Teenage age is a very crucial phase of a child’s life before they become adults. At this stage, so many things matter including what activities your teenage children are interested in, what hobbies they have and would like to pursue as dreams as well as what they feed their minds and body. Most teenage children struggle at this age with trying to define who they are and this can affect their lifestyle and attitude to things generally. Whether they say it or not, they need parental guidance to navigate this phase of life into adulthood. As a nutritional brand, we understand the role that healthy foods and supplement play in helping teenage children stay healthy, relieve stress and be at their best performance academically. Supplements are very important everyday requirements for the body to function properly.
Teenage children require adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals for growth and development, including iron, selenium, zinc, magnesium, iodine which can be gotten from the food they eat and supplements.
Iron: Iron is required for blood formation. It is an essential mineral for teenage girls especially when they are menstruating because they are constantly losing blood during their periods. Foods like red meat, nuts and dried fruits contain iron and when taken in adequate quantities can provide the needed amount of blood for normal functioning of the body. Supplements rich in iron are also advisable.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is readily gotten via exposure to sunlight. However, during the seasons when teenagers cannot get enough sunlight, Vitamin D supplements should be considered. Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium and phosphate absorption, thus enabling formation of strong bones and teeth. It also plays a crucial part in boosting immunity and normal functioning of the body.
Magnesium: We know magnesium as that mineral element in food which is necessary for the supporting muscle function. Teenage children are in their active age and need enough magnesium to develop strong muscular strength for everyday activities. Foods rich in magnesium include fish, nuts, soyabeans vegetables.
Selenium and Zinc: Selenium and zinc belong to the group of minerals we call antioxidants. They help the body relieve stress and protect cells of the body from damage. Foods rich in zinc and selenium should be encouraged for teenagers. Such foods are meat, fish, and egg. Your teenage children will benefit highly from selenium and zinc containing foods especially as these minerals are known to help in stress management.
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is an important component for building strong immunity which aids normal functioning of the body. Vitamin B6 rich foods help the body fight infections, thus reducing frequent visits to the hospital. Sources of Vitamin B6 include fish, meat, soyabeans, vegetables and fruits.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is required for the production of red blood cells and functioning of DNA. It also plays an important role in the formation of cells present in the nerves of the body and the brain. It is every teenagers’ desire to develop strong and smart mental capacity for everyday activities especially things that they are passionate about which makes Vitamin B12 a good part of their diet. Sources of Vitamin B12 include milk, cheese, eggs, fish, meat.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps the body fight infections and also contributes to tissue growth and repair. Wound healing is a major benefit of vitamin C to the body and considering how exposed teenagers might be to bruises and cuts, it is highly recommended that they take healthy amounts of foods containing vitamin C and supplements. Citrus fruits (oranges, lemon), and vegetables are rich in Vitamin C.
Teenage life can become so busy and occupied with several activities from sports to school work and they might begin to skip meals which can affect their health. Teenagers need these essential vitamins and minerals to fuel their activities, stay healthy and productive and if they are skipping meals, it would mean that they are missing out on the nutrients.
The Vitabiotics WellTeen supplement provides teenagers an opportunity to be fortified with over 25 essential nutrients including Vitamin C, B6, B12, Iron, Selenium, Zinc, magnesium, Cranberry extracts, Iron to help them build strong immunity, fight fatigue and tiredness, and develop smart mental capacity to achieve their goals. It is important that parents help their teenage children live their dreams and they can only do that when they are physically and mentally healthy.