Choosing the Right Children’s Multivitamin for Kids in Sports

Children who are extremely active or participate in competitive sports have unique dietary needs and often require a children’s multivitamin to obtain the amount of nutrients necessary to support their rapid growth.

With average amounts of activity, most children can get sufficient vitamins and minerals through the foods that they eat. However, young athletes who are often exercising multiple hours each day can quickly suffer from nutritional deficiencies which can affect their performance and their growth. This is when a children’s multivitamin can be a beneficial dietary supplement.

A typical balanced diet for a healthy, active child includes:
• Milk and dairy products such as cheese and yogurt (ideally low-fat products for kids over the age of 3).
• Fresh fruits and vegetables (with a focus on leafy, green vegetables)
• Protein such as chicken, fish, meat, and eggs
• Whole grains including brown rice, quinoa, and oats

When Is a Children’s Multivitamin Needed?
Kids who participate in demanding sports such as gymnastics, football, track & field, soccer, and tennis typically practice long hours and burn a tremendous amount of calories. With these extra demands placed on their bodies, they need more vitamins and minerals. A children’s natural multivitamin with a balanced formula can be a good way to ensure that their nutritional needs are being met.

The most beneficial supplements will include:
Vitamin A – to support normal growth and development, tissue and bone repair.
Vitamin B – to support energy production, as well as healthy circulatory and nervous system function.
Vitamin C – to promote healthy muscle development and proper immune response.
Vitamin D – to promote bone and tooth formation and to help the absorption of calcium.
Iron – to build muscle and produce healthy red blood cells.

Yes, all of these nutrients can be found in healthy foods. But, with the extra amount of calories being used during physical activity, deficiencies can occur in active children. A multivitamin can help bridge that nutritional gap.

The best children’s multivitamins for kids and teens are sugar-free, with no artificial flavor or colors. You may also want to choose one that is gluten-free, vegetarian, and hypo-allergenic depending on your child’s specific health needs.

With the addition of the right multivitamin, you can be assured that your active child is receiving the right amount of vitamins and minerals they need during this important time in their life.