5 Key Nutrients In Our Junior Plant Protein Shake
The world of supplements can be very confusing. As a parent, there is often so much information on what are the most important nutrients for kids and the best way to achieve the recommended daily intake for these nutrients. In this article, we look at what we consider to be 5 of the most important ingredients for kids and their role in our NEW Sprout Organic Junior Plant Protein Shake.
1. Iron
Proper iron intake is extremely important through all stages of life. In extreme deficiencies (anaemia), a delay in children's growth rate and long-term problems for their development and behaviour can be seen. Iron is the most common nutrient deficiency in both children and adults - regardless of the diet one follows. We don’t say this to scare you, but to highlight the fact that all parents should focus on including iron-rich foods in their children’s diet and supplementing when necessary.
Our Junior Plant Protein Shake has more than 50% of children's iron requirements per serve, making it an ideal way to reach your child’s daily iron levels. Other iron-rich foods include beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Ideally, pairing these with vitamin C-rich fruits like strawberries, oranges and kiwi fruits is the best way to increase iron absorption.
2. Vitamin D
Our skin generates vitamin D from cholesterol using UVB rays from the sun. However, most of us (especially kids covered in sunscreen) aren’t getting enough vitamin D from the sun alone. Because direct sunlight exposure is not advised for young kids, supplementing with Vitamin D to ensure your child is meeting their daily nutritional needs may be necessary.
Our Junior Plant Protein Shake provides 40% of our kids’ required daily intake of vitamin D quickly and conveniently.
3. B12
Vitamin B12 is important for central nervous system function, forming red blood cells and turning the food that you eat into energy. We also need vitamin B12 to form DNA and RNA so that we can make new cells and grow, and for the normal function of the immune system.
Plant foods are not a reliable source of B12. Therefore, if you or your children are on a plant-based diet, supplementation may be necessary. As there is no upper limit for this water-soluble vitamin and fortification processes can be inconsistent, we ensured that the B12 found in the Sprout Organic Junior Plant Protein Shake would meet close to 50% of our kids’ daily B12 needs per serve.
4. Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that is found in foods and is stored in our bones and teeth. It’s essential for the growth and development of children and adolescents as it maintains strong bones while also assisting in muscle contractions and nerve stimulations.
Bones can be seen as calcium banks and if calcium intake is not sufficient, it will be withdrawn from the bones to be used in other areas of the body. This is obviously not ideal and will lead to bones becoming weak and brittle. Vitamin D is also essential for calcium absorption and is gained primarily through sunlight and other dietary foods.
Whilst it is often thought that dairy consumption is the only way to boost our calcium intake, this isn’t the case. Foods such as leafy greens, nuts and seeds and our Junior Plant Protein Shake contain rich sources of calcium that are also highly bio-available.
5. Protein
Protein is a component of every cell in your body, including your nails and hair.
It’s used to build and repair muscles and tissues, create enzymes and hormones, and forms the building blocks of bones, cartilage, skin, and blood.
So for obvious reasons, it is one of the most vital nutrients needed in life! But the question that is often asked is, how much is needed is per day?
While much of Western culture loves to obsess over getting “enough” protein, the truth is that in our protein-focused world, it’s very, very unlikely to become protein deficient. The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. A little more is needed for active lifestyles, which is often the case for kids who are full of energy.
As a general guide for young kids, the recommended daily intake for protein is as follows:
- 0-6 months: 9 grams/day
- 6-12 months: 11 grams/day
- 1-3 years: 13 grams/day
- 4-8 years: 19 grams/day
- 9-13 years: 34 grams/day
The Sprout Organic Junior Plant Protein Shake has a healthy dose of protein to ensure your kids are hitting their daily protein needs. Click here to place your preorder and receive a FREE Sprout Organic Snack Variety Pack with your order for a limited time only!
Preorders will be ready to ship from Monday, September 13th.
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