Vitamins, supplements, probiotics

[hopingforadvice]

Hi, first time poster. Have two children (3.5 and 1.5) who’ve constantly been ill since Dec. Eldest takes 2 Haliborange gummies ideally daily, though some days we forget, and is currently going through a period of no appetite so really worried he isn’t getting enough vitamins. The youngest (also picky eater) hasn’t been taking anything and I realise tonight she should have been taking a supplement from age 1.

Having read up on probiotics I’ve just bought some Optibac for them - however now very confused as to whether I can give Optibac daily plus a vitamin tablet?

I know the official NHS guidance is simply a supplement containing vitamins A, C and D - but it’s hard not to be lured by the other vitamins mentioned on some of the branded supplements.

Is there some magic product on the market that contains probiotics plus a comprehensive multivitamin?!

A probiotic without the food to feed the bacteria you are introducing is useless, and that food is fibre rich food such as vegetables, pulses and whole grains. You can introduce all the probiotics you want, but unless you fix the picky eating, it is the other bacteria that thrive on processed food that will dominate.
Fix the eating. No pill can compensate for a bad diet

Thank you for your reply cormoran, I appreciate your feedback. Diet offered is very healthy - lots of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, pulses etc. Very balanced and thought out.

Eldest used to be a superb eater but interest has waned significantly in recent months. Not sure if this is just a phase or there is something underlying at play, eg anaemia. Youngest has been getting infection after infection (not sure if being passed on from sibling in school and bringing every bug home!) and as a result her system is just totally depleted and I think affecting appetite. That’s why I thought boost their systems first…before possibly going to GP to investigate if other issues need investigating.

We will be glad to see the end of Winter 😷

Apologies, I understood picky eating a fussy eating.
So , they eat little quantities you mean. If this is the case, cut the snacks/grazing. They have breakfast at whatever time, Midmorning (2 hours after breakfast and 2 hours before lunch) , half a fruit. Lunch . Afternoon (2 hours after lunch and 2 hours before dinner), a yoghurt then dinner. And in between these, nothing, solid or liquid.
You need an appetite to have a good meal. Even a single bite of something will cut that appetite. A glass of milk or juice will impact how much they will eat.
Have them cook with you or next to you. Think of the sense of smell as a strong stimulant to the brain .
Despite marketing claims, you can't boost the immune system with supplements.
The being always sick is a rite of passage. Obviously, when one is poorly , appetite is gone. Hope this ends with the end of winter.

Thank you, that’s worth trying.

bumping for other opinions…