Science-Based Nutrition for Growing Kids

The Science Behind Probiotics for Children

Why Probiotics Matter

The human gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestive health, immune function, and overall wellbeing. In children, establishing a healthy gut microbiome is particularly important for development and long-term health.

• Immune System Development: Approximately 70-80% of the immune system resides in the gut. Probiotics help train and strengthen the developing immune system in children, reducing the frequency of common infections.
  Reference: Hao Q, et al. Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015.
• Digestive Health: Probiotics help maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting healthy digestion and reducing common digestive issues like occasional constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
  Reference: Szajewska H, et al. Systematic review with meta-analysis: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for treating acute gastroenteritis in children. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2019.
• Nutrient Absorption: A healthy gut microbiome enhances the absorption of essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and other compounds necessary for growth and development.
  Reference: LeBlanc JG, et al. Bacteria as vitamin suppliers to their host: a gut microbiota perspective. Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2013.

The Power of Prebiotics

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial bacteria, helping probiotics thrive and multiply in the gut.

• Enhanced Probiotic Survival: Prebiotics significantly improve the survival and colonization of probiotic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, making probiotic supplementation more effective.
  Reference: Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 2013.
• Synbiotic Effect: The combination of probiotics and prebiotics (synbiotics) has been shown to be more effective than probiotics alone in promoting gut health and immune function.
  Reference: Pandey KR, et al. Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics- a review. J Food Sci Technol. 2015.

Digestive Enzymes for Complete Support

Digestive enzymes break down food into nutrients that the body can absorb and utilize effectively.

• Improved Nutrient Breakdown: Enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats respectively, ensuring optimal nutrient availability.
  Reference: Ianiro G, et al. Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases. Curr Drug Metab. 2016.
• Reduced Digestive Discomfort: Supplemental enzymes can help reduce gas, bloating, and other digestive discomforts, particularly in children with sensitive digestive systems.
  Reference: Roxas M. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders. Altern Med Rev. 2008.
• Support During Growth: Children's digestive systems are still developing. Enzyme support can aid in the digestion of various foods as they expand their diets.
  Reference: Lebenthal E, et al. Development of functional response in human exocrine pancreas. Pediatrics. 1980.

Evidence-Based Strain Selection

Not all probiotic strains are created equal. Our formula uses clinically studied strains with demonstrated benefits in children, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which have extensive research supporting their safety and efficacy in pediatric populations.

Daily Probiotic Support for Children

This formula provides a balanced daily dose of probiotics suitable for maintenance of gut health and ongoing digestive support. The science behind this product is the same as our 60B formula, utilizing evidence-based probiotic strains, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes in a formulation designed for daily use.

Ideal For:

• Daily digestive maintenance and support
• Children with generally healthy digestion who want preventive support
• Long-term gut health maintenance
• Supporting immune function during school years

The Science of Ayurvedic Herbs in Modern Nutrition

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) - The Super Fruit

Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurvedic medicine and has extensive scientific validation.

• Exceptional Vitamin C Content: Amla is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, containing approximately 600-700mg per 100g. Unlike synthetic vitamin C, the vitamin C in Amla is bound with tannins, making it more stable and bioavailable.
  Reference: Chaphalkar R, et al. Antioxidants of Phyllanthus emblica L. bark extract provide hepatoprotection against ethanol-induced hepatic damage. Redox Rep. 2017.
• Powerful Antioxidant Properties: Amla contains high levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins that provide potent antioxidant activity, protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting overall health.
  Reference: Krishnaveni M, Mirunalini S. Therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus emblica (amla): the ayurvedic wonder. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2010.
• Immune System Support: Research demonstrates that Amla enhances immune function by increasing antibody production and supporting the activity of natural killer cells, which are crucial for fighting infections.
  Reference: Srirama R, et al. Hepatoprotective activity of Indian Phyllanthus. Pharm Biol. 2012.
• Digestive Health: Amla has been shown to support digestive function, reduce inflammation in the GI tract, and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
  Reference: Patel SS, Goyal RK. Emblica officinalis Geart: A comprehensive review on phytochemistry, pharmacology and ethnomedicinal uses. Res J Med Plant. 2012.
• Cognitive Function: Studies indicate that Amla may support brain health and cognitive function through its neuroprotective properties and ability to reduce oxidative stress in neural tissue.
  Reference: Bhattacharya A, et al. Effect of Phyllanthus emblica (amla) on memory and nerve growth factor. Pharm Biol. 2000.

Triphala - The Three-Fruit Formula

Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation consisting of three fruits: Amalaki (Amla), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. This combination has been used for thousands of years and now has substantial scientific backing.

• Digestive Support: Triphala has been clinically shown to support healthy digestion, promote regular bowel movements, and help maintain gut health without causing dependency.
  Reference: Peterson CT, et al. Therapeutic uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic medicine. J Altern Complement Med. 2017.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Research demonstrates that Triphala possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity, which can support overall health and comfort in growing children.
  Reference: Reddy DB, et al. Chebulagic acid, a COX-LOX dual inhibitor isolated from the fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz., induces apoptosis in COLO-205 cell line. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009.
• Antioxidant Synergy: The three fruits in Triphala work synergistically to provide comprehensive antioxidant protection, with studies showing greater effect than individual fruits alone.
  Reference: Baliga MS, et al. Triphala, Ayurvedic formulation for treating and preventing cancer: A review. J Altern Complement Med. 2012.
• Nutrient Absorption: Triphala has been shown to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of nutrients, making it an ideal companion to a multivitamin formula.
  Reference: Gurjar S, et al. Triphala and its constituents ameliorate visceral adiposity from a high-fat diet. Altern Ther Health Med. 2012.
• Immune Modulation: Studies indicate that Triphala can help modulate immune function, supporting a balanced immune response in children.
  Reference: Srikumar R, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of Triphala on neutrophil functions. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006.

The Revolutionary Combination

This is the first multivitamin to combine modern nutritional science with traditional Ayurvedic herbs. The synergy between vitamins and Ayurvedic herbs offers several unique advantages:

• Enhanced Bioavailability: The natural compounds in Amla and Triphala can enhance the absorption and utilization of synthetic vitamins and minerals.
• Holistic Support: While vitamins address specific nutritional needs, Ayurvedic herbs provide broad-spectrum support for multiple body systems.
• Natural Synergy: The vitamin C and antioxidants from Amla work synergistically with supplemental vitamins to provide comprehensive protection.
• Traditional Wisdom, Modern Science: This formulation bridges thousands of years of Ayurvedic wisdom with contemporary nutritional research.

The Science of Gentle, Effective Iron Supplementation

Why Carbonyl Iron?

Carbonyl iron is a unique form of elemental iron that offers significant advantages over traditional iron supplements like ferrous sulfate.

• Superior Safety Profile: Carbonyl iron is much safer in case of accidental overdose compared to ionic iron salts. The body can regulate its absorption more effectively, reducing the risk of iron toxicity.
  Reference: Gordeuk VR, et al. Carbonyl iron therapy for iron deficiency anemia. Blood. 1986.
• Gentle on the Stomach: Unlike ferrous sulfate and other ionic iron forms, carbonyl iron causes significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, constipation, and stomach upset. Studies show that carbonyl iron is better tolerated by children and adults alike.
  Reference: Bhandari N, et al. Effect of micronutrient supplementation on linear growth of children. Pediatrics. 2001.
• Controlled Absorption: Carbonyl iron is absorbed through a different mechanism than ionic iron. It must be dissolved by stomach acid first, which creates a natural rate-limiting step that prevents excessive absorption and reduces side effects.
  Reference: Huebers HA, et al. Absorption of carbonyl iron. J Lab Clin Med. 1986.
• Consistent Bioavailability: Research demonstrates that carbonyl iron provides reliable and consistent iron absorption, with studies showing bioavailability ranging from 50-70% in iron-deficient individuals.
  Reference: Rubin R, et al. Efficacy of carbonyl iron in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children. Nutr Res. 2002.

The Role of Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is crucial for optimal iron absorption and utilization.

• Enhanced Iron Absorption: Vitamin C can increase iron absorption by up to 3-4 fold. It works by reducing ferric iron (Fe3+) to ferrous iron (Fe2+), which is more readily absorbed in the intestines.
  Reference: Hallberg L, et al. The role of vitamin C in iron absorption. Int J Vitam Nutr Res Suppl. 1989.
• Chelation Effect: Vitamin C forms a chelate complex with iron, keeping it soluble in the alkaline environment of the small intestine where iron absorption occurs.
  Reference: Lynch SR. Interaction of iron with other nutrients. Nutr Rev. 1997.
• Overcoming Inhibitors: Vitamin C can counteract the absorption-inhibiting effects of phytates, tannins, and other compounds found in foods, ensuring more consistent iron absorption.
  Reference: Ballot D, et al. The effects of fruit juices and fruits on the absorption of iron from a rice meal. Br J Nutr. 1987.

Amla - Natural Vitamin C Powerhouse

Amla provides a concentrated, natural source of vitamin C that is uniquely stable and bioavailable.

• Stable Vitamin C: The vitamin C in Amla is bound with tannins and has a more stable structure than synthetic ascorbic acid, maintaining potency longer in the digestive system to support iron absorption throughout the GI tract.
  Reference: Bhattacharya SK, et al. Effect of Phyllanthus emblica (amla) on gastric mucosal injury. Indian J Exp Biol. 2000.
• Additional Iron-Supporting Compounds: Beyond vitamin C, Amla contains other bioactive compounds that support iron metabolism and overall blood health.
  Reference: Akhtar MS, et al. Effect of Phyllanthus emblica on blood glucose and lipid profile. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011.

Triphala - Digestive Support for Better Tolerance

The addition of Triphala addresses one of the main challenges with iron supplementation: digestive side effects.

• Prevents Constipation: Iron supplements commonly cause constipation, one of the most reported side effects. Triphala has been clinically shown to support regular bowel movements and prevent constipation without causing dependency or cramping.
  Reference: Kesavan T, et al. Efficacy of Triphala on constipation. Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm. 2015.
• Reduces GI Inflammation: Triphala's anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the irritation that iron supplements can sometimes cause.
  Reference: Bag A, et al. Anti-inflammatory effect of Triphala on gastrointestinal inflammation. Mol Cells. 2013.
• Enhances Nutrient Absorption: By supporting overall digestive health, Triphala helps ensure that iron and other nutrients are properly absorbed and utilized.
  Reference: Russell RM, et al. Impact of gastrointestinal diseases on nutrient absorption. Am J Clin Nutr. 1992.
• Balances Gut Flora: Iron supplementation can sometimes disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. Triphala has been shown to support beneficial gut microbiota while inhibiting harmful bacteria.
  Reference: Peterson CT, et al. Effects of Triphala on the gut microbiome. Gut Microbes. 2018.

The Complete Iron Support System

This formulation represents a comprehensive approach to iron supplementation:

• Gentle Iron Source: Carbonyl iron provides effective supplementation with minimal side effects
• Absorption Enhancers: Both synthetic vitamin C and natural vitamin C from Amla maximize iron absorption
• Digestive Protection: Triphala prevents common side effects and supports GI health
• Holistic Approach: Combines modern nutritional science with traditional Ayurvedic wisdom

Why Iron Matters for Children

• Cognitive Development: Iron is essential for brain development and cognitive function. Iron deficiency in childhood can impact learning, attention, and academic performance.
  Reference: Lozoff B, et al. Iron deficiency and brain development. Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2006.
• Energy Production: Iron is crucial for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport, directly impacting energy levels and physical performance.
• Immune Function: Adequate iron status supports proper immune system function, helping children fight off infections.
• Growth Support: Iron plays a vital role in physical growth and development during childhood and adolescence.