Are the children in your life getting adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, fruits, and vegetables through their daily diets? If they're like most modern kids, probably not. A carefully formulated nutritional supplement can help fortify children to handle the growth pressures and health challenges of childhood and prevent malnutrition.

Rx for Life Core Health for Children provides a unique blend of fundamental vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for children ages two and older. Designed to appeal with berry flavoring and a dinosaur shape, these chewable tablets contain no artificial colors or flavors. The tablets are sweetened with Xylitol has been shown to support dental health. They also contain arabinogalactan and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) to support gastrointestinal health and Berry Good 4U, a blend of fruits and vegetables that helps close the antioxidant gap in children's diets.

Rx for Life Core Health for Children supplies more than 25 essential vitamins and minerals, some of which are highlighted alphabetically below:

• Arabinogalactan (as ClearTrac) is a fermentable fiber that is not digested in the human stomach. Passing through the large intestine, it enhances growth of friendly, probiotic bacteria and aids in healthy immune function.
• Berry Good 4U is an exclusive mixed berry blend that contains chokeberry, elderberry, and bilberry concentrates. The National Cancer Institute recommends that both children and adults eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, but average intake is only 3.6 servings per day.
• Calcium is important to children because it helps them form strong, healthy bones and teeth. The consequences of childhood calcium deficiencies can show up much later in life.
• Fructooligosaccharides are dietary fibers that support gastrointestinal health through improving colonic pH and bulking stool.
• Ginger root offers antibacterial properties and supports the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus.
• Iron is necessary for children's proper mental and physical development and for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
• Vitamin C is included at a level higher than the 100-percent RDA for children because it supports collagen production, without which connective tissues would not form properly and growth would be hindered.
• Xylitol is a natural sweetener extracted from birch trees. Clinical studies have shown it to help prevent tooth decay and the formation of caries.
• Zinc supplementation is crucial to boost children's immune systems.
  

RESEARCH BRIEF

Is it really necessary for children to take a multivitamin? In an ideal world, probably not. Experts agree that eating a diet rich in whole grains, protein, fruits, and vegetables is the best way for a child to get essential nutrients.

However, several trends are making it harder to meet that ideal. The hustle and bustle of today's fast-paced world, the growing number of single parents and two-income families, and the convenience of microwave and take-out food have all directly impacted family health. For most people, it is becoming increasingly rare to have traditional family dinners with all four food groups served on a real plate. Even when a family manages to consistently provide highly nutritious meals, many children are picky eaters. Some children-particularly toddlers and preschoolers-completely avoid entire food groups for weeks or months at a time.

Two particular concerns in childhood nutrition are iron and calcium. Periods of rapid growth require iron to manufacture new muscle and hemoglobin, but iron-deficiency anemia is common in children. They should be encouraged to eat lean meat, fortified breakfast cereals, and dark leafy vegetables. Iron supplementation can help, but too much iron can be very dangerous for children. In addition, calcium deficiencies occur among children of all ages, primarily because too many are drinking sodas and juice instead of milk. Nearly half of children aged three to five get too little calcium daily. Proper calcium nutrition during childhood helps children form strong bones.

Many childhood experts agree that multivitamins are better for children than single-nutrient supplements because multivitamin formulas tend to be more appropriately balanced for children. Too much of one nutrient or vitamin can interfere with the absorption or utilization of others.

Parents who have concerns about their child's diet or nutrition should talk to a doctor and ask about using Unicity Network's Rx for Life Core Health for Children.

Q: At what age can a child start taking Rx for Life Core Health for Children?
A: This daily supplement is formulated for children to start taking when they are two years old. Children ages two and three take two tablets per day, while children four and older take two tablets twice a day.

Q: Does Rx for Life Core Health for Children contain sugar and carbohydrates?
A: The product is sweetened with natural sweeteners. Each serving of two tablets contains 1.4 grams of carbohydrates.

Q: Are artificial coloring agents used in the formulation?
A: No, the formulation does not contain any artificial coloring agents. The color of the tablet comes from the Natural Berry Blend.

Q: What is Xylitol? A: Xylitol is produced from the birch tree. It is used as a sweetener and has also been shown to support dental health. Q: When is the best time to take Rx for Life Core Health for Children?
A: It can be taken any time during the day, preferably just before eating a meal.

REFERENCES

Honkala S, et al. Use of xylitol chewing gum among Finnish schoolchildren. Odontol Scand. 1999;57:306-9.

Molis C, et al. Digestion, excretion, and energy value of fructooligosaccharides in healthy humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996;64:324-28.

Salgueiro MJ, et al. Zinc status and immune system relationship: a review. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2000;76:193-205.

Wightman JD. Red Berries and their health benefits-a review. Presented at ACS (American Chemical Society), Chicago, August 31, 2001.