When it comes to vitamins, it's important to make sure that your child is getting the right dose and type of supplement. The vitamins found in gummies are generally suitable for children aged four years and older. This is the age when many children transition from breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to solid foods, and with any change in diet, new nutrient gaps can arise. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children up to one year old take a supplement with 400 IU of vitamin D.As children grow, they often don't meet their vitamin D needs, so it may be beneficial to continue with a vitamin D supplement (at least 600 to 1000 IU) as your child grows.
A children's multivitamin is a great way to address many nutrient deficiencies at once; just make sure it contains vitamin D. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommend that children up to one year of age supplement with 400 IU of vitamin D.1 However, children are at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency and, as such, the Endocrine Society recommends 600 to 1000 IU of vitamin D for children aged one year or older.2 You can always take a separate vitamin D supplement if the multivitamin you choose doesn't contain it. Like most multivitamins, these don't contain iron or calcium, so you'll need to make sure your child gets the right iron and calcium for their age. Designed for children over 4 years old, the recommended dose is four gummies a day. If you're looking for an excellent multivitamin for children that comes to your door when you need it, Essential for Kids 4+ by Ritual is an excellent option.
Liquid multivitamins are a convenient alternative to gummies and tablets, especially for babies and picky eaters. If you don't think it's easy to get your children to eat the right foods, dietary supplements can help ensure that your children get the nutritional support they need during those early formative years. If you're looking for a whole-food, whole-food multivitamin and mineral supplement, Megafood Kid's One Daily is perfect for children ages 5 and older. If a health care provider recommends a multivitamin because of dietary requirements, growth problems, or dietary guidance, be sure to choose one that is designed for your child's age group and that provides no more than 100% of the daily value of vitamins and minerals. When giving vitamins to children, be sure to choose high-quality brands that contain the right doses for children and follow the recommended dosage.
Most children get adequate amounts of nutrients from a balanced diet, but under certain circumstances, children may need vitamin or mineral supplements. While most children can get enough iron from iron-rich foods, some children may be at greater risk of iron deficiency, such as those who are picky eaters and those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. If you're concerned about your child's sugar intake, these sugar-free gummies are sweetened with monk fruit, a naturally occurring sweetener that's less sweet than other alternative sweeteners. If a pediatrician recommends that your child take vitamins, look for quality brands that have been tested by third parties and that are formulated with the right doses of nutrients for children (to avoid toxicity).
