Supplements for children to improve flexibility

Question
Dear Tanya,
I saw your answer from a couple of years ago about nutrition and increasing flexibility. You name some supplements, as well as foods containing gelatin, vitamin C etc. I was just wondering if these supplements are appropriate for children, ages 10 to 12. My daughter (10) wants to improve her flexibility for competitive gymnastics, and my son (12) is just one of the tight people, and I worry he will injure himself skiing, playing soccer etc.
Thanks much,
Susan

Answer
Dear Susan,

I think that these supplements should also work for children though children need them less than the rest of us. Proper stretching exercises are much more important for them since they strengthen the muscles around the joints.

Researching in the field of physical therapy, I learned that too flexible joints and tendons, when they are not supported by corresponding muscles, are prone to injuries. Also, children should have an adequate protein intake to support bone, muscle, and tendon growth.

To prevent possible inflammation in cartilage tissue due to intensive workload during stretching, you might want to consider adding glucosamine and chondroitin to your kids' supplement set.

Some information can found at
http://atkinszone-home.blogspot.com/2008/03/joint-support-formula.html

Tanya Zilberter

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