3 Supplements to Support Your Child’s Brain Development*

As the daily pressures of homework assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities pile up, it’s important to set your child up on the right path. While a healthy diet, a consistent sleep schedule, and daily exercise will help keep your child on the road to success, there are extra steps that you can take to further support their cognitive health and a lifetime of learning.*

Brain development begins in the first week of pregnancy and continues throughout childhood and into the adult years. Prenatal and childhood are critical stages of brain development because this is when neurons are formed at a rapid rate to shape the foundation for future cognitive health and function.

This sensitive time period relies on optimal nutrition and sufficient intake of several key nutrients.*

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Our brains depend on a sufficient intake of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) for optimal development.* ALA can be changed by the body to EPA and DHA, which form the building blocks of brain cells and play vital roles in brain, eye, and nervous system development.* DHA is especially concentrated in areas of the brain responsible for learning and memory.[1]

A diet that supplies ample EPA and DHA may have benefits for supporting cognition and social behavior in children.* Children who increase their ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid intake may experience support for learning, attention, behavior, and emotional health.*[1] Children’s diets with consistent omega-3 fatty acid intake may support healthy brain development.*[2]

Adequate intake
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations recommends that children consume at least 150 mg of EPA and DHA per day. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends the following minimum intake of ALA for children:[3]

0–12 months^†: 0.5 g/day
1–3 years: 0.7 g/day
4–8 years: 0.9 g/day
9–13 years: 1.0–1.2 g/day
14–18 years: 1.1–1.6 g/day

^†As total omega-3s

Suggested sources
Cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines
Seeds, such as flax and chia
Walnuts
Plant oils, such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil
Marine algae
Fish oil supplements to support healthy brain function

Multivitamins and Minerals

Picky eating habits, allergies, and busy schedules are real life factors that can compromise a child’s nutrition. Adding a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement to the diet will help fill nutritional gaps and ensure that children are getting the complete range of vitamins and minerals needed for optimal growth and development.

Micronutrients play numerous direct and indirect roles in brain structure and function. For example, the brain contains high levels of iron that helps deliver oxygen to its tissues. B vitamins play important roles in energy, memory, and mental calmness, while vitamin C has been shown to help with cognitive health and well-being in students.[3,4] Many vitamins and minerals also support immunity, which ultimately leads to fewer sick days from school.

Suggested intake
Children’s multivitamin and mineral supplements should be taken daily. Look for one that is formulated for your child’s specific age range and is free of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and sweeteners.

Probiotics

When the delicate balance of a child’s intestinal microflora is altered, by the occasional illness, or unbalanced eating habits, it can lead to temporary uncomfortable digestive upsets, nutrient loss, and mood imbalances.*[6]
One of the best ways to help your child maintain a healthy intestinal flora is by including probiotic-rich foods in their diet and giving them a daily probiotic supplement.* This will help them maintain healthy intestinal populations of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, and Saccharomyces species, while lowering the number of pathogenic microorganisms found in their gut.*[7]

Maintaining a healthy intestinal flora will also benefit school-age children by supporting their immune systems.* A regular probiotic supplement may help reduce the number of days from school due to occasional common childhood complaints related to the ear, nose, throat, and/or the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.[8]

Suggested intake
When it comes to probiotics, a regular intake is important. This can be done with daily servings of probiotic-rich foods, such as cultured yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and tempeh, or a daily probiotic supplement. But just like children, not all probiotics are the same. Consult your health care professional to figure out which strains will best suit your child’s needs.

Suggested choices
Webber Naturals offers a range of probiotic formulas designed for specific needs, including the following strains that are beneficial for children:

Lactobacillus: There are many lactobacilli species. They support a healthy and balanced microflora, while helping to promote intestinal health and may help occasional diarrhea.*

Bifidobacterium: This is the main group of bacteria found in the intestines of healthy newborns. They can be taken for supporting immune defence.*

Saccharomyces boulardii: This is a probiotic yeast that is especially helpful for maintaining and replenishing healthy microflora populations, and may help with occasional diarrhea in children.*

Nutrition that lasts a lifetime

A healthy diet throughout childhood will have a lasting effect on a person’s physical and cognitive health.* By helping your child meet their full nutritional needs now, you’ll be helping them reach their full potential for a lifetime.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.