. It is important to choose natural supplements that are free from sugar and artificial colourants.

Most young children do not require multivitamins if they are growing well and eating a varied diet. For babies, breastfeeding for at least six months provides excellent nutrition. If necessary, multivitamins can be introduced from the age of two, but they should always be given in the recommended dosage.

If a child refuses to take supplements, it is important to focus on providing a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet. Consulting a pediatric dietitian can help create a plan to meet the child’s needs. To support overall health, other strategies include using homeopathic remedies or tissue salts, encouraging regular physical activity to boost appetite, ensuring sufficient sleep to aid recovery, and reducing screen time to promote general well-being.

Andrographis, derived from the leaf and stem of the plant, may help stimulate the immune system and potentially prevent flu viruses from attaching to cells in the body. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as the common cold, sore throat, and tonsillitis, as well as osteoarthritis and ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease.

Barley grass is a rich source of vitamins A and C, which function as powerful antioxidants. These vitamins help combat free radicals, protecting the body from cellular damage.

Calcium is a mineral that is associated with healthy bones and teeth. Food sources of calcium include dairy products (milk,cheese and yogurt), fortified plant based milks (almond, soy and rice), canned sardines with bones, almonds, winter squash, edamame beans and leafy greens (spinach, kale, bok choy and turnip). It is difficult for the body to break down calcium in the gut and absorption is often low from food sources, therefore supplementation ensures optimal absorption of calcium to meet daily requirements. As children grow, their calcium needs increase to support the development of strong bones. Children aged 1 to 3 years need 700mg of calcium per day, which is about 2–3 servings. Kids aged 4 to 8 years need 1000mg per day (2–3 servings). Teens and children aged 9 to 18 years require 1300mg of calcium daily, which equals 4 servings.

Serving sizes:

Yoghurt, fat free, low fat, full cream (125 g cup = 163mg calcium)

Cheese, cheddar (30g - match box size = 236mg calcium)

Spinach, cooked (½ cup = 122mg calcium)

Baked beans (canned) (½ can = 100mg calcium)

Pilchards, canned in tomato sauce (215g tin = 486mg calcium)

Colostrum is the initial form of breast milk produced by the mammary glands after childbirth. It is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and antioxidants, all of which help strengthen a newborn's immune system. Within two to four days after birth, colostrum gradually transitions into regular breast milk. Bovine colostrum supports the immune system and proper bone growth and strong teeth.

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a purple medicinal herb commonly used to treat the common cold, toothaches, and to boost the overall immune system. Echinacea may be used by children over the age of 2 to help strengthen their immune systems and alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu.

Dietary fiber is found in whole grain cereals, fruits, and vegetables. It consists of the indigestible parts or compounds of plants. A diet high in fiber helps prevent or relieve constipation, increases feelings of fullness to aid in weight control, and lowers cholesterol levels. A 5 year old should get about 10 - 15 grams of fiber each day, while a 10 year old should aim for 15 - 20 grams of fiber daily.

Foods sources of fibre:

1 slice of brown bread - ±2.5g of fibre

1 serving of starch such as rice, pasta etc.- ±0.9g

½ medium fruit - ±2g

¼ cup cooked vegetables - ±2g

Iron is a mineral in the body that has an important function to carry oxygen in the haemoglobin of red blood cells throughout the body so cells can produce energy. Iron is a major nutrient required for the production of collagen, which helps to keep skin hydrated and gives it elasticity, structure and a healthy glow. Infants should be introduced to iron-rich foods as soon as they begin eating solid foods, typically around six months of age. It's important for children to consume a variety of iron-containing foods every day. If a child doesn't get enough iron, they may develop iron deficiency anemia, which means their blood has low iron levels. Symptoms of this condition can include fatigue, shortness of breath, and a persistent poor appetite. Iron supplementation for children <5 y old is recommended on the basis of anemia prevalence. Dietary iron has two main forms: heme and nonheme. Plants contain nonheme iron. Meats, poultry and seafood contain both heme and nonheme iron. The body absorbs iron more effectively when it's consumed with a source of vitamin C. Food sources of iron include lean meats, beans, spinach, raisins and other dried fruits, pumpkin seeds, eggs and green peas.

Olive leaf (extract) form is a concentrated form of the nutrients found in olive tree leaves. It is a powerful source of antioxidants that help support the immune system and a natural antimicrobial.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial effects on an individual’s health and body. Probiotics may restore the composition of the gut microbiome and promote beneficial effects leading to prevention of gut inflammation and other intestinal diseases. Probiotics may improve digestion, help with diarrhea, constipation and colic in children.

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and antioxidants, all of which can help protect cells from damage. Spirulina has been found to ease digestion and aid in growth development.

Vitamin A is available in two forms: Beta-carotene is a provitamin that is converted into vitamin A in the body and vitamin A is an antioxidant that protects the body against free radicals. Vitamin A boosts immunity and protects children under five from preventable diseases and blindness. Supplementing children in this age group with two doses of vitamin A in the first year helps reduce their risk of death, lowers the incidence of diarrhea, and gradually decreases the likelihood of child stunting.

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and plays a role in the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. It is an essential vitamin found in food sources such as citrus fruit, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussel sprouts and potatoes. Vitamin C is essential for children’s health and immune system. It also aids in the absorption of iron, helping to ensure they get the full benefits of iron-rich foods.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and is found in animal food sources such as salmon, herring, sardines, cod liver oil, canned tuna and egg yolks. Plant based sources of vitamin D include mushrooms which can synthesize vitamin D2 when exposed to UV light. Vitamin D is crucial for bone and muscle health. It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate from food, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Zinc is an essential mineral found throughout the body. It is involved in many aspects of cellular metabolism and plays a role in enhancing immune function, protein and DNA synthesis, wound healing, cell signalling and division. Food sources of zinc include chicken, red meat, legumes and nuts. Children need zinc for proper growth and development. This essential mineral plays a key role in immune function, wound healing, and the senses of smell and taste.