Scientifically Speaking: What Parents Need to Know

What You Need to Know

When it comes to children, you have to pay extra attention to everything - especially their nutritional health, because optimal nutrition during early childhood and adolescence is so crucial to proper growth and development.

Of course, you already knew that, didn't you?

We hear it constantly: a person's physical and mental developments during their childhood years are ones that will shape the rest of their lives and determine the future of their health. But the problem is, plenty of people are hearing this, but few are listening to the actual message and taking action.

If you're one of many who don't understand the seriousness of proper nutrition and lifestyle for children and teens, maybe some of these statistics will change your view on the issue.

• Children with physical, emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems are over twice as likely to not be engaged in school
• 31.6 percent of children ages 10-17 are overweight or obese, with states ranging from 23.1-44.4 percent
• Only one in five children consumed five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one in three children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime
• Most youth do not meet the daily-recommended amount of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, yet they typically exceed their daily intake of sodium

What You Already Know

Okay, so now you know the problem, and luckily, USANA has a solution (or at least a start to a solution) in the form of Usanimals™ - a comprehensive daily vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant supplement for children.

Adequate amounts of key nutrients such as zinc, vitamin B6, magnesium, and calcium are missing from the diets of more than 50 percent of children from two to 10 years old. Vitamins C and D are also often deficient, and a quality nutritional supplement, such as Usanimals, can help ensure that none of these essential nutrients are missing from your child's diet.

What You're About to Know

Usanimals may be the only products USANA markets for children (for now), but that doesn't mean parents can't use supplements from other product lines that may be appropriate for youth - with the proper dosage, of course.

Another product that may be appropriate for your children if taken at a recommended and reduced dosage is USANA Probiotic® - a food supplement for digestive and immune health.* For children taking USANA Probiotic, we generally recommend a dosage that is about half of the adult dosages (half a packet every other day), unless their doctor says otherwise.

So when would you give your child USANA Probiotic, and what are the benefits?

Basically, the USANA Probiotic supplement is intended to bring balance to and promote a healthy digestive system.* People take it on numerous occasions, like when they're stomach is irregular or even when traveling in foreign places for extended amounts of time. The same can go for your child - give them the supplement whenever you sense their digestive system may need a little support.

We would like to stress that, for now, these are the only products we suggest for children or teens to take as needed, and parents should always consult a doctor or personal physician whenever they're considering a new supplement or medication for their child.

* These statements have not been evaluated by Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.