The best way to ensure your child gets the vitamins and minerals they need is by offering a well-balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, grains, and lean proteins. But some factors, such as picky eating, food allergies, dietary restrictions, and even climate can impact their vitamin and mineral intake. Should kids take vitamins to get the nutrition they might be lacking? Multivitamins for kids can round out your child’s nutrition, but with so many types on the market, it can be hard to decide which vitamin supplement is the best for your child. Our pediatric dietitian provided advice to determine if your child needs multivitamins, as well as tips for finding the best multivitamins for kids.
Should Kids Take Vitamins? Do Kids Need Vitamins?
Not necessarily. Your child probably doesn’t need to take vitamins if they eat a wide variety of foods, spend time outside, and don’t have dietary restrictions or allergies that restrict what they eat. Additionally, consuming too many vitamins and minerals could pose a health risk.
That said, vitamins may provide missing nutrition for kids who have multiple food allergies or are vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, or have other dietary restrictions. For example, meat contains a high concentration of iron and vitamin B12, so vegetarians may consider taking iron and B12 supplements. Picky eaters might also benefit from taking vitamins, as well as those who spend too much time indoors and could be low on vitamin D. Always check with your pediatrician before starting your child on a vitamin or mineral supplement.
Are gummy vitamins good for kids?
Some children have difficulty swallowing pill-style vitamins, and gummies can be a (yummy) alternative. Just be mindful of the sugar, artificial flavors and colors, or preservatives that they contain. Also, most gummies contain a limited quantity of certain vitamins and minerals, so be sure your gummy vitamin meets your child’s nutritional needs. And, just as with gummy candies, dentists dislike gummy multivitamins because they stick to and decay teeth.
What are the best multivitamins and vitamin supplements for kids?
In general, vitamin and mineral supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so make sure to read the labels. Vitamins should be listed as a “complete” supplement, meaning they contain diverse vitamins and minerals that are important for growing bodies.
Chewable vitamins are kid-friendly and easier to swallow. You should also consider a food-based vitamin, which is derived from real food and could be better absorbed by the body than a synthetic vitamin. Rainbow Light Kids One Multivitamin is a food-based chewable vitamin for kids. When it comes to vitamin gummies, Flintstones Complete Chewables is a trusted brand.
Kids who live in a seasonal climate typically don’t get enough sun exposure during the winter, which makes a vitamin D supplement important. If your child has a nutritionally diverse diet but could benefit from a vitamin D supplement, check out Complete Omega Junior.
What are the best vitamins for children’s immune system?
Children don’t need additional vitamins for immune support. Instead, they should focus on eating food rich in vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system, such as vitamins D and E, calcium, and zinc. Try serving your kid these foods to boost their immune system.
- Vitamin D: Salmon, cod, eggs, milk
- Vitamin E: Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, leafy greens like spinach, chard, and broccoli
- Calcium: Yogurt, milk, tofu, dark leafy greens
- Zinc: Red meat, poultry, brown rice, beans
Do babies need vitamins?
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that breastfed babies receive a vitamin D supplement since breast milk is not an adequate source. We recommend Carlson Baby’s Super Daily D3 drops. Some babies may also require an iron supplement, as their iron stores gained in utero start declining around 5 months of age. Formula-fed infants do not need additional vitamin supplements since most formulas are already vitamin and mineral-fortified.
Are dietary supplements safe for kids?
Supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so you should always be careful when selecting a vitamin for your kid. When choosing a supplement, we suggest turning to a brand that is food-based rather than synthetic. Also, vitamins and minerals taken in excess can be dangerous to our bodies. Discuss supplements with your doctor or a registered dietitian before serving them to your kids. It’s also a good idea to check the ingredient lists of vitamins to ensure that there are no hidden allergens.
Can kids take vitamins for adults?
Growing toddlers and kids need different amounts of nutrition than adults, so stick to children’s multivitamins until your child is about 13 years of age. At that point, they can consume adult multivitamins.
So, should kids take vitamins? In most cases, the answer is yes! The best way for your child to get vitamins and minerals is through a balanced diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy. For toddlers and kids who can’t eat a balanced diet all the time, vitamin and mineral supplements can round out their diet. Choose trusted brands and check with your pediatrician or registered dietitian before adding them to your child’s diet.
FAQ
Do vitamins for kids help provide essential nutrients for growing bodies?
Yes, vitamins can help fill gaps in essential nutrients when kids are not getting enough nutrients from a balanced diet. This happens often with picky eaters, kids with restrictions, or kids of certain ages who go through phases of limited variety. Supplements can support healthy growth, energy, and healthy development, but they do not provide all the nutrients found in whole foods. For most children, vitamins should be used as support, not a replacement for meals.
How do kids’ vitamins support immune support and overall children’s health?
Kids’ vitamins can support immune health when they help cover nutrient gaps that affect the immune system, including vitamin C and zinc. These nutrients support normal body functions tied to children’s health and healthy development. Some products also include probiotics, which may support gut health for certain kids. Most children still benefit most from consistent eating habits, sleep, and outdoor time, with supplements used when needed.
Are kids’ multivitamin gummies a good choice compared to other children’s vitamins?
Multivitamin gummies can be a good option for kids who do not tolerate tablets. Gummies are often easier for kids to take consistently, but they may include added sugar, artificial additives, or lower daily value amounts for certain nutrients. Some children’s vitamins in tablets can offer clearer dosing, higher daily value coverage, and fewer extras. The best choice depends on your child’s age, needs, and what they will reliably take.
What should parents know about gummy vitamins and their impact on brain health?
Vitamin gummies may contribute to brain health when they contain nutrients linked to brain development, such as certain B vitamins and essential vitamins. Still, brain development depends more on a child’s diet, sleep, and overall nutrition than on any single supplement. Parents should check labels for high fructose corn syrup, added sugar, and artificial colors. Choosing gummies with appropriate daily value amounts can help ensure they actually contribute useful nutrients
How does a kid’s multivitamin differ from daily vitamins made for adults?
A child’s multivitamin is formulated based on age and nutrient needs for growth and development. Adult vitamins often contain higher doses that may not match recommended dosage guidelines for kids. Children’s vitamins aim to support healthy growth and healthy development without overdoing certain vitamins and minerals. For most kids, adult formulas are not a first-order choice unless a pediatrician specifically recommends them.
What should parents look for in children’s vitamins without artificial colors?
Start with nutrition labels and ingredient lists. Look for children’s vitamins without artificial colors and limit artificial additives when possible. Confirm the daily value amounts align with your child’s age, and check for common allergens, gluten, or gluten-free labeling if that matters for your family. Non-GMO options may also be preferred by some parents, but the most important factor is safe ingredients and proper dosing.
Are sugar-free kids’ vitamins a better option for daily vitamins?
Sugar-free kids’ vitamins can be a better choice for daily use, especially for dental health, and for families looking to limit sugar. However, parents should still review the ingredient list and nutrition labels to see what sweeteners are used and whether the nutrients and daily value levels are appropriate. Sugar-free does not automatically mean higher quality, so compare options carefully and follow the recommended dosage.
Do kids’ multivitamin gummies with natural orange flavor offer any advantages?
Natural orange flavor can make gummies more appealing, which helps kids take them consistently. Consistency matters if your goal is to address nutrient gaps among children who are not getting nutrients from food, which can negatively impact immune health and healthy growth. Flavor does not directly change the absorption of nutrients like Vitamin C, but it may improve adherence. If your child dislikes natural orange, a cherry flavor option might work better, as long as the formula still supports essential nutrients and avoids unnecessary added sugar.
How can vitamins support healthy growth and development for kids at different ages?
Vitamins can help support healthy growth and development when kids at different ages are not getting enough vitamins from food alone. Nutrients like vitamin C and zinc play a role in energy levels, immune support, and overall development, especially during periods of rapid growth. For healthy children who eat a diet that includes dairy and other whole foods, supplementation may not be necessary. However, when gaps exist, choosing vitamins without high fructose corn syrup and with essential vitamins can help support growth and energy while complementing a healthy lifestyle rather than replacing good nutrition.
