We all know that skipping out on breakfast is a big no-no. Taking an extra couple of minutes in the morning to nourish your body is a great way to get your metabolism going and fuel up for the day ahead with the correct combination of nutrients. Not only is this important for adults, but for children as well. Many children can be very picky with what they eat, especially first thing in the morning. The good news is that cereal has been shown to be a fast and easy way for children to get their vitamins and nutrients, and it’s a food that most kids will actually eat.

A report in the Journal of Pediatrics stated that cereal is a major source of vitamins and nutrients for children. Most breakfast cereals are fortified with these essentials, yet are tasty enough for kids to eat it. Folic acid is one nutrient that is readily available in most fortified cereals and important in children’s health. The National Cancer Institute and the United States Department of Agriculture states that between 23 and 33% of folic acid consumed by children is through breakfast cereals. Cereal also plays an important role in ensuring most children are getting enough Vitamin A, C, iron, and calcium (from the milk).

Although a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and whole grains is an ideal way for children to get their nutrients, the reality is that many children are stubborn when it comes to eating their vegetables. If your children are eating breakfast cereal on a consistent basis, then make sure to steer them away from sugary cereals, and more towards fortified whole grains. Recent reports aired on ctv.ca communicate shocking evidence that some cereals have just as much, if not more sugar, than a chocolate bar. Children consuming high amounts of sugar report to have hormonal imbalances and tend to overeat, leading to obesity. Obese children are at an extremely high risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and other health problems. Basically, it comes down to ensuring your child has a well rounded diet, and feeding them the right kind of cereal can play a big role in getting your children the vitamins and minerals they need to nourish their growing bodies. Feeding a fun multivitamin is also a great way to ensure their nutritional needs are being met.