Many parents worry that their young children aren’t getting the right nutrients for proper overall growth, yet overlook the specific need of vitamins and nutrients for eye health. If their child’s vision is OK, then there’s no cause for worry, right?
In fact, only 14 percent of parents are worried about their children developing vision problems in the future, according to a recent survey by Kelton/DSM Nutritional Products, a manufacturer of vitamins.
But it’s when children are young that they need the right nutrients for their eye health. While carrots are a no-brainer when it comes to providing beta carotene (pro vitamin A), a slew of other nutrients are necessary for eye health, including vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin and the omega-3s DHA and EPA.
For picky eaters, try sneaking in foods that are rich in eye-healthy nutrients: Dark leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, collards and turnip greens), eggs, broccoli, peas and corn are super stars when it comes to providing lutein and zeaxanthin. Fatty fish such as salmon provide omega-3s DHA and EPA. Oils, wheat germ and peanuts are loaded with vitamin E.
Registered dietitian and author Elizabeth Somer provides ideas on how add these nutrients into everyday meals.
• Whip steamed chard or spinach into mashed potatoes;
• Grate carrots and add them to pasta sauce;
• Blend peanut butter, wheat germ and a bit of honey to use as a fruit dip or sandwich spread. — brandpoint