The best multivitamins for kids for healthy growth – Chicago Tribune
When your child only wants mac and cheese and skips vegetables, it may worry you if they’re getting the proper nutrition to support their health and growth.
A good children’s multivitamin can help bridge the gap and supplement your child’s diet to ensure they get essential nutrients. But which multivitamin is best for kids, and will it taste good enough for your child to take?
This guide can help you choose. Our top pick, Llama Naturals Kids Whole Fruit Gummy Vitamins, is a great, overall balanced kids’ multivitamin with great taste.
What to Know Before Buying a Multivitamin for Kids
The best multivitamins for kids can help nourish their bones and growing bodies, strengthen their immune systems, support brain health, improve sleep quality and much more.
Check the sugar
Look at the label to check the sugar content. Since there are many natural ones available, don’t choose a gummy multivitamin loaded with added sugar.
Avoid allergens
While most multivitamin companies avoid using common allergens like soy, nuts and dairy, some share production facilities. This could expose multivitamins to allergens that could cause digestive problems or allergic reactions in sensitive children.
Beware of gelatin
Since many multivitamins come in gummy form, you’ll want to see if they contain gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient. You’ll want to avoid this ingredient if your family lives a vegan lifestyle.
What to Look for in a Quality Multivitamin for Kids
Choose one designed for your child’s age
Look for a multivitamin designed for your child’s age group, as different ages have different vitamin needs and amounts.
Be aware of the dosage
Select a children’s multivitamin that only provides up to 100% of the daily value of vitamins and minerals. Give your child only the recommended amount per day (no megadoses).
Get Zinc and Vitamins A and C
Vitamins A and C are essential for the functioning of the immune system and the maintenance of bones and teeth. Zinc supports cell growth, brain development, metabolism and the immune system.
Monitor calcium and vitamin D
As children grow, they need more calcium to support bone development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 1 to 3 years get 500 milligrams of calcium and 400 international units of vitamin D per day, children ages 4 to 8 years get 800 mg of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D per day, and children ages 9 to 17 years get 1,300 mg of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D per day.
Opt for good taste
If your child hates the taste of a multivitamin, he or she won’t take it and won’t be able to benefit from it. Choose a form (chewable, gummy, liquid or powder) that best suits your child’s needs and select one that tastes good enough for them to take.
How much can you expect to spend on children’s multivitamins
The price range for children’s multivitamins is $12 to $25 per bottle, depending on size and quantity.
FAQs about multivitamins for children
Q. Are multivitamins necessary for children?
A. THE The Mayo Clinic says that food is the best source of nutrients and that multivitamins are not necessary for most healthy children. You can talk to your child’s pediatrician about whether he or she is getting the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals. The Mayo Clinic suggests that a multivitamin might be helpful for children with developmental delays, chronic illnesses, food allergies, or a restrictive diet.
Q. Should I tell my child that a multivitamin is “candy”?
A. Absolutely not. Although multivitamins may be gummy and come in fun shapes and colors, clearly explain to your child their purpose. It’s not candy. This is a special nutritional element to take once a day to support healthy eating habits. Be sure to keep multivitamins out of your child’s reach.
What is the best multivitamin for children to buy?
These multivitamins offer good nutritional supplementation in various forms at affordable prices.
Best Multivitamins for Kids
Llama Naturals Whole Fruit Gummy Vitamins for Kids
What you need to know: Made from whole fruits rather than synthetic ingredients, these multivitamins provide excellent absorption.
What you will love: They come in strawberry and cherry flavors that most kids find tasty. They contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals. They are free of gelatin and common allergens.
What you should consider: They’re not as sweet as some gummy vitamins, and not all kids like them.
The Best Kids Multivitamins for the Money
MaryRuth’s Multivitamin Gummies for Kids
What you need to know: These vegan, sugar-free gummies come in a range of tasty flavors.
What you will love: Each pack contains a two-month supply of gummies, offering great value for money. They are USDA certified organic. They contain all the nutrients essential for the proper development of the child.
What you should consider: Some children find them too hard or too soft.
It’s worth the detour
ChildLife Essentials Children’s Multivitamin and Mineral Liquid Supplement
What you need to know: This is a great liquid multivitamin that you can add to drinks or foods for kids who don’t take gummy or pill multivitamins.
What you will love: It is gluten-free and contains 22 vitamins and minerals. It has a tasty orange and mango flavor that is easily disguised in juices or smoothies.
What you should consider: It must be refrigerated after opening.
PRO-Kids Hyperbiotics: Probiotics for children
What you need to know: This probiotic helps boost immunity (as opposed to a multivitamin) and is a great choice for children with digestive issues.
What you will love: Its orange-flavored microbead shape makes it easy for toddlers to swallow or chew. It is gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, vegetarian and has a long shelf life.
What you should consider: Its price is higher.
Nature’s Plus Animal Parade Gold
What you need to know: This chewable multivitamin includes essential nutrients and a probiotic in one.
What you will love: Kids enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor and parents love that it comes from organic foods. It’s gluten-free and vegetarian.
What you should consider: Its price is reasonable but high-end.
Prices shown reflect the time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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