At What Age Can a Child Take a Multivitamin

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Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

Every bit children grow, it becomes more and more than important for them to receive the vitamins and minerals needed for optimal wellness and evolution. The good news is that, according to the Academy of Diet and Dietetics, a vitamin or mineral supplement is not usually necessary for healthy children who consume a well-counterbalanced diet.

Multivitamins are not merely a unproblematic way to assistance fill nutrient gaps for those children that may demand it, but they can give parents some reassurance that their child is getting what they need nutritionally. There are key components to consider as consuming higher than recommended daily amounts of certain vitamins and minerals tin be harmful.

When determining if your kid should exist taking a multivitamin, there are certain circumstances that warrant a chat with your child'southward healthcare provider. Such instances may be an extremely picky eater, a child who is non growing well, a child that follows a strict vegan diet, or a kid who has dietary restrictions due to allergies. These situations may inhibit the total amount of micronutrients your child receives. It is also important to consider that many children do not consume adequate atomic number 26 and calcium, and children who do not consume iv servings of vitamin D fortified milk or dairy alternatives may need to supplement with vitamin D.

"I always prefer a child to get their nutrition through whole foods, fruits and vegetables" says Muhammad Khan, Md, MPH, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist. "Notwithstanding, I know at that place are instances where supplementation is necessary - whether it be a picky eater, malabsorption or poor growth."

If your kid falls into any of the above categories, a multivitamin may assist fill nutritional gaps and ensure they are meeting their nutrition needs.  There are many high quality vitamin and mineral supplements available on the market place. In fact, the sheer quantity available and the varying ingredient lists can exist overwhelming.

When looking to find the all-time supplement for your child and family, at that place are several things to consider. Key factors include: quality and safety, ingredients, key nutrients and dosing.

How We Select Supplements

Our team works difficult to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you lot tin can read more than about our dietary supplement methodology here.

Nosotros support supplements that are testify-based and rooted in science. We value sure product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. Nosotros prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified past 1 of three contained, third party certifiers: USP, NSF, or ConsumerLabs. We also prioritize not-GMO, Organic, and products that are gratuitous of unnecessary and potentially harmful additives.

Information technology'south of import to note that the FDA does non review dietary supplements for prophylactic and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to cull the supplements we recommend.

Here, the best children'south vitamins.

PLEASE NOTE: Dietary supplements are non regulated by the FDA, meaning there is no guarantee that they are condom. Food is the preferred source of nutrition, and most people can meet their nutritional needs from nutrient solitary. Certain supplements may exist useful when there is a specific medical condition or food deficiency, merely they are not treatments or cures for any conditions or diseases. It is important to check with your healthcare provider before commencement any supplement authorities.

Pros

• ConsumerLab tested & certified

• Contains fifteen key nutrients

• Major Allergen-gratuitous

Cons

• Does not contain iron

• Added sugar

For a tasty, vitamin-packed mucilaginous multivitamin, SmartyPants Kids Complete Vitamins are the manner to go. Containing 15 essential nutrients including vitamin D3 and 1000 for bone wellness; and B12, omega-3 fatty acids and choline, all of which are important for a child's cerebral development. While SmartyPants Multivitamins do contain sugar, many parents and healthcare providers prefer that to artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup.

For children with allergies - these are also a great choice as they are free of milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, gluten and wheat in addition to beingness gratuitous of synthetic colors and flavors.

Every bit these do non contain atomic number 26, you will need to ensure your child is receiving acceptable fe for their historic period. Toddlers need to receive at least 15 milligrams of iron a twenty-four hour period in their food. Enquiry as shown that many children do not quite hit this daily fe goal, therefore it is a practiced idea to review with your pediatrician if your kid needs supplemental iron.

Designed for children age 4 and older, the recommended dose is four gummies per day.

Quantity: 120 count | Daily Dosage: 4 gummies | Blazon: Pasty | Age Rec: 4 years sometime and upward

Pros

• Contains 12 key nutrients - including fiber

• Complimentary of saccharide, artificial colors and fillers

• Vegan

Cons

• Does not contain iron
  

• One flavor option

If yous're looking for a not bad multivitamin for kids that shows up on your doorstep when y'all need it to, Ritual's Essential for Kids iv+ is an excellent selection. The subscription-based gummy multivitamin is formulated with key nutrients to help fill nutrition gaps in order to support growth and development. With zinc, vitamin D3 and vitamin C for allowed support; choline and omega-3 fatty acids for brain wellness; vitamins D and K for growing bones and a cobweb/prebiotic blend to heave digestion, Ritual has covered their bases when information technology comes to their littlest customers.

If concerned about your child'due south carbohydrate intake, these sugar-free gummies are sweetened with monk fruit, a found-based sweetener that'southward less sweet than other non-nutritive sweeteners.

Suitable for kids ages 4 and up, the gummies are Non-GMO, free of artificial colorants, synthetic fillers and 3rd-party tested for heavy metals, microbes, allergens, and other contaminants, helping to ensure their products are compliant within current guidelines and regulations.

Quantity: ninety count | Daily Dosage: 3 gummies | Type: Gummy | Age Rec: 4 years sometime and up

Pros

• Contains 13 primal nutrients

• No added sugar

• Costless of major allergens

Cons

• Does not contain atomic number 26

For an all-natural, vegan-friendly, whole food gummy, look no further. Llama Naturals Plant-Based Multivitamin is made from whole fruits and vegetables - spinach, broccoli, carrots, sugariness potatoes, oranges, apples, strawberries, sunflower seeds, shiitake mushrooms to proper noun a few -  grown right hither in the United States.

Costless of added sugars, sweeteners, and major allergens, Llama Naturals provides 13 key nutrients hit on major players including: Vitamins D3, Chiliad and B12. If you or your kid is practicing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, exist certain to assess total iron and calcium intake to ensure your kid is meeting his or her needs for age, equally neither are included in this multivitamin.

Designed for children historic period four and older, the recommended dose is 2 gummies per day. All products are 3rd-party tested for a variety of factors such as vitamin levels, heavy metallic content, yeast & mold, and other microbes.

Quantity: 60 count | Daily Dosage: 2 gummies | Blazon: Gluey | Age Rec: iv years old and up

What to Avert

Information technology's all-time to avoid vitamins that incorporate artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. Avoid products with high fructose corn syrup and excessive amounts of sugar.

Pros

• NSF-Certified, FDA-registered product facility

• Contains xviii key nutrients - including fe

• Non-GMO, free of artificial colors and flavors

Cons

• Contains carbohydrate alcohols

If gummies are not the preferred choice for you lot or your kid, Renzo's Multi with Atomic number 26 is the tablet we recommend. With 18 central nutrients including iron, zinc, iodine, vitamins A, C, D3 and K to name a few, this production was a welcomed add to our listing this year! As one of the few containing fe, this can be a great option for those kiddos that tend to lean towards a meat-free lifestyle.

While the product is sugar-free, information technology does contain saccharide alcohols xylitol and mannitol likewise every bit being sweetened with monk fruit, a non-nutritive sweetener.

Designed for children age 4 and older, the recommended dose is two tablets per 24-hour interval.

Quantity:  60 count | Daily Dosage: 2 tablets | Type: Chewable Tablet | Age Rec: iv years onetime and upwardly

Pros

• Contains 13 key nutrients

• Free of major allergens

• Specifically formulated for ages 2-iv

Cons

• Not tertiary-political party tested

• Added saccharide

• Does not comprise atomic number 26

Sweetened with beloved and suited for our toddler aged friends, Zarbee's Naturals Consummate Toddler Multivitamin wins the toddler category. With 13 cardinal vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, C, D3, B12, folic acid, iodine and zinc to name a few), this gummy helps meet the gaps for those aged two to three years of age and needing a small food boost.

While Zarbee'south claims to run into all good manufacturing practices (GMP-compliant), they are currently not undergoing tertiary party testing on their products. If there is a concern for allergies for your piddling one, Zarbees are manufactured in a facility free of wheat, milk, egg, tree nuts, peanuts, and shellfish.

Also, to note, each gummy is made with pectin and free of high fructose corn syrup, gelatin, artificial sweeteners and bogus flavors.

Designed for children anile 2-3, the recommended dose is two gummies per day.

Quantity: 110 count | Daily Dosage: 2 gummies | Type: Gummy | Age Rec: two-three years sometime

Pros

• NSF tested & certified
  

• Contains a probiotic

• No artificial sweeteners

Cons

• Added sugar

• Does not incorporate iron

For a consummate multivitamin that also packs in the power of a probiotic, try these gummies from Olly. Olly's Kids Multi + Probiotic gummies incorporate 12 vitamins and minerals, including A, C, D3, folic acid, choline, zinc and B12, as well equally 250 1000000 CFU of Bacillus coagulandue south probiotics for boosted digestive support for our littlest of tummies.

While sugar is listed on the ingredient listing, Olly does non use artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. Recommended for children age two and up, the keen-tasting gummies are complimentary of gluten.

Designed for children age two and older, the recommended dose is ane gluey per solar day.

Quantity: seventy count | Daily Dosage: 1 viscous | Type: Gummy | Historic period Rec: 2-iii years erstwhile

Pros

• NSF tested & certified

• Liquid multivitamin containing 16 key vitamins and minerals

• Gluten Gratis and Non-GMO

Cons

• One flavor option
  

• Does not contain iron

If a pasty or tablet is just not going to practise it for your child, having a liquid option is key! ChildLife Essentials Multivitamin is our choice for this scenario. You can serve it by syringe, spoon or even add information technology to your child's beverage or yogurt. With xvi vitamins and minerals - ChildLife tin exist used for babies as young every bit half-dozen months and as old as 12 years of age (with pediatrician recommendation, of course).

While the liquid form does let for earlier introduction if necessary, we encourage you to speak with your child's pediatrician to ensure need and accurate dosing before starting.

Designed for children ages 6 months to 12 years. The recommended dose is 1 teaspoon daily for half-dozen-12 months; one-2 teaspoons daily for 1-iii years and two-3 teaspoons daily for four+ years.

Quantity: 8 fl oz | Daily Dosage: one-three teaspoons awaiting historic period | Type: Liquid | Age Rec: half dozen months to 12 years

Final Verdict

For an excellent overall children's multivitamin that's easy to chew, try SmartyPants Kids Formula (view at Amazon). Though it does contain added sugar, it'south sustainably sourced and gratuitous of artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, and common allergens. Bonus: information technology's  available in multiple flavors, and so you can mix information technology up from time to fourth dimension.

Madelyn Goodnight / Verywell

Who May Not Do good From Supplementation

Before you start adding a multivitamin to your child's daily routine, exist sure to get the 'OK' from your pediatrician. Megadoses of specific vitamins can exist harmful — this is why it is critical to work with your child'south healthcare provider and ensure the ane you choose is formulated for kids and dosed accordingly for your piffling 1.

Efficacy

It is of import to remember that children receiving a salubrious, well-balanced diet do non need additional vitamin supplementation. Merely, children who may avoid sure nutrient groups birthday or tend to be very picky are at a much higher take chances for missing out on key nutrients to support growth and development. According to the National Center of Health Statistics at the CDC, approximately ane third of children in the Us are consuming vitamin and mineral supplements, most frequently in the form of a multivitamin. The CDC also notes that dietary supplements exercise contribute positively to overall total nutrient intake for those children that need them most.

What to Look for in a Children'due south Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement

It is important to look for key nutrients your child may not be getting from his or her nutrition. Cardinal nutrients to pay shut attending to include: vitamin D (essential and difficult to get from foods alone), atomic number 26 (deficiency is mutual in children) and calcium (important for growing bones). Additionally, if the kid is post-obit a vegetarian or vegan diet, other nutrients to think most would exist vitamin B12, zinc, choline and omega fatty acids.

Be sure to opt for formulas with no or limited added sugars and no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavorings or preservatives. Additionally, bank check to meet if the multivitamin has been 3rd-political party tested—this can provide reassurance of the quality of the production and ensure that information technology is free from certain contaminants.

"I work with families to all-time understand what their child may be missing in their daily intake and formulate my recommendation based on those findings. Primal nutrients in question usually include vitamin D and iron. Sometimes we see a demand for vitamin B12 if the child eats little to no meat" says Olivia Mayer, RD, CSP, IBCLC a Clinical Dietitian at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford.

Form

Vitamin and mineral supplements come in a diverseness of different forms, including gummies, chewable tablets, liquid and fifty-fifty powder. Choosing the best course for your child is almost equally as important as choosing the right  nutrients and dosing. If your child won't take it - what'southward the bespeak? If your child doesn't especially similar food sticking to his or her teeth or may have trouble chewing a sticky, consider finding a supplement that is a liquid or powder instead. On the other hand, if a gummy or chewable tablet is the only mode you lot are going to get a vitamin supplement in then that is your answer.

Ingredients, Potential Interactions, & Contraindications

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to your healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and whatsoever potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications your kid is taking.

Excess/Toxicity

There is no benefit to getting backlog amounts of any vitamin or mineral - in fact, it can even be dangerous in certain situations. Some vitamins, such as the fat-soluble vitamins A and D, may pose risks when consumed in excess, every bit these are stored in body tissue. Loftier doses of certain minerals such as zinc and iron taken over an extended time can also have negative effects. A few important take-aways when selecting a supplement is to ensure the product conception is historic period-appropriate, that whatever and all supplements are stored out of reach of children, and that you follow dosing instructions every bit outlined on the production label.

Dosage

Consider your kid'south age when selecting the best supplement for them. Be aware that some products are formulated for toddlers, while others are for older children and teens. Read ingredient labels and await for products that are not exceeding 100% of the daily value of individual vitamins and minerals, as more is not e'er better. Follow the age guidelines outlined on the production packaging and speak with your child's healthcare provider to ensure that the product and dosage are appropriate to meet your child's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can adults have children's vitamins?

  Adults are more than welcome to have a child's multivitamin; however, it is very likely the specific vitamin and mineral amounts will be insufficient to the needs of an adult. Children's multivitamins are designed specifically for children ensuring they are adequate in meeting the needs of a younger population. For example, the recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for infants one-12 months, 600 IU for children and adults 1-70 years of age and 800 IU for anyone over lxx.

• Tin can children's multivitamins cause constipation?

  Like to taking any new medication or supplement, certain side effects are possible to occur. Such side furnishings that have been associated with vitamin and mineral supplements include constipation, diarrhea, nausea or upset stomach. If your child becomes constipated afterward starting a multivitamin, it is likely due to the calcium and/or atomic number 26 included. Be sure to speak with your kid's pediatrician to determine if there are dietary or other changes you can implement to ease the trouble such as increasing fiber, fluids or adjusting multivitamin of pick.

• What age should children starting time taking a multivitamin?

  Multivitamins should not be your child'south primary source of nutrition. As very few people (adults or children) swallow perfectly, a multivitamin can be a good option to fill in the nutritional gaps a diet may exist missing.

  Experts recommend waiting until your child is historic period four to showtime giving a multivitamin supplement. However, if your child'south dr. recommends a multivitamin due to picky eating, growth concerns or dietary guidance, be sure to cull one that is designed for your kid's age group and does not provide more than 100 percent of the Daily Value of vitamins and minerals. In addition, go on multivitamins out of your child'southward attain and make it clear that they are non candy.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Brittany Scanniello is a registered dietitian-nutritionist and founder of Swallow Simply Diet, a Colorado-based integrative nutrition visitor and private practise. Brittany'southward expertise lies in pediatrics, sports, and functional nutrition, however, is experienced in all nutrition-related matters.

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Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-childrens-vitamins-4586789

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