PediaSure 7+ Age Group: The Second Growth Spurt
The period between 7 and 14 years old marks a significant developmental stage in a child's life, known as the second growth spurt. During these years, children experience rapid bone growth and muscle development, and their nutritional needs change substantially. PediaSure 7+ is specifically formulated by Abbott Nutrition to address these evolving requirements, providing a concentrated source of nutrients to complement their daily diet. The '7+' in its name directly indicates its target demographic, distinguishing it from the standard PediaSure products designed for younger children.
Key Nutritional Benefits for 7-14 Year Olds
For children in this age range, proper nutrition is paramount for maximizing their growth potential and supporting their cognitive functions. PediaSure 7+ is fortified with ingredients that cater to these specific needs.
- Enhanced Bone Growth: During this age, bones can grow significantly, and PediaSure 7+ provides high levels of calcium and Vitamin D to support bone mineralization and strength.
- Muscle Strength Improvement: With high-quality protein, this supplement helps in building muscle mass and overall strength, essential for an active lifestyle.
- Brain Development: The formula includes key 'Neuronutrients' such as folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, and iron, which are vital for supporting cognitive function and brain development.
- Immunity Boost: A healthy immune system is crucial for sustained growth. PediaSure 7+ includes ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics, zinc, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E to help support immunity.
Comparison: PediaSure vs. PediaSure 7+
Understanding the differences between the various PediaSure products can help parents make an informed choice for their child's specific age and developmental stage. The primary distinction lies in the nutritional profile and target age group.
| Feature | PediaSure (Ages 2-6) | PediaSure 7+ (Ages 7-14) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Age Group | 2 to 6 years | 7 to 14 years |
| Nutritional Focus | Supports general growth for picky eaters, focusing on early development and catching up on growth. | Supports the second growth spurt, emphasizing height gain, bone strength, and brain development. |
| Key Ingredients | Formulated with 37 vital nutrients, including the Nutri-Pull system for nutrient absorption. | Includes high-quality protein, the added goodness of oats and almonds, and specific Neuronutrients. |
| Bone Growth Support | Helps with early bone development. | Supports rapid bone growth, which can increase by up to 1.5 times during this period. |
| Common Claims | Clinically proven for catch-up growth in younger children. | Scientifically designed to support height gain and strength during the adolescent growth spurt. |
How to Incorporate PediaSure 7+ into Your Child's Diet
As a dietary supplement, PediaSure 7+ is not intended to be the sole source of nutrition but rather a complement to a balanced diet. It is important to follow the preparation and serving instructions on the product packaging, which typically involves mixing the powder with water or milk. Most recommendations suggest two servings per day to achieve the full nutritional benefits. A balanced approach ensures children receive a broad range of nutrients from whole foods while supplementing with PediaSure 7+ to fill potential gaps.
Is PediaSure 7+ Right for Your Child?
Before introducing any new supplement, parents should consider their child's specific dietary needs and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if the child has any pre-existing conditions or dietary restrictions. For children who are picky eaters or whose regular diet may lack adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals, PediaSure 7+ can be a beneficial addition. It provides a convenient and palatable way to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development during their adolescent years. The addition of ingredients like oats and almonds adds a source of fiber and additional nutrients, further enhancing its appeal as a comprehensive supplement.
Conclusion: Targeting Key Developmental Years
In summary, PediaSure 7+ is a specialized nutritional supplement for children and pre-teens between 7 and 14 years old. Its formulation is tailored to support the unique and heightened nutritional demands of the second growth spurt. By providing a rich source of high-quality protein, bone-supporting nutrients, and cognitive boosters, it assists in enhancing height, strength, and brain development during this critical period. For parents looking to ensure their growing child receives complete and balanced nutrition to complement their regular meals, PediaSure 7+ offers a scientifically-designed solution.
PediaSure 7+ Benefits for Adolescents
- Supports bone strength with nutrients like Protein, Calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K2 to improve bone mineral density and muscle mass.
- Aids height gain with a blend of essential nutrients, including Iron, Iodine, and high-quality protein.
- Enhances brain development with vital Neuronutrients such as Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Zinc, Iron, and Iodine.
- Boosts immunity with a unique combination of prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidants like Vitamins A, C, and E.
- Provides a complete and balanced nutritional boost, filling potential gaps in a picky eater's diet during a phase of rapid development.
