Things get busy—and potentially stressful—when kids head back to school. I’ve got three kids (one in grade school, one in high school, and one in university), and my wife is a teacher. That means I need to keep my crew strong and resilient.

In addition to a solid foundation of nutrition, exercise, and sleep, a few strategic supplements can provide extra immune support. Here’s what we rely on at home.

📚 Adult Back-to-School Essentials

Here are four staples that my wife and daughters take regularly:

☀️ Vitamin D

Typically, 1,000 to 4,000 IU per day is a safe and effective range for most people, especially in the colder months. However, it’s wise to get your blood levels tested to determine your optimal dose.
→ Shop Vitamin D
→ Read more

🍊 Vitamin C

Find your ideal daily dose by increasing intake until you reach bowel tolerance, then back off by 1 gram. For most people, one capsule (500–1,000 mg) per meal is sufficient.
→ Shop My Vitamin C Formula
→ The First Step to Gut Health

🌱 Probiotics

According to Dr. Nigel Plummer, probiotics are safe and effective—even in higher doses. Still, one dose with dinner is usually enough unless you’re sick or immune-compromised.
Tip: Take probiotics with food—not on an empty stomach—for better survival of beneficial bacteria.
→ Shop My Probiotic Formula

🛡️ N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

At 1,200 mg per day, NAC has potent antiviral effects. Try 600 mg with breakfast and another 600 mg with dinner.
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→ Read the Study

🎒 Top 4 Supplements for Kids

My 10-year-old son’s daily supplement routine includes:

☀️ Vitamin D Drops

1,000–2,000 IU daily, depending on body size.
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💊 Chewable Multivitamin

A good multivitamin is insurance—especially for picky eaters. Make sure it’s low in sugar, contains buffered vitamin C, and includes the right form of magnesium.
→ Shop Mercola Multivitamin
→ How to Choose a Prenatal Multivitamin

🌱 Probiotic Powder

Capsules can be hard for kids to swallow, so we use a small amount of probiotic powder on an espresso spoon. Some taste pretty good—like Genestra HMF Powder.

🐟 Chewable Fish Oil

Liquid fish oil is a great option but prone to oxidation. To avoid spoilage, we opt for chewables like Genestra DHA Pediaburst, which are kid-approved.