90 per cent of mums unaware of effect of minerals on school performance

Media Release

Interesting new research has revealed that 90 per cent of mothers of children aged 1-12 know little or nothing about the effects of dietary minerals on a child’s performance at school. The Newspoll research[i] conducted last week also found that one in three mothers worry about their children’s health suffering as a result of their diet.

Australian surveys indicate that, in fact, many children are deficient in important minerals such as iron, zinc and iodine.

In order to help address children’s dietary deficiencies, Blackmores has created a range of great-tasting, naturally sweetened nutritional supplements, tailored to meet their specific needs.

Minerals such as iodine, magnesium, zinc and iron are required for children’s learning, concentration and performance in the classroom.[ii] [iii] This is food for thought for the 1 in 2 mothers who worry about their child’s ability to concentrate.

Australian research has shown 59 per cent of eight to ten year-old students in NSW are not getting enough iodine in their diet. Iodine is vital for children’s brain development. If there is an iodine deficiency it can, in some cases, affect their learning and cognition and IQ development.[iv]

Director of the MINDD Foundation Leslie Embersits says, “Children’s moods are very affected by what’s going on physically. Essential nutrients such as zinc and omega-3 can help support normal, healthy behaviour and mood. If parents take steps to address individual nutritional deficiencies through diet and supplements, children have the best chance to reach their full potential both mentally and physically.”

Blackmores Director of Education, Pam Stone, says “When children start the school year, parents want to give them every opportunity to reach their potential. We need to educate parents on the importance of minerals in their child’s diet, good dietary sources of which include whole grains, dairy, eggs, dark green, leafy vegetables, fish and meat.

“Equally important for children’s healthy development are omega-3s. Parents should aim to give their children 2-3 fish meals a week. However if this is not possible, supplementation provides a valuable alternative for the one in two mothers who are concerned about their child’s social interaction.

“A simple way to get minerals and omega-3s into fussy eaters is through supplements specifically formulated for children,” says Stone.

Blackmores’ new range for children is available from leading supermarkets, pharmacies and health food stores. Blackmores donates a percentage from each sale of Blackmores Mineral Minds™ to the MINDD Foundation.

Blackmores Kids Mineral Minds™ RRP$15.95 (60 chewable tablets)
Blackmores Kids Fruity Fishies™ RRP$ 15.95 (30 burstable capsules)

Blackmores is also launching another two products to optimise children’s health,

Blackmores Daycare Defence™ RRP$26.95 (28 x 1g sachets)
Blackmores Kids Multi RRP$14.95 (60 chewable tablets)

For general health advice, call a Blackmores naturopath on 1800 803 760 or visit www.blackmores.com.au.

For further information or to arrange an interview with Pam Stone Blackmores Director of Education or Leslie Embersits, Director of the MINDD Foundation, contact:

Amanda Judge or Belinda Humphries
Mob. 0418 649 412
Ph. 02 9951 0196 or 02 9430 9383
Public Relations
Blackmores Ltd
ajudge@blackmores.com.au
bhumphries@blackmores.com.au

The Newspoll research conducted 12-14 January 2009 also found that:

- 33 per cent of mothers of 1-12 year olds find it difficult to get their child to eat some types of healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables.
- 6 in 10 mothers worry about their child catching colds, flu or tummy bugs from other kids.
- 1 in 3 mothers worries about their child’s health suffering as a result of their diet.
- 1 in 2 mothers is concerned about their children’s ability to concentrate.
- Over half of mothers admitted to being unsure about the level of magnesium, iodine or zinc in their children’s diet.

- Always read the label
- Use only as directed
- If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional