Children’s multi vitamins are formulated to provide extra nutrition for children. However, they are often taken by adults for a variety of reasons. Some individuals have difficulty swallowing large vitamin tablets and prefer the chewable childrens multivitamins for ease of use. Others are simply short on time and just grab a couple of their kids’ supplements when they’re giving them to their children. Whatever the reason, children’s multi vitamins are not always the best choice for adults. However, they will typically do no harm either.
The Nutritional Needs of Adults and Children Are Different
While an eight year old child and a 30 year old adult both need the same amount of calcium according to the United States Department of Agriculture, their iron needs are dramatically different. Childrens multi vitamins are formulated specifically for the needs of children and typically do not have the optimal amounts for children. With that said, they do offer some amount of nutrition, and some is always better than none!
Caution for Pregnant Women Taking Childrens Multi Vitamins
Pregnant women, according to the American Pregnancy Association, require extra nutrition such as iron, calcium, and folic acid which can help protect against neural tube defects. This is why there are prenatal vitamins designed specifically to support pregnancy. Children’s multivitamins do not provide enough of these nutrients, and thus, these should never be used by pregnant women.
It Begins with a Balanced Diet
Not everyone requires a nutritional supplement. If you are eating a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruit, whole grains, protein, and dairy, you may very well be getting enough that there’s simply no reason to pop children’s multivitamins.
A good place to start is your doctor’s office when it comes to determining the right vitamins and minerals for your specific needs. Your doctor can offer guidelines and suggestions based upon your lifestyle, health, age, and physical needs. You may need a variety of supplements, be ok with children’s multivitamins, or not require any supplementation at all.
With that being said, if you are considering taking children’s multivitamins, a good option is Animal Parade Sugar Free Children’s Chewables by Nature’s Plus. They’re gluten-free, vegetarian, and contain a complete range of essential vitamins along with healthful whole foods including spirulina, carrot, broccoli, whole brown rice, and spinach. With great flavor, they’re delicious for both children and adults!
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