As a parent or caregiver, you probably already know the importance of proper nutrition in your kids’ lives. And while eating a balanced diet is the first priority, there are many instances where kids may not be getting the right amount of nutrients they need to thrive. In these cases, some children may benefit from consuming a nutritional beverage that is specially designed to pack a big nutritional punch and help meet their nutritional needs.
But you may be wondering, how do I know if my child needs a nutritional beverage? And how do I go about choosing the right one? Read on for some guidance and tips.
Nutritional Beverages: Could Your Child Benefit?
For many parents, it can be hard to discern whether you should try out a nutritional beverage for your child.
Here are some signs that may indicate your child may benefit from a nutritional beverage:
- They are highly picky eaters, willing to eat very few groups of food
- They tend to stay away from high protein animal foods like meat, eggs and cheese. If they are vegetarian, these foods may instead look like nuts, tofu and beans.
- They follow a vegan diet or have numerous dietary restrictions that eliminate entire food groups
- They consistently have a poor appetite
- They have a chronic medical condition — such as celiac disease or short bowel syndrome — that prevents them from properly digesting and/or absorbing nutrients
- They show signs of poor growth and/or development, such as being underweight, struggling with fatigue or delayed puberty.
- They are highly active and/or athletic and may benefit from additional nutrients than what their normal diet might give them.
Note that many nutritional beverages for kids are not intended to be used as a meal replacement. Rather, these drinks should be used alongside other nutritious foods from a variety of food groups to ensure the most well-rounded nutrition.
What Should You Look for in a Kids’ Nutritional Beverage?
With so much variety on the market shelves, it can be tricky to select the right drink for your child. Here are some tips on what to look for.
Certified USDA Organic
Kids are still actively growing and have immature immune systems. This makes them even more susceptible than adults to toxins like pesticides, which have been linked to many human diseases. Buying organic means that no ingredient in the product has been exposed to harmful pesticides, making it a healthier choice. Organic foods are also required to be non-GMO.
Good source of protein
Many kids tend to consume mostly carbohydrate-rich foods and may struggle to get enough protein. Yet protein plays an essential role in proper growth and development in kids and should be included in any nutritional beverage you buy. Look for at least 5 grams of protein per serving.
Good source of fiber
Most of the beverages that kids drink — like water, milk and juice — contain no fiber. So choosing a nutritional beverage that both hydrates and nourishes their bodies while also providing fiber as an added benefit. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive tract while also benefiting blood sugar control and appetite control, which can promote a healthy weight.
Provides a well-rounded supply of vitamins and minerals
Examples of nutrients that should be included in a nutritional beverage include:
- Zinc
![Orgain Kids Protein Nutrition]( "Orgain Kids Protein Nutrition")
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Potassium
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, and folate
- Selenium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
Each of these nutrients plays a specific role in helping kids’ bodies function as they should, and your child may not be getting enough of them in their regular daily diet.
Low in added sugar
Most American children get too much added sugar in their diets. This puts them at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Look for under 10 grams of added sugar per serving, with less being even better.
Minimally processed
So much of the average American diet is made up of highly processed foods — which can take a negative toll on your health. So make an effort to choose a nutritional beverage that is mostly whole-food based and contains ingredients you recognize.
What Does All This Look Like in Real Life?
Orgain is an example of one top-notch brand that takes kids’ health seriously. They have a line of both dairy and plant-based nutritional beverages designed to help kids keep going and growing strong, giving you confidence as a parent. These drinks are suitable for kids aged 1 to 13.
Some of the highlights of Orgain kids protein drinks include:
- USDA certified organic
- Provides 22 essential vitamins and minerals
- Offers 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber
- Excellent source of vitamins B12, D and zinc, which all support immune health
- Grass-fed dairy in the dairy-based varieties
- Made with organic fruit & veggie blends sweetened with organic cane sugar and monk fruit extract
- Naturally gluten and soy free
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Convenient resealable bottle for grab-and-go needs, with no refrigeration needed until after opening
- Easily fits in school lunches
Another example of a brand that meets each of the recommended criteria is Else kids complete nutrition shake.
How to Introduce a Nutritional Beverage to Your Child
Along with figuring out whether your child needs a nutritional beverage and knowing what to look for, you may still have questions about when and how to actually introduce them.
Before introducing nutritional beverages, first try talking to your child about how their bodies require many different nutrients in order to function properly. Mention that trying out a supplement may help them feel their best. You can shop for the products together and let your child choose a flavor or brand that they are most interested in.
When it comes to actually trying it out, there are many ways to do so. You can replace one of their regular drinks or snacks with a nutritional beverage. You can also freeze the nutritional beverage in a popsicle mold and see if they prefer it that way. Don’t worry if they won’t drink the whole thing at once — even consuming one carton spread out over 24 hours can make a big impact. Consuming just a couple of nutritional beverages a week can also help fill in any potential nutrient gaps. Talk with your child’s pediatrician and/or dietitian about how much they may need.
In Summary
Nutritional beverages are not necessary for every child. But for many children, these drinks can help provide added nutrients that they may not be getting enough otherwise. Consuming healthy and balanced nutritional kids beverages can help promote proper growth and development, while also helping prevent potentially serious health issues in their future. Be sure to also talk to your child’s pediatrician regarding any concerns you may have about your child’s health.
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