Kids’ Nutrition, Vitamins & Wellness Guide

Research has shown a strong connection between nutrition, gut health, and mental well-being in children. In fact, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals—like B vitamins, zinc, vitamin D, and folate—have been linked to mood disorders such as irritability, depression, and anxiety (National Institutes of Health). Studies also show that the gut-brain connection plays a crucial role in regulating emotions, focus, and even behavior (Harvard Health).

Back-to-school season is here, and parents everywhere are looking for ways to help their kids stay sharp, focused, and ready to learn. One of the most powerful tools for supporting brain health starts with proper nutrition—yet many kids, especially picky eaters or those with sensory sensitivities, struggle to get enough essential vitamins and minerals through food alone, which often means they miss out on key nutrients needed for growing bodies and brains.

Summer is the season of sticky fingers, pool days, and endless snack requests. But it’s also a time when routines get a little looser—and getting your kids the nutrition they need can be harder than ever. That’s where EllaOla’s Unflavored Multivitamin Powder for Kids comes in. This dietitian-formulated powder blends seamlessly into foods and drinks without changing the taste, color, or texture—making it the ultimate mom hack for picky eaters, busy families, or any child who just won’t do vitamins.

If your child needs more iron, you’re not alone. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient gaps in childhood—and it can affect everything from mood and energy to focus, growth, and immune health. But giving your child iron isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Not all forms are well absorbed, and some can cause tummy troubles or unpleasant tastes that kids instantly reject.

As parents, we do our best to make sure our kids are growing up happy, healthy, and strong. But even with the best intentions, one of the most common nutritional gaps in children’s diets is often overlooked: iron deficiency.

In fact, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world—and it’s especially prevalent in young children. According to the CDC, nearly 10% of children in the U.S. under the age of 3 are iron deficient. Among adults, the numbers are even more staggering: up to 25% of women of reproductive age and many individuals with restricted diets (like picky eaters or kids with sensory sensitivities) may not be getting enough iron either.

School's out, kids out! Between camp days, road trips, pool parties, and late bedtimes, summer is a season of fun—but it can also mean unpredictable routines, skipped meals, and extra demands on your child’s growing body.

As a pediatric dietitian, the families I work with are doing their best, but sometimes helping their kids get enough nutrition can still be a challenge. Between picky eating, busy schedules, and sensory sensitivities, it’s easy to fall short on key nutrients that are essential for energy, focus, growth, and immune health. Here are my top 5 tips to help your child feel and function at their best every day:

If your pediatrician has recommended an iron supplement for your child, you're not alone. Iron is essential for growing bodies and developing brains—but getting kids to actually take their iron can be a struggle, especially when it comes in liquid form. Here’s why many parents are making the switch from liquid iron to powder—and why EllaOla’s new Unflavored Iron for Kids Powder is making that transition easier than ever.

If your pediatrician has recommended an iron supplement for your child, you're not alone. Iron is essential for growing bodies and developing brains—but getting kids to actually take their iron can be a struggle, especially when it comes in liquid form. Here’s why many parents are making the switch from liquid iron to powder—and why EllaOla’s new Unflavored Iron for Kids Powder is making that transition easier than ever.

If you’ve got kids in school (or more than one under your roof), you know that someone always seems to be coming down with something. Whether it’s the classroom cold making its 3rd round or another surprise stomach bug, it can feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of tissues, thermometers, and missed days. But here’s the good news: you can help support your child’s immune system year-round—with a few simple habits that really work.

As parents, we often encounter phases where our children seem to have little to no appetite, making mealtime a challenging endeavor. While it's common for children's appetites to fluctuate, persistent lack of interest in food can be concerning. Interestingly, certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies might play a role in these appetite changes.

If your child has been extra cranky, emotional, or struggling to concentrate lately, you're not alone—and it's not always “just a phase.” While mood swings, tantrums, and high energy are normal parts of childhood, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can make those behaviors more intense and harder to manage.