Energy Supplements for Kids

Energy supplements give children a boost in nutrition when their diets are lacking specific vitamins and minerals. These vitamins are made to supplement the diet rather than replace wholesome, healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. You might want to give your child an energy supplement if she is a picky eater or if she has been suffering from an illness that prevents her from keeping food down. Kids' energy supplements come in the form of vitamin pills, protein shakes and protein bars.

Protein Shakes

• Children love protein shakes.

  Protein shakes are a common energy supplement given to kids. These shakes are packed with protein, minerals, calcium and iron along with a long list of other vitamins. Shakes are also filling and high in fiber. You can buy a protein powder shake mix to make at home or buy pre-made shakes. Spirulina is another protein supplement that you can add to your own homemade shake. Read the labels on shakes and only buy products that contain natural ingredients. Avoid products with corn syrup and other additives.

Vitamin Pills

• Vitamin pills are energy supplements for kids, but only buy vitamin pills that are made especially for children and read the instructions on the label. Children can easily overdose on vitamins because they taste good. Only give your children the dosage required. Place the vitamins in a high place where your children can't get them. Energy-enhancing vitamins should contain iron, B-vitamins and other nutrients. Garden of life is one company that makes natural vitamins for kids.

Protein Bars

• Protein bars are another type of energy supplement. Again, read your labels carefully before buying these snacks. Some supplements are not as healthy as it might seem. Read the list of ingredients. Don't buy it if sugar is the first ingredient on the list. Avoid protein bars that contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. Instead, buy bars that are packed with nutrients needed for energy, such as protein, B-vitamins, iron and minerals. Look for natural protein bars made for kids at your local health food store. These bars often have natural sweeteners to make them more appealing. Kidzbar and Promax make protein bars specifically for kids.