From Infancy to Teenagers

by Eric Munson | July 1, 2026

Integrative and holistic approaches to maintain children’s health.

According to Grand View Research, the global children’s dietary health supplements market is expected to reach a valuation of more than $6 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6 percent from 2026-2033.

The report shows, especially in the post-pandemic world, that parents have become far more proactive about their children’s health. Supplement use has soared as families seek solutions to strengthen immunity, improve sleep, enhance focus and support emotional balance.

As families turn to natural remedies and products, alternative and integrative health care practitioners are recommending various holistic approaches to address both nutritional gaps and parents’ concerns.

Dr. Nicole Avena, associate professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and visiting professor of health psychology at Princeton University, said children’s health needs change significantly from infancy through adolescence.

“Babies require foundational support for growth, brain development, digestion, sleep and immune system maturation, with common concerns including colic, reflux, eczema and food allergies,” Dr. Avena explained. “School-age children need consistent nutrition, immune support, healthy digestion and emotional regulation as they grow and learn. Teens face increased demands related to hormonal changes, mental health, bone development and higher nutrient needs.”

Kiera Smialek, ND, FABNP, naturopathic pediatrician and owner and founder of Natural Kid Doc in Scottsdale, AZ, added because children’s needs evolve significantly through the teen years there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to pediatric care. She elaborated on how to handle each life stage:

• Babies: For babies, focus on foundational health. Things like feeding, sleep, digestion, immune system development and nervous system regulation. Infancy is a period of rapid brain and immune development, so focusing on nutrition, gut health and healthy attachment is incredibly important.

• Children: In children, focus more on immune resilience, nutrition, emotional regulation, sleep quality, movement and healthy routines. This is also when we start seeing more chronic concerns emerge, such as eczema, allergies, constipation, recurrent infections or attention and behavioral challenges.

• Teens: In teens, it’s important to focus on hormonal changes, stress, mental health, sleep and nutrition. Teens experience a significant amount of physical and emotional development that needs support. Talk a lot about healthy lifestyle habits and building confidence and resilience.

Health Needs

According to Justin Green, PhD, scientific affairs lead for EpiCor at Minnesota-based Cargill, children and teens have more “naïve” immune systems compared to adults. The immune system is adaptive—after the body encounters a virus or other immune trigger, it is generally better prepared to respond next time. Children have had fewer exposures to common viruses and other immune challenges so they’re more susceptible to infections.

“At the same time, caregivers and health care professionals often prefer to limit the use of over-the-counter medications in children whenever possible, particularly for routine viral illnesses. That makes maintaining a healthy, balanced immune system especially important,” Dr. Green explained. “Childhood and adolescence are also important developmental windows for immune-related processes. For example, many allergies first emerge during childhood. Researchers are also increasingly interested in how the gut microbiome develops early in life. During childhood, the microbiome appears to coalesce into a particular composition that becomes difficult to change as adults.”

Dr. Mika Gupta, neurologist and founder and CEO of Mama Bird (Denver, CO), said the brain doesn’t finish developing until age 25, but the most critical window—what she calls the “First 1,000 Days”—runs from conception through a child’s second birthday. During this period, the foundation for every cognitive, emotional and physical system is being laid. Nutritional deficits aren’t just a short term-problem—they can have lifelong consequences.

“For babies, the earliest years of life are a critical window for establishing a healthy microbiome, supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, neurodevelopment and early immune development. The first microbes that colonize the infant gut help shape immune training, brain development and gastrointestinal function during this foundational stage of growth,” said Mimi Hernandez, MS, RH(AHG), clinical educator at Standard Process (Palmyra, WI).

Hernandez added school-aged children face new development demands such as maintaining focus and learning throughout the school day to navigating social interactions, emotional stressors and increasingly busy schedules. There is also growing exposure to ultra-processed foods and environmental stressors that influence the developing gut microbiome.

“Teenagers experience rapid hormonal and metabolic changes alongside increased academic demands, social pressures, stress, sleep disruption and changing eating habits. During adolescence, supporting the gut microbiome may help promote digestive health, immune function, mood and stress resilience throughout a period of significant physical and emotional development,” she said.

Dr. Stacey Smith, senior medical affairs liaison at Gnosis by Lesaffre (France/Milwaukee, WI) noted that because nutritional and physiological needs evolve dramatically throughout development, age-specific support is crucial.

“During infancy and early childhood, foundational development is the priority. This includes brain and nervous system development, immune system maturation, digestive and microbiome establishment, skeletal growth and healthy cell division and DNA synthesis,” Dr. Smith said. “As children grow, immune resilience, digestive health, cognitive performance and bone development become increasingly important.”

According to Dr. Smith, the teen years involve another major development surge driven by hormonal changes, accelerated skeletal growth, cognitive demands, emotional stress, sleep disruption and dietary inconsistency.

Post-puberty, young women may be first susceptible to bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), conditions that are both uncomfortable and embarrassing. They can occur in teens who are not sexually active because the culprit is an “imbalance in vaginal bacteria often caused by menstrual cycle hormonal shifts.”

“Practitioners are increasingly focused on nutrient sufficiency, stress resilience, gut-brain interactions, sports recovery and musculoskeletal support, immune function and healthy mood and energy metabolism,” Dr. Smith said.

Holistic Health Tools

Dr. Smialek said holistic tools should focus on supporting and treating the whole child, not just the symptoms. It is important to begin with the foundations of health—nutrition, sleep, movement, stress reduction, nervous system regulation and healthy routines. These are often overlooked but can have a significant impact on a child’s overall well-being.

“Depending on the child and their needs, it may be good to incorporate targeted supplementation, herbal medicines, homeopathy, mindfulness practices, nutrition or lifestyle counseling. The goal should be to identify and address the root cause, so sometimes we incorporate specialized testing. Each child’s treatment plan is individualized and tailored to their specific needs,” Dr. Smialek explained.

Hernandez said the microbiome is increasingly being recognized as a foundational influence on digestion, immune resilience, mood, cognition, learning and overall well-being throughout every stage of childhood development.

“One of the most important holistic tools for supporting children’s wellness is nourishing the gut microbiome through whole foods, fiber diversity, healthy lifestyle habits, and targeted probiotic support when appropriate,” Hernandez said. “Fiber diversity matters because different fibers nourish different beneficial microbes. A varied, whole-food diet helps build microbial diversity, which is closely connected to digestive and immune health.”

Dr. Green said families are embracing preventative measures that support their children’s overall well-being including balanced nutrition, sleep, physical activity, stress management and hydration.

“Within the supplement category, science-backed ingredients, including postbiotics, are gaining attention for their role in supporting immune and digestive health. Delivery formats are also evolving, with gummies, chews and drink powders helping improve convenience and compliance for children and parents alike,” Dr. Green added.

According to Dr. Gupta, nutrition is always the foundation, and she believes it’s the most underutilized tool in pediatric wellness. Beyond nutrition, the other pillars of health include sleep, movement, nature exposure, reduced screen time and gut health.

“Food first, always—but even the most conscientious families have gaps. That’s where targeted supplementation comes in, and the key word is targeted. Not every child needs the same thing. A neurologist’s approach means we’re thinking about what the brain specifically needs at each developmental stage, not just filling a general wellness bucket,” Dr. Gupta said.

Natural Remedies and Products

Dr. Avena recommended several natural remedies including saline nasal sprays, humidifiers, honey (for children age 1 and older), Epsom salt baths and select herbal teas.

Dr. Smialek said she always focuses on foundational habits first rather than looking for a “quick fix” with a specific natural product or remedy. Once the foundations are in place, she begins discussing additional support that may be beneficial. She recommended products such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, probiotics, vitamin C, zinc, herbal medicines and homeopathy.

“I also recommend prioritizing high-quality products and avoiding unnecessary additives, fragrances, artificial dyes and heavily processed ingredients whenever possible,” Dr. Smialek added. “Natural products and remedies should still be used thoughtfully and safely. ‘Natural’ does not automatically mean it is appropriate for every child, so individualized guidance is important, especially for children with medical conditions.”

Mama Bird’s children’s line was built with a single question in mind: what does a developing brain actually need and are we delivering it in therapeutic, meaningful amounts? Many children’s supplements are “essentially marketing dressed up as nutrition—underdosed, full of sugar and missing crucial nutrients,” according to Dr. Gupta.

Mama Bird’s Kids Multi+ is formulated with the some of the most common micronutrients that children are commonly deficient in such as methylated B vitamins, zinc, vitamins D3 and K2, and Aquamin—a marine-sourced multimineral that delivers bioavailable calcium, magnesium and 72 trade minerals from sustainably harvested red algae.

“What makes Mama Bird different is the neurologist-formulation story. I’m not a general practitioner or a wellness influencer. I’m a board-certified neurologist who understands how these nutrients interact with the developing nervous system, and that specificity is built into every formula,” Dr. Gupta said.

Cargill’s EpiCor is an innovative, science-backed postbiotic ingredient shown to support immune health. It is derived from the fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) and contains a beneficial mix of metabolites and numerous other health-enhancing bioactive compounds. It has a track record of success across more than 15 studies including a recent study published in Pediatric Research.1-2

“Conducted during the traditional cold and flu season, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of a daily 500 mg dose of EpiCor in children aged 4 to 12. Children receiving EpiCor experienced statistically significant reductions in the severity of cold and flu symptoms compared to placebo. Caregivers also reported fewer instances of sore throats and muscle aches, and notably, children in the EpiCor group were nearly twice as likely to avoid the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications during the study period,” Dr. Green explained.

Gnosis offers several science-backed ingredients that support health across multiple life stages including childhood development. These ingredients include Quatrefolic, MenaQ7, Quatreflora and Lynside PRO SCB.

SP Children’s ProSynbiotic from Standard Process was developed to support children’s gut and immune health through a synbiotic approach combining clinically studied probiotic strains with complementary whole food-based prebiotic fibers.

“SP Children’s ProSynbiotic features three child-friendly organisms—Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12, and Saccharomyces boulardii—selected to help support microbial balance, healthy bowel function, and immune resilience in children. Each serving also provides diverse prebiotic plant fibers from chicory root inulin, green banana flour, apple pectin and Organic Royal Ancient Oats, grown on the Standard Process certified organic farm in Wisconsin,” Hernandez said.

Maintaining Children’s Health

Dr. Gupta recommended to stop treating children’s health as a “static target.” The needs at age 2 are categorically different from the needs at age 7 or age 14. Annual reassessment, ideally with a practitioner who understands developmental nutrition, is something every family should build into their routine.

She also encouraged parents to think about a “brain-first” framework. When brain health is optimized, everything else follows—mood, immunity, energy and behavior. She also said to be skeptical of generic recommendations.

“The RDA system was not designed with neurological optimization in mind—it was designed to prevent deficiency diseases. There’s a meaningful difference between “not deficient” and “thriving,” and parents deserve to understand that distinction,” Dr. Gupta said.

According to Hernandez, supporting the gut microbiome early in life may be one of the most foundational ways to promote long-term health and resilience. Today more than 70 percent of the American food supply is ultra-processed, often displacing the whole foods and diverse fibers that beneficial microbes rely on.

“The gut microbiome thrives on diversity. When children eat a wide range of colorful plant foods and fibers, they help support microbial richness connected to digestion, immune function, mood, cognition and overall wellness,” Hernandez said. “Practitioners have an important opportunity to help families understand how modern lifestyle patterns, including ultra-processed diets and reduced fiber diversity, may influence the developing gut microbiome and overall childhood wellness.”

Dr. Avena’s book What to Feed Your Baby and Toddler provides helpful strategies for focusing on a whole-food based diet for your child.

“To help maintain children’s health as they grow and change, practitioners will emphasize a strong nutritional foundation, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, gut health support and stable family routines. Limiting ultra-processed foods and excess sugar while encouraging fruits, vegetables, quality proteins, and healthy fats can support optimal development and immune resilience,” she said.

According to Dr. Smialek, consistency with foundational basics is what matters most. Children thrive when we focus on healthy routines, nourishing meals, movement, outdoor play, adequate sleep, emotional connection, and time for rest and regulation. These habits help build resilience and teach children how to care for themselves as they get older.

“I also encourage parents to pay attention to subtle changes early. Often, the body gives small signs before larger issues develop. They may notice changes in sleep, digestion, mood, focus, skin or energy levels, which can provide important clues.” Dr. Smialek explained. “Regular wellness visits are valuable because they allow us to monitor growth and development, support prevention, and partner with families proactively rather than waiting until problems become more significant. Most importantly, I encourage parents to trust their instincts and seek providers who listen, educate, and work collaboratively with families.”

Dr. Green recommended balanced nutrition, quality sleep, regular physical activity and good hygiene habits all play important roles in supporting overall health and immune function. Cargill’s research suggests parents are also interested in products that help maintain their children’s immune function throughout the year.

“When supplements are used, products designed in child-friendly formats like gummies can help support adherence and fit more naturally into everyday family routines. Science-backed ingredients with demonstrated benefits and convenient delivery formats can help parents feel more confident in supporting their children’s wellness routines,” Dr. Green said.

Integrative and Natural Practitioners

According to Dr. Avena, integrative and natural practitioners can take a whole-child approach by assessing nutrition, sleep, digestion, environmental exposures and emotional well-being.

“They may use personalized nutrition plans, targeted supplementation, herbal medicine and mind-body techniques alongside conventional medical care. This approach can be especially helpful in managing common pediatric concerns such as constipation, eczema, asthma, allergies, ADHD, anxiety, acne and recurrent infections while promoting long-term health and wellness,” Dr. Avena said.

Dr. Smialek added integrative practitioners play an important role in combating illness and other conditions by combining evidence-based medicine with a more comprehensive, root cause-focused approach.

“We want to understand what may be contributing to a child’s health challenges while supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and regulate. Integrative care can also provide families with tools for prevention, immune support, and overall wellness, while creating space for education and partnership with parents. Empowered and proactive parents are really one of the most impactful parts of pediatric care,” Dr. Smialek said.

According to Dr. Gupta, integrative practitioners bring something that conventional medicine doesn’t have time for—the long view. For example, if a child comes in with recurrent ear infections or behavioral challenges, an integrative practitioner is asking “what’s driving this systematically.” This might mean looking at gut health, sleep, nutritional status or environmental exposures that would never come up in a standard 15-minute appointment.

“I’m a conventionally trained neurologist, but my clinical approach has always been integrative. I’ve seen firsthand what targeted nutritional intervention, sleep optimization, and stress reduction can do for children who were otherwise being funneled toward pharmaceutical management. That’s not an anti-medicine position—it’s a both/and approach. The tools of integrative medicine and conventional medicine are most powerful when used together,” Dr. Gupta said.

“Modern children face unique microbiome-related challenges including ultra-processed diets, reduced outdoor exposure, overly sterilized environments, chronic stress and reduced fiber diversity. Research continues to demonstrate that the gut microbiome influences far more than digestion alone, with important connections to immune function, mood, cognition, metabolism, and overall resilience,” Hernandez added. “A proactive approach that supports microbial diversity through whole foods, fiber-rich diets, outdoor activity and healthy lifestyle habits may help build a stronger foundation for lifelong wellness.”

References:

1 www.cargill.com/2024/epicor-postbiotic-shown-to-help-support-childrens-immune.

2 www.nature.com/articles/s41390-024-03331-z.

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Elevated Weighted Comfort Products to Ease Stress and Anxiety

Founded in 2022 by health and wellness editor Marina Khidekel, Hugimals World (New York, NY) creates elevated weighted comfort products designed to ease stress and anxiety, and bring calm and better sleep through the science of “Deep Touch Pressure.”

Khidekel understood the therapeutic benefits of weighted blankets, but found them too bulky and couldn’t find a portable, beautifully designed alternative that brought emotional support to both adults and kids. This search grew into Hugimals, an award-winning, globally resonant brand specializing in weighted plush animals, warmable neck wraps and wearable comfort products for all ages.

“Hugimals World’s signature weighted plush animals, Hugimals, are intentionally designed to deliver the calming sensation of a real hug,” Khidekel said. “Unlike traditional weighted plush with weight concentrated in one area, Hugimals products feature evenly distributed weight throughout the body, limbs and head to create a more comforting, grounding feel (like you’re getting hugged). Developed with therapists and informed by the science of Deep Touch Pressure, the products are designed to help calm the nervous system and promote feelings of safety, comfort and relaxation.”

The plush animals are hand-sewn with ultra-soft sensory fabrics, soothing color pallets and empathetic neutral facial expressions designed to feel emotionally supportive to children and adults alike. The company recently introduced Hugarounds, warmable and freezable weighted plush shoulder wraps with long arms/wings that wrap around the body and stay hugging while you move for portable hands-free hugs and sensory grounding on the go. The weighted Hug Pillows are designed for comfort, relaxation and emotional gifting.

According to Khidekel, Hugimals’ products are designed to help regulate the nervous system through Deep Touch Pressure, a therapeutic technique shown to reduce stress and promote calm. The gentle weighted sensation can help children feel more grounded, secure and soothed during moments of anxiety, overstimulation, transitions, bedtime routines, travel or emotional overwhelm.

Many families use Hugimals products as calming sensory tools to support emotional regulation and relaxation. The evenly distributed weight creates the sensation of a comforting hug while the ultra-soft textures and lovable designs provide “additional sensory and emotional comfort.”

“Hugimals and Hugarounds are intentionally designed with empathetic neutral expressions rather than exaggerated smiles, allowing children to project and process a range of emotions while still feeling supported. The products are also unscented and available in multiple sizes and weights, making them more accessible for children with sensory sensitivities or differing comfort preferences,” Khidekel said. “Parents, therapists, educators and caregivers have shared that Hugimals products can help children feel calmer, more comforted, and more emotionally supported in everyday life.”

For more information, visit www.hugimalsworld.com.

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Healthy Take Aways

• According to Grand View Research, the global children’s dietary health supplements market is expected to reach a valuation of more than $6 billion by 2033.
• Children’s health needs change significantly from infancy through adulthood.
• Because children’s needs evolve significantly through the teen years there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to pediatric care.
• It is important to begin with the foundations of health—nutrition, sleep, movement, stress reduction, nervous system regulation, and healthy routines.