When it comes to giving vitamins to children, it is important to wait until they are at least 4 years old, unless their doctor recommends otherwise. Children between 3 and 5 years old may be picky eaters, but they are likely to still get enough nutrients if they are given a variety of nutritious foods. It is best to avoid giving children vitamins in the form of gummies, as these can be harmful to their growth and development. Gummies contain artificial colors, high-fructose corn syrup, and sugar crystals, which can cause tooth decay.
Additionally, gummies provide 5 grams (g) of added sugar per serving, which can contribute to excessive sugar intake throughout the day. Liquid multivitamins are a convenient alternative to gummies and tablets, especially for babies and picky eaters. When giving vitamins to children, it is important to choose high-quality brands that contain the right doses for children and follow the recommended dosage. It is generally safe for children to start taking vitamin gummies once they can chew solid foods, usually around 2 or 3 years old.
It is also important to check that gummies do not contain allergens such as gluten or dairy products, as well as artificial sweeteners, colors or preservatives that can be harmful to young people's bodies. If you want to improve your child's health without giving them gummy vitamins, you can offer them yogurt made from live cultures or a yogurt or kefir drink. These are full of probiotics and can help support their immune system. Ultimately, age, dietary needs, and health status should be considered when determining if vitamin gummies are the right choice for children.
