Children are the most valuable resource in the world. It is a parents’ jobs to give children all the resources and opportunities to be successful in life. The start of that successful life begins with health. In this article, I will explain the important and the best multivitamins for kids and a list of my personal favorites.
Common Health Concerns for Children that could Require Vitamin Supplementation
Here is a general quick list of some common health issues for children:
Premature Newborns- Babies born prematurely are more likely to require a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for monitoring and nutrition and protein supplementation.
Most of these infants do develop normally however it is important to supplement these kiddos with iron and vitamin D/calcium for proper blood and bone health respectively.
Picky Eaters- It can be hard to get kids to eat the daily recommended dosage of fruits, veggies, meats, and whole grains according to Myplate.gov. It is best to introduce at least 2 new foods to a child plate as they continue to age once they are at 18 months of age.
It not only introduces them to healthy foods but can also help prevent food allergies in the cases of shellfish and peanuts.
Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease- Celiac or Chron’s diseases are autoimmune diseases which the body attacks the gastrointestinal system. Not only can it cause pain, fever, diarrhea but it can also lead not properly absorbing vitamins and minerals from foods.
This includes the fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E, and K) and the mineral iron. Check out diet recommendations from the Chrons/Colitis Foundation for more help if you have a child dealing with this.
Pubescent Girls- Girls that are undergoing their periods are going to be at risk for iron loss anemia. Iron should be supplemented in girls who show symptoms (fatigue, light-headiness) or those who are physically active.
What Vitamins do Children Need?
All children/teenagers need the following vitamins below in their diet as directed to provide the following functions for their bodies. You can find a full list for all vitamins and minerals provided by the FDA.
- Pay attention to the labels of your multivitamin to make sure you are getting a full serving of each. The American Association of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends that vitamin D and iron are most likely needed to be supplemented unless the child is getting full daily requirements from their diet.
>> Vitamin A (Retinoic Acid) helps in eye health and maintaining healthy skin.
- Ages 0-4: 1,000 International Units (IU) daily
- Ages 4 and above: 1,333 IU daily
>> Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine) helps with neurological function and immune system.
>> Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) aids in proper digestion and cell metabolism
>> Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) aids in neurological function by making various neurotransmitters such as epinephrine. It also helps in the making of red blood cells.
>> Vitamin B-12 comes from animal-based foods and is needed for the formation of blood cells and helps absorb iron from the gut. Children who absorption problems or eat a vegan diet should look to have this supplemented.
>> Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is an antioxidant which prevents cell damage. It also plays a role in making collagen, a substance that makes our bone, skin, and teeth.
>> Vitamin D helps absorb calcium from our food. It also helps with energy and bone health for children.
- 400 International Units (IU) daily for all ages
>> Vitamin E is also an antioxidant. It is thought to have a role in maintaining brain function and immune health.
>> Vitamin K helps in blood clotting properly. This is especially important for premature newborns and children with gut diseases Celiac disease and Chron’s disease.
Calcium helps form strong bone and teeth.
- Ages 1-3: 700 (mg) daily.
- Ages 4-8: 1,000 mg daily.
- Ages 9-18: 1,300 mg daily.
Iron helps make our red blood cells which deliver oxygen to our organs.
- Ages 0-13: 7-11 mg daily
- Ages 14-18, boys: 11mg daily
- Ages 14-18, girls: 15mg daily
>> Vitamin B-9 (folic acid) also helps make red blood cells. It also helps in making the DNA inside our cells.
Zinc is important for hair, nail, and skin health as well as digestion health15 Best Multivitamins For kids
Flintstone’s Children Complete Multivitamin Gummies
Flintstone’s Children Complete Multivitamin Gummies
This is a favorite among children since my parents were growing up. This is an affordable 180 tablet bottle for $13 dollars that is the Pediatrician #1 choice for multivitamins. It is free of high fructose corn syrup, gluten, and dairy products so it is safe for any child with allergies to those.
It provides all basic vitamins for immune health like vitamins A and C and vitamin D for bone and teeth health.
The recommended dosage is 1 gummy for children under 4 and a 2 for older children.
Smarty Pants Vegetarian Organic Gummies
This brand is popular among the vegetarians or non-GMO population. There are no GMO, dairy, shellfish, or high fructose syrup in this vitamin. A bottle will cost $19 dollars. Taking the recommended 4 vitamins a serving will take a month to run out.
What I like about this blend is that there are healthy fats included like omega-3 fish oils which have numerous studied benefits on brain and blood vessel health.
They also have brands with extra iron for children who are at risk for iron deficiency.
L'il Critters Kids Calcium with Vitamin D3 Supplement
This vitamin brand is also GMO-free using organic cane sugar and colors. This is one of the tastier children’s vitamins because of this. One bottle will run you $9.39 dollars and will last 2 months for toddlers under 4 (1 a day) and 1 month for kids/teens (2 a day).
This vitamin has an emphasis to include the active form of vitamin D (D3) which is important for especially younger children.
Sundown Naturals Kid Complete
Sundown is a pediatrician preferred brand as it one of the most affordable complete multivitamins for children. With flavors like raspberry and lemon, the kids have no problems taking it. Also, they have other covers like Spiderman if you want a separate bottle for your daughter and son. One bottle will cost you less than $10 but only last for a month.
This blend is will have all vitamins and minerals for immune, bone, and eye health.
Garden Life Organics Certified for Children
This organic brand of gummies costs just under $20 and will last for one month taking 4 vitamins a day. The label states they are so good you want to take more than four, please do not haha.
Alicia Silverstone mother, vegan and controversial PETA activist started this brand to deliver proper nutrition to America’s youth. It does a good job as it contains many vitamins and minerals I have previously discussed.
Smarty Pants Mineral Complete Gummy Multivitamin
This is roughly the same price as the Smarty Pants vitamin brand above. This one though is on fortified with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. I would recommend these vitamins for two groups of children. One is for any child born prematurely since they are less developed, it is important to optimize nutrition for them.
The second is children who eat a poor diet, I am talking about the chicken tender and French fries diet. Some kids are picky eaters but they will have no problems tolerating this tasty vitamin.
Liquid Organic Kids Vitamin
Drops are the next improvement in that you can give your child the drop or disguise it in milk or pudding. One bottle will cost $21 dollars and last for a month. I had to look up their proprietary blend to see what was in it. It checks out, full of the vitamins I stated are important and a few other organic ingredients including bilberry, elderberry, and shepherd’s herb.
I am not sure about all the ingredients but it is still a very good priced vitamin supplement that has all the essentials.
Mama Bear Organic Kids Multivitamin
This is an Amazon brand where one bottle will last for a month costing you less than $13. It is your basic multivitamin that will give all the necessary vitamins and minerals. However, it is by no means best complete multivitamin on this list.This one is the best deal in the sense that you can get coupons taking 10-15% off.
Natures Plus Sugar-Free Children's Supplement
This formula contains added digestive probiotics and enzymes. It is an organic multivitamin for those who care about the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle as there is no soy, egg or dairy.
One bottle will run you $21 dollars and last you four months.
Naturelo Chewable Children’s Vegetarian Multivitamin
One bottle will cost just under $30 for a month’s supply. This is one of the priciest vitamins on the list but it is well worth the cost. There are over 4 servings of fruits in 2 vitamins which is a very good value.
GNC Milestone Multivitamin
This vitamin is for your active teenagers/young adults as it has vitamins C and B12. It is very affordable at $13 and lasts longer than most vitamins on this list at 2 months for one bottle.
Noor Vitamin Gummies Complete for Kids
For less than $20 you can get a reliable and delicious vitamin that is packed with immune-boosting vitamins A and C. Depending on the age, one bottle will last a child 1 ½ to 2 months. What I like the most is that the mascot too cute for your kids not love.
365 Everyday Multivitamin for Kids
This is the cheapest option as one bottle is less than $15 dollars and lasts for 90 days.
This is Wholefoods basic multivitamin so if you cannot find it online you can go to the store and purchase it. I will warn you that it is much cheaper online than in the store.
Vitamin Friends Vegan Gummies with Iron
This vitamin is made for organic conscious parents. One bottle will last for a month and cost you $21 per bottle. This is the vitamin I would recommend for any child who needs iron supplementation for the diseases I listed above. Kids love the taste of these gummies and they provide all other essential vitamins and nutrients besides iron.
Choice Manetabolism Healthy Grow Vitamins
This vitamin I will recommend for younger teens undergoing puberty. There is slightly more vitamin A which is important for proper sebaceous gland function and skin health to help with acne. It also contains added biotin which important for hair follicle development.
This one is affordable at under $12 dollars a bottle and will last over a month.
This article is not meant to treat, diagnose or manage any disease state. Please see your local health provider if you have concerns.I have just tried to give you a idea about some Best Multivitamins For kids based on there review and price.
Related Topics you may like to read about Best Multivitamins
>>>>>>>>> Best Multivitamins For Men
Author BIO
Dr. CHRISTIAN-JEVON BRAMWELL MD
Christian Bramwell, MD uses his own weight loss story as teaching for people struggling with their own weight through blogging, teaching, and writing. His mission in life is to promote health and education, that is why he has chosen to be a family physician and found his own nonprofit Project RAK based on education and empowerment.
NPI (Doctor proof number) - 1336632918 NPI Number: