Every parent is rightfully concerned about ensuring their child’s healthy growth and development – this includes not only physical growth (height & weight), but also supplementing healthy brain development or other organ health, and immune system health.

Setting inherent genetics aside, much of a child’s natural healthy development can be attributed to a few basic key factors: adequate sleep, adequate nutrition, a healthy diet, and adequate mental stimulation. These are all factors with which parents can hold influence over, by building daily habits and ensuring their child is receiving enough of these basic factors.  

Is My Child Too Short? What is a “Normal” Growth Rate?

We emphasize that “Normal” is relative and dependent on a variety of additional factors; Simply because your child does not fall within the specified ranges, is not indicative of a problem or sign of malnutrition, but could be an opportunity to speak with your child’s healthcare provider.

With that being said, the following are some average ranges of height & weight, developed by the CDC:

Data source: https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/clinical_charts.htm

Intellectual Development & Diet

Referencing medlineplus.gov “Poor nutrition can cause problems with a child's intellectual development. A child with a poor diet may be tired and unable to learn at school. Also, poor nutrition can make the child more likely to get sick and miss school.” (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002456.htm)

As such, beyond ensuring your child is getting enough food to satiate hunger, it is important they are also receiving the right nutrients in each meal to maximize brain development. These key nutrients include proteins, fats, and micronutrients such as the omega-3 fatty acid DHA.

According to US News Health, “More than half of the brain is made up of fat - Docosahexaenoic acid, or what's more commonly referred to as DHA, is a long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acid and a prominent omega-3 fat in the brain. DHA is necessary for the creation, movement, organization and connection of the brain’s neurons. It is also involved in building the structure of the retina. As such, DHA plays a role in intelligence, vision, attention and impulse control.” https://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-parents/articles/nutrition-tips-to-support-healthy-brain-development-throughout-childhood

5 Key Vitamins & Supplements for your Child’s Growth – Backed by Science

1. Calcium – Child Growth

Calcium has been a regularly prescribed supplement for bone development and growth; Commonly found in milk and dairy products as well as leafy green vegetables, studies have shown that since calcium is one of the main mineral components of bone tissue, it is essential for adequate bone formation and, considering that vitamin D plays an important role in calcium metabolism, a diet with insufficient quantities of these nutrients can impact on the formation of the skeleton and on the process of growth and development.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18923788

2. Vitamin D3 – Bone Health

Vitamin D helps a child's body absorb calcium - when he or she takes in an adequate amount of vitamin D and calcium,  it can replenish her bones and teeth when they need more of the mineral. Without enough Vitamin D, she may not store enough calcium, even if she takes in an adequate amount.

A study of 330 children aged 12-15 showcased a 0.9 (±0.3 SE) cm greater increase in height in the vitamin-D treated children, compared to placebo treated children. 

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5421751/

3. Magnesium – Strength Development

A study on basketball, handball, & volleyball players showcased a marked improvement in strength and performance with increased Magnesium use. 

Magnesium helps to maintain normal nerve and muscle function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heart beat steady, and helps bones remain strong. It also helps regulate blood glucose levels and aid in the production of energy and protein. 

Source: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0ffb/664d8dabb50bc5aba4d91d2d51528f8d4922.pdf

4. Omega-3 DHA’s – Brain Development

Omega-3 DHA is commonly found in food products such as salmon or tuna. Studies of brain activity reported benefits of DHA supplementation and over half of the studies reported a favorable role for DHA or long chain omega-3 fatty acids in at least one area of cognition or behavior. Studies also suggested an important role for DHA in school performance.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738999/

5. Colostrum – Immune Health

Colostrum is the first form of milk produced before breast milk – it is very nutritious and contains high levels of antibodies, which are proteins that fight infections and bacteria.

The inclusion of oral bovine immunoglobulins in specialized dairy products and infant nutrition may therefore be a promising approach to support immune function in vulnerable groups such as infants, children, elderly and immunocompromised patients.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6024018/

SureMeal™ Tall, Smart & Strong Drink Mix is a great choice for your growing child.

• 40% of the daily value of Calcium (525 mg)
• 50% of the daily value of Vitamin D3 (10 mcg)
• 50% of the daily value of Magnesium (208 mg)
• Proprietary blend including vegetarian Omega-3 DHA's for brain support
• Colostrum for immune defense
• Strawberry and Apple juice powder for extra nutrients