There’s something magical about fall. Leaves changing, crisp air, and anticipation of the holidays. Maybe you have plans to go pumpkin picking, decorate cookies, or go a winter vacation planned with the whole family...

But, it feels like no matter what we do right as parents, our kids are often not feeling their best during this time of year. So before they crawl into bed, declaring, “I don’t feel good,” we asked ourselves the questions: why does this always happen? And what can we do to protect them?

We spoke with Rachel Rothman (MS, RD, CLEC), a pediatric dietitian and mother of two, who shared her science-backed insights on kids and immunity. Her recommendations? 1) Good hygiene, 2) Regular activity, and 3) Proper nutrition - including vitamins that support immune health.

But, not all immune support vitamins are created equally. Traditional options, like Emergen-C, load up on just Vitamin C (and added sugar), while others can offer a more comprehensive boost to kids’ immune systems.

So what is the best option for kids’ immune support? Read on to find out what our pediatric dietitian had to say.

Why Are My Kids Always Staying Home From School This Time of Year?

According to Rothman, our pediatric dietitian:

1. Kids are More Likely to Not Feel Their Best in the Winter:
During the winter, kids spend even more time indoors, where pathogens can travel more easily.¹ Our bodies also have a harder time fighting off infections in cold weather, so it’s no wonder that kids are more likely to be stuck at home during the winter season, not feeling great.¹

2. Their Immune Systems are Still Developing:
“Kids are more susceptible than adults, as their immune systems are still developing,” explains Rothman. While adults build up their immune systems over the years, kids regularly encounter germs they haven’t met before.

3. They are Exposed to More New Things:
Kids constantly interact with other children at schools and playgrounds - sharing toys and touching surfaces that may harbor things you don’t want passed around - especially younger kids, who tend to explore with their hands and mouths first 🥴 This increased exposure can be really tough on kids in day care.²

4. They Aren’t Getting the Nutrients They Need:
According to the NIH, over half of kids have poor quality diets.³ But even a quality diet may not be enough. According to Rothman, “Important nutrients for high immune system function, like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Zinc, may not be met with food alone.”

A Great Way to Support Kids’ Developing Immune Systems

Start with the basics; ensure your kids get sleep, eat healthy, wash hands, and stay away from friends who aren’t feeling their best. According to Rothman, our pediatric dietitian, a great way to further strengthen your child’s developing immune system is with the support of vitamins.

“An immune support vitamin helps kids bridge the nutrition gap, and better supports their immune systems during the winter season,” says Rothman.

While Vitamin C is often the go-to for immune support, Rothman emphasizes more comprehensive nutrition. Look for supplements that offer a range of immune-supporting ingredients, like Vitamin E, Zinc, and Selenium, to provide well-rounded support.

Choosing the Right Immune Support Supplement

“Hiya is my first recommendation when it comes to kids and vitamin and mineral supplements,” says Rothman. Here’s why:

Immune-Supporting Ingredients: Hiya is packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that work together to strengthen the immune system. Let’s take a look at how Hiya compares to Emergen-C:

There are several key ingredients in Hiya that other supplements lack, such as:

• Immunity fruit blend: “These fruit powders are packed with nutrients, like antioxidants and vitamins, that support the immune system,” says Rothman. 🍎
• Vitamin E: an antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals.⁴ 🛡️
• Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan: a functional food ingredient that supports the immune system.⁵ 🌾
• Dried yeast fermentate: has benefits that have been shown to fight symptoms.⁶ 🤒

Hiya offers more comprehensive support for kids’ immune systems, making it the best option for kids daily immune support.

Zero Sugar: Alarmingly, Emergen-C has 3 grams of added sugar per gummy! Hiya contains zero grams of sugar, making it a healthier choice for your child’s overall and dental health.

Safety for Young Kids: Due to its tablet (not gummy) form, Hiya is suitable for children aged 2 and up, and can be safely given to kids in preschool and daycare, where kids come into contact with so much on a daily basis. Gummies, like Emergen-C, can be considered  a choking hazard for kids 3 and under.⁷

Give Your Kiddos the Support They Need This Winter!

As winter approaches and we’re stuck indoors, be proactive in keeping your kids healthy no matter what they face at daycare or in school. Beyond the foundations of good sleep and a balanced diet, immune support vitamins like Hiya Kids Daily Immune provide an extra layer of protection.

Take it from Rachel Rothman: “Hiya Kids Daily Immune offers full support to kids’ nutrition and immune health. I love that Hiya’s Immune Support comes in tablet form (and not a gummy), has no added sugar, contains key nutrients, and has its own immunity fruit blend.”  

Ready to try Hiya? With TCD, save 50% on your first order plus get free shipping. Hiya also offers discounts for families with more than one child.

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^{1. Children's Health: Kids Spend More Time Indoors in Winter}

^{2. Medline Plus: Risks of Daycare}

^{3. NIH: Over Half of Kids Have Poor Nutrition}

^{4 NIH: Vitamin E Immune System Benefits}

^{5. NIH: Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan Immune System Benefits}

^{6. NIH: Dried Yeast Fermentate Immune System Benefits}

^{7. Dr. Julie Wei: Gummies as a Choking Hazard for Young Kids}