Kids not getting nutrients they need

TORONTO , Oct. 26 /CNW/ - Parents want to make sure their children are getting the nutrients they need to grow and thrive but sometimes it's easier said than done. According to a recent Leger Marketing survey of Canadians parents with children between the ages of three to 12 conducted on behalf of Jamieson Laboratories, almost sixty per cent of parents say their children are picky eaters with the same percentage of parents concerned their children aren't getting the proper nutrients they need for growth and development.(1)

Parents who have children between the ages of three and five were most likely to hide vegetables in their child's food. (2) Survey results also showed most parents are unaware that Canada's Food Guide recommends four to six servings of fruits and vegetables per day for children between the ages of three and 12. (3) In an effort to help parents combat these nutritional challenges, Jamieson has developed a line of all-natural, aspartame-free, multi-vitamins specifically designed for children aged three to 13.

"I want my children to eat well but it's not always easy to get them to eat their vegetables," said Lisa Wilkinson . "As a parent, I want to ensure my child is getting the vitamins they need to thrive; even when they don't want to eat their broccoli! Having an all-natural supplement option available is important to me."

Vita-Vim for Kids vitamins are available in two formats - chewables and gummies - gummies have a blend of nine essential vitamins and chewables have a blend of 13 vitamins and four minerals. The new line of vitamins are specifically formulated to provide basic nutritional insurance for young children. Made from a blend of concentrated fruits and vegetables derived from tomato, carrot, spinach, cranberry and lemon bioflavonoids, these all-natural, aspartame-free vitamins contain no artificial flavours, colours, salt or gluten. They are also lactose-free.

"No matter how hard parents try, children can't get all the essential vitamins and minerals they need through diet alone," says Michelle Latinsky, registered dietitian. "In combination with a healthy diet, an all natural supplement like Vita-Vim for Kids can provide nutritional balance for children and peace of mind for parents."

Vita-Vim for Kids - like all Jamieson products - have the 360 Pure seal of assurance, Jamieson's long-standing commitment to safety, potency and purity. To achieve this elevated level of excellence, each Jamieson product undergoes a minimum of 360 individual quality-control steps that begin with raw materials.

    
    Additional Jamieson Survey Highlights

    -  Most parents feel dinner time is the most challenging meal to ensure
       their child eats properly
    -  More than half of parents are likely to consider giving their child an
       all natural vitamin to supplement their diet
    -  40 per cent of parents have hidden veggies in their children's food
    -  Quebec parents are the most concerned their child is not getting the
       nutrients they need for proper growth and development
    -  Younger parents, between 18 to 34, are more concerned than parents
       between the age of 35 and 54 that their child is not getting enough
       nutrients required for proper growth and development (66% vs. 57%
       respectively)
    

Survey Methodology

A total of 510 Canadians parents of a child/children between the ages of three to 12 answered an online survey. Data collection for this study was conducted between August 18 - 26, 2009. The survey was conducted using a national random sample of 510 respondents. This method simulates a probability sample which would yield a maximum margin of error of +/-4.3%, 19 times out of 20.

About Jamieson Laboratories

Established in 1922, Jamieson Laboratories is Canada's largest manufacturer and distributor of advanced natural health care products and a world-leading innovator in the development of proprietary formulas. All Jamieson products are produced at the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing laboratories in Windsor, Ontario. Jamieson products are exported to more than 50 countries including the United States , China , Japan , Hong Kong , Korea and Singapore . For more information, visit www.jamiesonvitamins.com or call 1-800-265-5088.

    
    ---------------------------
    (1) Jamison Child Vitamin Study. Leger Marketing. August 28, 2009.
    (2) IBID
    (3) IBID
    

For further information: or to schedule an interview: Emily Hanft, Argyle Communications, [phone], ext. 228, [email protected]; Stephanie Blok, Jamieson Laboratories, [phone], [email protected]