Crucial vitamin improves your grandchildren’s BEHAVIOR?

Last week, we talked about how walnuts may improve behavior—and even symptoms of ADHD—in our teenage population.

So today, I want to expand on ways to help our younger generations achieve better mental and physical health.

Researchers are exploring the relationship between a vitamin that always holds top honors on my very own “Desert Island Supplement List”—a list of supplements I’d never want to be stranded on an island without….

And internalizing problems, like depression, anxiety, or social withdrawal, during childhood.

Deter internal battles

In an analysis featured in JAMA Network Open, researchers explored the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and children’s behavior.

They expanded on the Vitamin D Intervention in Infants (VIDI) study, which tested vitamin D3 supplementation (in varying amounts) on bone and immune health.

For this sub-analysis, researchers compared 10 mcg (400 IU) to 30 mcg (1,200 IU) of D3 over two years. (Infants received their dosages starting at two weeks of age, until two years.)

Then, using data from a parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist, researchers analyzed psychiatric symptoms around age seven.

Turns out, those receiving the higher dose of D3 (30 mcg) had a 60 percent lower chance of internalizing problems, like depression or anxiety, by ages six to eight.

Not too shabby for being just another vitamin, huh?

A safe alternative

Now, I should point out that researchers found no significant difference between D3 supplementation and externalizing behaviors (like verbal aggression).

But it’s still promising to see how a simple supplement can improve mental health at such vulnerable ages. Especially because, as I’ve written before, mental health disabilities are on the rise in these younger generations.

According to the latest estimates, about one in six children are dealing with at least one mental health disorder like depression, anxiety, or ADHD. And these disabilities can interfere with ALL aspects of their life.

So, if supplementing with vitamin D3 could potentially help improve these internal battles… why not give it a try?

Show this study to your children… and have them speak with your grandchild’s pediatrician to determine a dosage that’s right for them, depending on their age. Just remember, the standard recommended daily dose is sometimes much lower than what I would recommend—but it’s a good starting point.

I should also mention that it can take three to six weeks, or longer, of adding a new supplement before noticing a difference.

Because at the end of the day, I’d say a D3 supplement is a much safer alternative to addressing behavior problems in children than Big Pharma’s dangerous meds. And that’s just a starting point.

Check out my book Feed Your Kids Well for more advice on how to help improve all aspects of your grandchildren’s health.

And remember, vitamin D is important at ANY age, as it’s linked to various health benefits and increased longevity. Yet sadly, most of the population is deficient. Learn why I’ll always recommend it, and how to maintain optimal blood levels, here.

Source:

“High-Dose Vitamin D3 May Be Protective Against Some Childhood Behavioral Problems.” Medpage Today, 05/19/2023. (medpagetoday.com/pediatrics/generalpediatrics/104585)