In an interview with functional medicine expert Bryce Wylde, Healthy Heights CEO Steve Turner explains why their product line, available at Walmart, is better. Turner says Healthy Heights’ mission is to provide kids with access to quality nutrition, fill the gaps and basically solve the challenges that we all experience with a poor quality diet.

With childhood nutrition gaps becoming an increasingly critical concern, the partnership between Healthy Heights and Sunfiber represents a major step forward in making premium, science-backed nutritional products accessible to every family.

Why Did Healthy Heights Choose Sunfiber Over Inulin?

Healthy Heights is replacing inulin fiber with Sunfiber because it has a ton of horsepower behind it as far as the science. Healthy Heights in-house nutritionist and branding specialist McKenzie Hall confirms the brand switched to Sunfiber to eliminate the stomach discomfort associated with some other fibers.

"It has a ton of horsepower behind it as far as the science. We switched to Sunfiber to eliminate the stomach discomfort associated with some other fibers."

— McKenzie Hall, Healthy Heights Nutritionist

This decision aligns with current recommendations from leading health organizations. According to Harvard Health, prebiotic fibers that are gentle on the digestive system tend to show better long-term compliance, particularly in children who are sensitive to GI side effects.

What Is Sunfiber? Understanding This Prebiotic Fiber

Sunfiber is a partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) — a clinically studied, prebiotic soluble dietary fiber derived from guar beans. Unlike many other fiber supplements that can cause bloating, gas, or cramping, Sunfiber is designed to be truly regulating without the uncomfortable side effects.

Sunfiber is a partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) — a clinically studied, prebiotic soluble dietary fiber derived from guar beans. Unlike many other fiber supplements that can cause bloating, gas, or cramping, Sunfiber is designed to be truly regulating without the uncomfortable side effects.

Science Snapshot

Science Snapshot

Sunfiber (PHGG) has been the subject of over 170 published clinical studies, demonstrating its efficacy as a prebiotic fiber that supports digestive regularity, nutrient absorption, and overall gut microbiome health. It carries FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status and is certified Low FODMAP by Monash University.

The Grow Daily Product Line: 20 Years of Research

Healthy Heights' Grow Daily line is a product of 20 years of research, culminating in large-scale clinical trials. Researchers were looking to identify what was missing in the diets of kids who had challenges in growth and development, and that's what they put into this formulation to help generate healthier, lean growth, Turner observed.

This long-term research commitment sets Healthy Heights apart from competitors. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, evidence-based nutritional interventions during childhood can have lasting effects on growth trajectories and overall health outcomes.

Key Takeaway

When choosing a fiber supplement, look beyond the label. The best options are clinically validated, well-tolerated, and versatile enough to fit into your daily routine without changing the taste or texture of your food. Sunfiber checks all these boxes.

Happy Tummies: A Better Kids' Probiotic Supplement

The collaboration started when Healthy Heights was approached by Walmart, and given basic parameters based on what was missing in the children's probiotic market. They were able to use the same probiotic strain as an industry leader, with a higher quality soluble plant fiber (Sunfiber) than anyone else is using.

Then they took it a step further by adding two grams of protein. Now they have a fiber/probiotic supplement, called Happy Tummies, that has a better prebiotic fiber and has twice the probiotic count people are used to seeing at the same price point.

The synbiotic approach (combining prebiotics and probiotics) is gaining strong scientific support. Research published in the Nature journal suggests that synbiotic supplementation may offer superior gut health benefits compared to either prebiotics or probiotics alone.

"We have a fiber/probiotic supplement that has a better prebiotic fiber and has twice the probiotic count people are used to seeing at the same price point."

— McKenzie Hall, Healthy Heights Nutritionist

Product Highlights: Happy Tummies

  • Prebiotic Fiber:

    Sunfiber (PHGG) - clinically proven, Low FODMAP certified

  • Probiotic Count:

    2x the industry standard at the same price point

  • Added Protein:

    2 grams per serving for growth support

  • Availability:

    Walmart stores nationwide & online

Happy Tummies

Why Healthy Heights' Quality Commitment Matters

Healthy Heights runs counter to what a lot of children's functional food companies are doing. To cut costs, some manufacturers reduce package sizes and change to cheaper ingredients. Healthy Heights takes a different approach.

Healthy Heights' products are designed to reach as many customers as possible while staying on the moral high ground. Their commitment to using premium ingredients like Sunfiber demonstrates their dedication to providing the best possible nutritional solutions for children.

This philosophy is particularly important in the children's supplement space, where the FDA notes that dietary supplements are not required to undergo the same rigorous testing as pharmaceutical drugs. Brands that voluntarily invest in clinical research and premium ingredients are raising the bar for the entire industry.

How Much Fiber Do Kids Actually Need?

How Much Fiber Do Kids Actually Need?

According to the Mayo Clinic and the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children in the United States consume far less fiber than recommended. The general guideline is that children should consume their age plus 5 grams of fiber per day (e.g., a 7-year-old needs approximately 12 grams daily). Products like Grow Daily and Happy Tummies help bridge this gap by integrating high-quality soluble fiber into kid-friendly formats that parents can trust.

Daily Fiber Recommendations for Kids
  • Ages 1–3: ~19 grams/day
  • Ages 4–8: ~25 grams/day
  • Ages 9–13 (girls): ~26 grams/day
  • Ages 9–13 (boys): ~31 grams/day

What to Look for When Choosing Kids' Fiber Supplements

Not all fiber supplements are created equal, especially for children. When evaluating options for your family, experts recommend considering the following factors:

  • Type of Fiber

    Look for soluble prebiotic fibers like Sunfiber (PHGG) that are clinically studied and gentle on young digestive systems. Avoid fibers known to cause significant gas or bloating, such as high doses of inulin or chicory root fiber.

  • Clinical Evidence

    Choose products backed by published research. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes that consumers should look for supplements with transparent research backing their efficacy claims.

  • Third-Party Certifications

    Certifications like Low FODMAP (Monash University), GRAS status (FDA), and third-party testing provide additional assurance of quality and safety for children's products.

  • Taste and Mixability

    For children's products, palatability is paramount. Sunfiber's taste-neutral, odorless, and fully dissolvable profile makes it an ideal ingredient for children who may refuse supplements with strong flavors or gritty textures.