What to Look for in a Children's Multivitamin
As previously featured on onbetterliving.com
If you want to set your child up for success, feeding them a balanced diet with a variety of whole foods is the key to helping them grow up healthy while supporting their development. But for many parents, it’s easier said than done.
A study published in JAMA analyzing the diets of American children from 1999 to 2016 found that more than half (56%) had nutritionally poor and highly processed diets while getting less than half the recommended 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Children who eat high amounts of processed foods may not only be lacking the nutrients they need to grow, but they can also be at risk for obesity and chronic diseases down the road.[1]
Even if you are doing your best to feed your child a healthy diet, you may feel they still aren’t getting all the nutrients they need from food alone. Examples would be if your child is a picky eater, they have an allergy to groups of foods, or maybe they have a condition that may need more nutritional support.
So should your child be taking a multivitamin too? A multivitamin can be a good way to help fill your child’s nutritional gaps and give them some healthy support.
But what if your child eats well? Do they need multivitamins as well?
A diverse diet containing a variety of healthy plant-based foods, lean protein, whole grains, and dairy should give your child the nutrients they need. But a multivitamin can still be a good way to help support their nutrition, energy, and immunity.*
The Benefits of Multivitamins for Children
No matter what, a multivitamin should always compliment a healthy diet and not a quick fix for a poor one.
Multivitamins can benefit children by:
- Supporting healthy energy levels*
- Providing essential nutrients that your child needs but is lacking for healthy growth and development*
- Supporting a child's immune system*
When choosing a multivitamin for your child, it is important to look for one that contains all the essential nutrients that children need.
How to Choose the Right Multivitamin for Your Child
There are many types of multivitamins on the market, which can make choosing the right one for your child confusing.
Always talk to your child's doctor before giving them any supplements, including a multivitamin. This is especially important if your child has any health conditions or is taking any medications.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a multivitamin for your child:
- Make Sure it Has the Right Nutrients
A good children's multivitamin should contain essential vitamins like A, C, D, and E, as well as B vitamins and minerals like calcium.
Benefits of a few of these nutrients include:
Vitamin A: Essential for vision, promoting healthy cell growth, maintaining muscles, and supporting immunity.*
Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant with supporting healthy immunity.*
Vitamin C: Supports immunity, healthy bones and the growth and repair of cells.*
B Vitamins: Supports the conversion of food to energy and healthy brain and nerve function.*
Vitamin D: Supports immunity and strong bones.*
Calcium: Needed for building strong bones and supporting a healthy heart, muscles and nerves.*
Minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium may also be beneficial.
- Consider your Child's Individual Needs
Consider your child's age, activity level, and overall health when choosing a multivitamin. For example, super active children may need more vitamins and minerals than those who are less active.
Other children may have specific vitamin or mineral deficiencies that need to be addressed. For example, if your child is a picky eater, choose a multivitamin that contains additional nutrients that they may be lacking from the foods they won’t or can’t eat.
- Your Child’s Multivitamin Should be Designed for Kids
To make sure your child is getting the right amount of nutrients in a safe quantity for their age and size, choose a vitamin that's tailored for children specifically instead of an adult formula.
- It Should Be Easy For Kids to Take
Standard multivitamins often come in large pills that even many adults find unpleasant to swallow. That’s why kids' vitamins usually come in easy-to-take forms, including chewable, gummies, and liquid formulas.
Chewables and gummies are easy for kids to take but are often high in sugar and can be mistaken by children for candy not only in taste but in appearance. This can tempt children to eat a bunch at a time, which can be potentially unsafe.
A liquid vitamin formula for children works best, as it’s not only easy to absorb but also easy to take and even hide in other beverages if needed.
- It Should Have High-Quality Ingredients
Whether you’re choosing a multivitamin for your child or yourself, avoid formulas that include artificial colors and flavors. And again, excess sugar should be a no-no.
You also want to make sure the vitamin is free of GMOs and other harmful ingredients.
If your child has an allergy, be sure to check the ingredient label for potential allergens.
Try Kid's Multi Essentials+™ a High-Quality Liquid Children’s Vitamin
Still not sure which vitamin is right for your little one?
Try Kid’s Multi Essentials+™! Made just for kids, It’s an all-natural liquid children’s vitamin+ mineral formula and the newest addition to Flora’s line of super high-quality award-winning natural supplements.
Made in a sweet and tangy super delicious pineapple, mango, and pear base, Kid's Multi Essentials+ is made from only healthy and nourishing ingredients that any kid will love.
Plus, it contains a variety of antioxidants, essential minerals, and vitamins including A, B’s, C, and E, for healthy growth and development. Immune-supporting Vitamin D and calcium will help kids build and maintain healthy bones.*
And since Kid’s Multi Essentials+ is made with fruit, it’s easy for kids to drink straight from the spoon or mix into smoothies or mix in their water.
Kid's Multi Essentials+ also has:
- Rose hips that are rich in Vitamin C rich for extra antioxidants and immune health*
- Elderberry for immune support*
- Astaxanthin a super-antioxidant that helps protect cells*
- Anise to support digestion*
- Chamomile for its calming properties*
The Bottom Line on Multivitamins for Children
Multivitamins are a great way to help your child get the nutrients they need to grow and stay healthy.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a children's multivitamin:
- Make sure the vitamin contains the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals for children.
- Avoid multivitamins that contain iffy colors and flavors or excess sugar.
- Choose a vitamin that is easy for children to take and made with all-natural ingredients like Kid’s Multi Essentials+
Kid’s Vitamin Tip: Always keep multivitamins out of your child's reach and make it clear that they aren't candy.
Right now, the code KIDS15 will save you 15% on Kid's Multi Essentials+ at florahealth.com now through 8.29.2022.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Consult with your child's pediatrician before giving them any multivitamin to make sure it is the right choice for your child.
