Benefits of spirulina for the health of children

Spirulina has been shown to be very good for human health. For young children, the benefits of spirulina are also highly appreciated if parents give their children properly.

What is spirulina?

Spirulina, also known as Spirulina, is a type of green microalgae that naturally grows in oceans and saltwater lakes. In nature, spirulina is found in subtropical climates but now, with the development of modern technology, this algae is grown all over the world.

Lots of scientific studies and practical evidence have proven spirulina is a superfood that can provide a lot of nutrients to the body. Currently, on the market, this algae is sold in powder or pill form. In addition, spirulina is added to many foods and drinks and is even used as a natural colorant.

Should children eat spirulina or not?

According to nutrition experts, this algae is 100% safe for children. Not only that, it also offers a lot of health benefits with its rich protein content. However, when feeding your baby, choose organic spirulina because other types may contain harmful additives such as nitrate compounds, which can affect your baby's health.

When choosing to buy spirulina for your baby and family, you should buy from safe, reputable, clear origins. You can start to use it during the weaning phase, but only a small amount of food should be offered. For toddlers , you can give them about 1g of spirulina juice per day. When the child is 1 year old, each day, he or she can use 3 - 4g, if the child is fed with father , you can give him more.

Benefits of Spirulina for Child Health

Spirulina contains a lot of essential nutrients for the body, so it can bring a lot of health benefits:

1. Rich in vitamins

Spirulina contains many important vitamins, essential for the growth and development of young children:

Vitamin E: Children need a lot of vitamin E for proper growth and development. Vitamin E has been scientifically shown to play an important role in the conversion of foods into energy.

Vitamin C: Is one of the essential nutrients that should be supplemented through foods that children eat every day. This nutrient is especially beneficial for the immune system, helping to prevent colds , flu and other diseases that children are more prone to.

Beta-carotene (precursor of vitamin A): Children need 3 to 6 mg of beta-carotene per day. You just need to add a small amount of spirulina to your child's foods to provide enough beta-carotene that your child needs each day.

2. Rich in minerals

Spirulina contains many minerals that are essential for your baby's growth and development. Specifically, in spirulina contains:

Iron: Infants 7-12 months old need 11mg of iron per day. In addition to breast milk and formula, children younger than 1 year old should get more iron through foods. Mother feeding a small amount of spirulina can supplement enough iron that the body needs. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout the body and is essential for the health of blood cells.

Kali: The foods rich in potassium can be very good for regulating blood pressure. Potassium helps to create new cells and enzymes, promotes wound healing. Spirulina feeding is a great way to meet the potassium needs they need each day.

Calcium: For children and teenagers, getting enough calcium daily for the body is important for building strong bones, while also preventing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in adulthood. However, according to statistics, at the age of 12, only 1 in 10 girls and one third of boys have enough calcium for their body. Children 1-3 years old need 700 mg of calcium, 4-8 years old need 1,000 mg of calcium and 9-18 years old need 1,300 mg. Spirulina can meet this amount of calcium for the body if added to the child's diet.

3. Strengthen the immune system

Young children are more susceptible to the flu than adults, partly because their immune systems are still immature, and partly because they have not yet consciously protected themselves in public places such as schools and parks. ...

To protect your child, you need to find ways to help strengthen your child's immune system. Some animal studies suggest that spirulina may help the body increase its production of antibodies and proteins that fight infection.

4. Provide beneficial bacteria

Studies have proven that spirulina's benefits also lie in enhancing the digestive system and secretory function in children. This algae helps to inhibit harmful bacteria such as coli, candida, and stimulates beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifido. Probiotics are the foundation of good health because they work to increase the ability of children to absorb nutrients from the foods they eat, while also preventing infections.

5. Combat allergic reactions

Scientific research shows that young children who eat a lot of spirulina can reduce the risk of experiencing allergic reactions . This is because spirulina is able to inhibit the release of histamine or other substances that cause allergies in children. Common allergy symptoms such as runny nose, runny nose, hives ... can be kept away from your baby if you feed your baby spirulina regularly.

6. Meet the body's protein needs

Protein is essential for children's growth and development . During childhood, children will need more protein to maintain proper body functions. Spirulina has abundant protein reserves. Thanks to its high protein content, spirulina can be used as a protein supplement for your baby.

Notes when giving spirulina to young children

There have been cases of young children allergic to spirulina. Common allergy symptoms are a rash and cause discomfort. Most children have only mild allergies and rare cases are serious. In addition, children may also experience diarrhea, stomach pain and heavy metal poisoning .

Although spirulina brings many health benefits for children, you should still only feed your child a sufficient amount, avoiding overeating to avoid side effects. When feeding your baby, you must observe carefully for signs of allergy or not, if so, stop feeding the baby immediately. And remember before giving to your child, always consult your doctor to know some notes to remember.