As children, we're frequently told that consuming green vegetables is crucial for our growth and strength. While some kids have no issue with eating their veggies, for others, incorporating vegetables into their meals can be a difficult task. Consequently, it's becoming increasingly common for parents and caregivers to turn to powdered greens as a solution to ensure their children get the essential nutrients that these vegetables contain.
But are greens powders safe for kids?
That’s the question we’re going to answer. Let’s dive in.
What Are Greens Powders?
Greens Powders are dietary supplements that contain a combination of nutrient-rich greens in powder form. Depending on the brand, they may include ingredients like:
- Spinach
- Wheatgrass
- Kale
- Spirulina
- Chlorella
- Parsley
- Collard greens
- Broccoli
Some powdered greens on the market also contain digestive enzymes, probiotics, herbs, fruits, and other vegetables.
Powdered greens aim to help people get their recommended fruits, veggies, and other nutrients in a convenient little package. It’s common for powdered greens to contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which may be attractive to individuals who struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables in their diet.
Can Children Safely Take Green Powders?
But are green superfood powders safe for kids?
Green powders can be a simple way to supplement a child’s diet as the supplements contain nutrient-rich greens that can be hard to get. However, it’s so important to choose the right brand and product.
Most green powders are created for adults, so the guidance on amounts and use is for individuals who are at least 18. Fortunately, some brands formulate greens powders specifically for children.
If you’re considering adding greens powders to your kid’s diet, it’s essential to speak to your pediatrician so you can identify suitable greens powders for your family.
Choosing Safe Powdered Greens For Your Kids
Vegetable and fruit-based powders can’t replace a healthy and well-balanced diet but may be an easy way to supplement it with an extra boost of vitamins.
When searching for the best greens powder for kids, there are some specific guidelines you can follow to help you decide.
Only Buy A Child-Friendly Formulation
As many super greens powders are for adults, they may not be suitable for children. This could be for several reasons, such as the concentration of certain nutrients, ingredients unsuitable for kids, or added sugar.
Opt for a greens powder that is formulated specifically for children, ideally tailored to a particular age group.
A lot of greens powders tend to have an earthy or grassy flavor. To make them more appealing to children, some child-friendly greens powders are enhanced with natural flavors or fruits for added sweetness to combat picky eaters.
Check The Ingredients List
While searching for greens powders for your child, check the ingredients list and any labels or warnings. In a perfect world, a child-friendly formula wouldn’t contain ingredients like added sugar, but this isn’t always the case, and it’s better to double-check.
Other ingredients to be on the lookout for include:
- Artificial flavors
- Stimulants (like caffeine)
- Dyes and fillers
- Excess sugar
- Allergens (like wheat, soy, or nuts)
Also, remember to check for any dietary restrictions. For example, if your child is lactose intolerant, choose a suitable lactose-free powder.
Only Buy From A Reputable Brand
Some greens products contain artificial ingredients like mixing agents, flavorings, and artificial sweeteners. Like any dietary supplements, greens powders are not all the same. It’s important to dig deeper and look for reputable brands prioritizing high-quality natural and non-GMO ingredients.
Here are some ways to help you identify a reputable brand:
- Reviews and reputation: Reputable brands should have positive reviews and a strong reputation among customers and healthcare professionals.
- Certifications: The Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification is a set of standards that ensures products are manufactured safely and consistently. An independent organization that offers this certification is NSF International.
- Testing: Third-party testing is when an independent laboratory evaluates a supplement for safety, potency, and purity.
- Transparency: A reputable brand is transparent about its ingredients, processes, and quality control.
Pick A Formula With Full Disclosure
As mentioned above, transparency is essential when purchasing something for your family. Naturally, you want to know exactly what is in a greens powder as this will tell you how much your child will consume.
In some greens supplements, you may come across proprietary blends listed as an ingredient. A proprietary blend is a combination of ingredients where you can’t see the specific amounts of each ingredient. Meaning you can see the extracts or ingredients used without knowing the amount.
It’s a good idea to avoid greens powders that include proprietary blends. It’s difficult to assess the effectiveness of the product and to know how much of each ingredient your child is consuming.
Safety Guidelines For Giving Kids Powdered Greens
Choosing a reputable and safe brand is crucial in making your decision, but you also have to factor in the child's individual needs. Here are some helpful guidelines if you’re considering introducing powdered greens to your kid’s diet.
Consider Individual Needs
While child-friendly greens powders can be safe for kids, it’s important to consider the child's age and individual needs.
- Age: Is the greens powder labeled appropriate for your child’s age group?
- Health: Does your child have existing health conditions to consider?
- Allergies: Are there any ingredients your child is allergic to?
- Nutritional needs: Are there areas of your child’s diet that may be lacking?
These are all important questions to ask. Make sure to speak with your pediatrician before introducing any greens powders. Talk to your family doctor about any questions so they can have all the information they need to make age-appropriate recommendations.
Give Gradually
Follow the instructions on the label carefully. This may include introducing green powders gradually. Monitor for any adverse reactions after taking green powders. Stop using it and consult your doctor if you have any worries or concerns.
Benefits of Powdered Greens For Kids
Now that you know what to look for when searching for reputable brands and safety guidelines to follow, let’s talk about the potential benefits of adding greens powders to your child's diet.
Supports Immune System
Most children get six to eight colds yearly. Children’s immune systems take time to develop and mature, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses than adults.
Greens powders often contain ingredients rich in minerals and vitamins, like vitamins A, C, and E, which are associated with healthy immune function.
Test tube studies suggest that spirulina may help ward off infections by increasing the production of antibodies.
Reduce Worry About Your Fussy Eater
Child-friendly greens powders can be a fuss-free way to help picky eaters get their daily greens. While eating whole foods is always the best choice, adding a concentrated dose of greens can help to provide your child with essential vitamins and minerals to support their overall health.
There are a variety of ways you can serve up powdered greens for your kids, including adding them to your child’s favorite drink or smoothie for a nutritional kick.
Support Healthy Gut
Often, greens powders contain ingredients rich in fiber, and antioxidants. Some even include probiotics, which can support digestive and gut health in kids.
Kids need fiber in their diets to help keep things moving along in the digestive tract. Fiber helps to prevent constipation, which can leave a tummy feeling uncomfortable. High-fiber foods are good for overall health, normalize bowel movements, and help to maintain bowel function.
Remember that greens powders don’t contain as much fiber as whole fruits and vegetables. The recommended serving of most greens powders is one a day, which for some supplements only contains 2g of fiber. Greens powders can help provide fiber and nutrients in addition to a healthy and balanced diet, but they are not a replacement.
Healthy and Convenient Snack Option
If you have a picky eater or a child who doesn’t tend to finish their meals, it can be tricky to hit their recommended nutrient intake through meals alone. Greens powders can be a convenient, nutrient-rich snack.
By choosing a formula specifically designed for children, you can find a powdered greens supplement that can help fill the nutritional gap with an age-appropriate dosage.
Powdered Greens: A Safe Supplement For Kids
If you're looking for a way to sneak more goodness into your child’s diet, it’s natural to consider powdered greens. Kid-friendly formulas can contain ingredients jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, and all the good stuff that help your little one grow strong and healthy.
As you navigate the world of nutrition for your kids, it’s important to speak with your child’s healthcare provider to ensure any dietary changes fit their individual needs.
At the same time, let's not forget about the power of a rainbow on the plate. A mix of colorful fruits and vegetables means your child can eat a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
With a bit of guidance and a sprinkle of fun, we're not just raising kids; we're raising independent thinkers who will grow up enjoying their food and making healthy decisions.
Greens powder can be a fuss-free way to help your child get their daily greens. Hiya’s Superfood Greens is specifically formulated for kids and, as always, is free from unnecessary junk like artificial flavors or dyes. Perfect for picky eaters and busy parents.
Sources
Proprietary Blends: What Does This Mean? | The Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Program
Perspectives on the Use of Proprietary Blends in Dietary Supplements | The Journal of Nutrition
Common Cold in Children | Stanford Medicine
The Immune System | Stanford Medicine
Dietary Supplements for Immune Function and Infectious Diseases | NIH
Kids Need Fiber: Here’s Why and How | Healthy Children
Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet | Mayo Clinic
