ABCs of Multi-vitamins for Kids?

Grocery and drugstore shelves have many choices when it comes to multi-vitamins for kids. From tablets and gummies to liquid drops in every color of the rainbow, it can be confusing to figure out which vitamin is the best choice for your child.

For many children, simply eating a well balanced diet is sufficient. However, for those who are underweight, have chronic illness, or have more active lifestyles, multi-vitamins for kids that contain a balanced formula of vitamins and minerals may be necessary to support healthy growth.

The following guidelines can help you ensure that your kids are getting the nutrients they need.

When to Introduce Multi-vitamins for Kids

Before introducing any type of supplement into your child’s normal routine, it’s a good idea to first talk to their pediatrician or dietician. They can help you determine if there is anything lacking in their diet, and what vitamins and minerals will be beneficial.

Check Formulas

Individuals of any age can consume too many vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins such as E, D, K, and A are particularly risky in large doses because the body stores the excess, and these can cause dangerous levels of toxicity to form. When evaluating labels of multi-vitamins for kids, make sure to carefully read the nutritional information to ensure there vitamins and minerals aren’t exceeding daily recommendations.

What about Natural Vitamins?

Artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives are all readily found in most big brand kids’ vitamins. If you are taking the time to ensure your child’s good nutrition by giving them multi-vitamins for kids, doesn’t it make sense to ensure that they are safe and natural? Yes, they may cost slightly more than those found in the grocery stores, but they will be free of unsafe ingredients which can be harmful to children. Animal Parade natural vitamins from Nature’s Plus is one brand that has combined a complete vitamin and formula with natural health foods including spirulina, carrot, broccoli, whole brown rice, and spinach.

Vitamin Safety

Many multi-vitamins for kids look like candy to children. So, it’s very important to keep them stored as you would prescription medications. Overdoses can be extremely dangerous, so an ounce of prevention can go a long way. As well, make sure that safety caps are placed on bottles and that you follow the recommended dosages as stated on the label.

Stay Focused on Healthy Eating

It’s always better for your children to obtain essential vitamins and minerals from the foods they eat. Currently, over half of children are not getting the recommended intake for calcium, and nearly a third are not obtaining enough vitamin E, zinc, or iron in their diet. So, striving to meet dietary requirements through food is a must each and every day. Good eating habits are acquired over time and can stick with a child for a lifetime. Don’t rely on just supplements for nutrition. A healthy diet is a must!

Multi-vitamins For Kids To Meet Nutritional Needs

If you’re a parent, you know that it can be a daily battle to get kids to eat nutritiously. Incorporating enough fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains into their diet is tough under the best of circumstances. Because of this, it can be beneficial to add multi-vitamins for kids to their daily routine.

Of course, children, as well as adults, should get the bulk of their nutrition from healthy foods. When it’s not possible because of dietary restrictions or pickiness, you naturally want to choose the best children’s vitamins.

While chain grocery and drug stores carry many brands of multi-vitamins for kids, most of these are not all-natural, and many have unhealthy ingredients such as synthetic dyes, aspartame, hydrogenated vegetable oil, artificial flavors, and other additives. These are not good options for children.
Alternatively, it’s better to choose natural multi-vitamins for kids that are hypo-allergenic, gluten-free, and vegetarian.

Nature’s Plus Animal Parade Multi Children’s Chewable is one such supplement that can help provide essential nutrients without the unhealthy additives. Known as one of the best children’s vitamins on the market, Animal Parade features a formula containing vitamin D3, vitamin K2, over 20 certified organic whole foods, all essential vitamins and minerals, probiotics, lutein for eye and skin protection, enzymes, and bioflavonoids.

Their formula also contains xylitol as a sweetener which helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay, but doesn’t have the health risks associated with artificial sweeteners like aspartame.

Along with multi-vitamins for kids, there are also other types of supplements that may be beneficial depending on your child’s particular nutritional needs. For example, calcium supplements can be helpful for kids who have dairy allergies or sensitivities. A good calcium supplement can help support bone growth during the important growing years and beyond.

Probiotics and acidophilus are often recommended by doctors for children with intestinal difficulties. Zinc and vitamin C supplements can be particularly beneficial during cold and flu season. And, nutritional shakes are a great source of protein and fruits & vegetables for kids who are underweight, involved in sports, or just picky eaters.

It’s always a good idea to first discuss multi-vitamins for kids with your child’s pediatrician prior to purchasing a particular formula. They can advise you on any specific nutrients that may be particularly beneficial for your child’s health needs.

Once you have the go-ahead, choose the best children’s vitamins based upon nutritional ingredients and establish a specific time when you will provide them to your child. The goal should be to establish a habit so that a vitamin simply becomes a natural, regular activity like brushing teeth or making the bed.

How to Establish Good Nutrition Early with Kids Multi-vitamins

Kids multi-vitamins can help your children develop good nutritional habits at an early age. By taking them regularly, it creates a foundation for healthy behaviors that can last a lifetime. Besides multi-vitamins for kids, there are other habits that can help set a healthy foundation.

Offer Healthy Food from the Start
Good or bad nutritional habits are learned through repetition, and over time, they can be hard to break. This is why it’s such a good idea to set a good example for children as early as possible. As parents and caregivers, we can offer balanced, nutritious foods. By doing so, they will become the foods that they will reach for when they are able to make their own food choices.

Limit the Sweets
Sugar is an addictive substance with little nutritional value. This is why it is so important to minimize sugar intake during a child’s formative years. If you have a habit of snacking on sweets, your child will, too. By offering healthier alternatives and setting a good example, you can prevent a lot of future battles.

Be Adventurous
Many parents are reluctant to offer a wide variety of foods for fear that their child won’t like them. However, studies have shown that kids that are given many food choices tend to eat healthier. You just may be surprised by what your child enjoys. Whether it’s arugula, artichokes, fava beans, or something even more exotic, if it’s nutritious why not try it? Kids multi-vitamins can often help bridge the gap in nutritional deficiencies. However, eating a broad spectrum of foods can also go a long way towards your child getting the nourishment they need to thrive. To learn more about the types of nutrients and servings required for good health, check out the US government’s guidelines.

A good formula of multi-vitamins for kids will contain the essential vitamins and minerals along with whole foods and probiotics for digestion. Choose one with a flavor that your children like, and make sure that you incorporate the supplement into their daily routine. This will help establish those healthy habits that will facilitate good health for many, many years to come.