Minerals and vitamins are essential for growth and development in children. The majority of children who consume a balanced diet don’t need vitamin or mineral supplements. In some cases, however, children are at risk for deficiencies and may require additional vitamins.
Vegetarians and vegans may need to supplement with vitamin B12 since dietary sources of this vitamin are limited to animal-based foods. There is a higher risk for nutritional deficiencies among children with celiac disease. In addition, children who have a poor appetite, drink a lot of sugar-sweetened beverages, take certain medications, or have chronic medical conditions that interfere with intake may need supplements.
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A well-balanced diet should be the goal of parents to ensure that their children get the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals each day. According to the market database, dietary protein foods such as poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, legumes, and dairy or dairy alternatives, are essential to maintaining a balanced diet. Although all vitamins and minerals are vital for growth and development, some are especially important for children.
According to the WHO, it appears that most children are not getting enough iron and calcium in their diets. Beans, spinach, beef, pork, and turkey are all sources of iron. The red blood cells originate from iron, which helps build muscle. A lack of energy, nervousness, and increased infection are all signs of low iron levels. For healthy bones, calcium is essential. Similarly, supplemented beverages and juices containing fortified ingredients, such as milk, sardines, broccoli, and spinach, contain this nutrient. Insufficient calcium intake can result in poor growth and eventually osteoporosis.
According to the market database, other vitamins to consider are vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin B. It regulates calcium absorption and assists in the growth and development of teeth and bones. Among the foods that contain vitamin D are fortified dairy and dairy alternatives, egg yolks, and fish oils. Aside from the fats in nuts, beans, and soybeans, animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy contain B vitamins. Besides supporting healthy growth, vitamin A promotes healthy skin and eyes, immunity, and tissue and bone repair. Yellow and orange vegetables, milk, cheese, and eggs are good sources.
According to the market database, since 2010, the market for children’s supplements has grown significantly, along with the dietary supplements market. There is a growing interest of consumers in using supplements to enhance their daily diet. For children, parents tend to focus on general health, immunity, closing nutritional gaps, and boosting cognitive development.
Fermentalg and DSM for Child Supplements
According to the market database, Fermentalg has obtained permission to use its omega-3-rich Schizochytrium oil in infant formula, food supplements, and follow-on formula. The oil has been declared safe for use in food supplements at a maximum Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) level of one gram per day (g/day) in the Official Journal of the European Union. Despite the lack of conclusive findings regarding the levels of oil used in infants and follow-on formula, the European Commission (EC) approved using oil from strain FCC-3204 under-evaluated conditions of use.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the oil is unlikely to pose safety issues for infant formula when it is diluted as a 20-50 milligram (mg) per 100 kilocalories (kcal) dose. Furthermore, the labeling of food supplements containing the oil must warn consumers not to give the supplements to children under age three.
As with Fermentalg, DSM has received permission to use Schizochytrium oil for supplements, infant and sports nutrition products. Its involvement with algae-derived omega-3 oil began in 2013 when it launched its own algae-derived DHA product range, Life’s DHA. The companies offer oil strains suitable for dietary supplements, infant formula, medical foods, and weight-loss products.
According to the market database, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs), such as DHA, are traditionally obtained from marine species like anchovies, salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Currently, fish oil is the primary source of DHA. Due to concerns about sustainability, companies are exploring alternatives to omega-3 from algae to copepods and genetically modified oilseed crops. A promising alternative to fish oils is Schizochytrium, which has a rapid growth rate, is weather-independent, and contains almost 49% of its total fat content as DHA. The Child Supplements market and its 10-year business outlook can be understood using Global Market Database.
