The Best Multivitamins for Kids

Multivitamins are a good option for kids that are picky eaters but choosing the right product can be overwhelming. In an ideal world, our children would get enough nutrients from a healthy and balanced diet. Of course, we know that isn’t always the case. Kids also have a higher demand for many nutrients compared to adults because they are constantly growing and developing. The largest disparities between recommended and actual intakes of vegetables in the Unites States occur among children ages 4 to 8 years. There are good reasons for parents to consider a daily multivitamin for their children.

*Product recommendations below.

Multivitamins With or Without Iron?

Multivitamin products for kids can be categorized by those that contain and do not contain iron. Most children get enough iron from the diet. Exceptions are those children consuming a vegetarian or vegan diet. A small proportion of young girls do not consume enough iron. Aside from the above and special situations like malabsorption issues, most pre-adolescent children in the United States do not need extra iron.

Chewable vs. Gummy Multivitamins?

Gummies may be easier, but they often contain substantial amounts of added sugar and smaller amounts of essential nutrients. These products typically contain lower amounts of minerals like magnesium and calcium that are important for bones.

What to Look for in a Kids Multivitamin

When choosing a product, look for high-quality brands that contain appropriate dosages that do not exceed 100% of the daily value. This is especially important for the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are stored in body fat. Water-soluble B-vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, biotin, folic acid, and vitamin B12) and vitamin C are far less toxic and do not build up in the body like fat-soluble vitamins. Purchase products that contain part or all the vitamin A as beta-carotene. The body can convert non-toxic beta-carotene to vitamin A. Good products should contain iodine due to its role in cognitive development. Many will also contain omega-3s and smaller amounts of calcium, choline, and magnesium due to their bulkiness. Avoid choosing products based on marketing terms like organic, non-GMO, and free of artificial colors, sweeteners, or additives. These statements are unscientific and say nothing to the quality of the product. It is important to always read the label if your child has food allergies, as many dietary supplements are be co-produced alongside products that contain allergens.

A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is always a great resource for information about dietary supplements.

Recommended Multivitamins for Kids

Below is a list favorites compiled as part of my role on Forbes Health Advisory Board.

Renzo’s Picky Eater Kids Multivitamin – Best for Age 4+
This product is perfect for parents searching around Amazon for a kid’s nutrition insurance plan. Two tablets contain 18 essential nutrients at or just below 100% of the daily value. I appreciate the addition of iodine at 100% of the daily value, as this is atypical of most products. The product does not contain sugar like many other products targeted towards kids. Give children age 4+ years one tablet with breakfast and the other with dinner, so absorption is spread throughout the day and not all at once.

SmartyPants Kids Daily Multivitamin – Best Gummy for Age 4+
A good gummy option because it contains reasonable amounts of vitamin B12, iodine, omega-3s (DHA and EPA), and at least some choline, which are all important for cognitive development in children. The downside of gummies is that they often contain added sugar and are not as “complete” as most tablet multivitamins. The company sells a separate SmartyPants Kids Mineral Formula, which contains important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

Zarbee’s Naturals Complete Toddler Multivitamin – Best for Toddlers
While most multivitamins are designed for kids age 4 and up, this product is specifically formulated for toddlers. The 100% daily value dose of vitamin D makes is a plus since many toddlers don’t get adequate amounts from the diet or sun exposure. I also appreciate the full the lower amount of zinc, which can cause stomach irritation in toddlers at higher doses. Zarbee’s Naturals Complete Toddler Multivitamin does not contain choline or iron, so it’s important to make sure your toddler is consuming an egg (with the yolk) most mornings.

Kids Good Stuff - Best Powdered Drink Mix
A tasty multi-nutrient drink mix that packs a superior nutrition punch. It contains all of the typical vitamins and minerals present in multivitamins, plus 8 grams of protein, 200 mg of calcium, 70 mg citrus bioflavonoids, and 3 billion CFU of the widely researched probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. I also appreciate that (unlike many products) it only contains moderate amounts of nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin A (retinal palmitate only; carotenoids are non-toxic) that are easily consumed in excess through supplementation by young children.

Interested in learning more? Check out my online educational courses here. All recommended products can be found on my Amazon store:

• To support your children's immune system and help them develop healthy bones with Nuzest Multinutrient Drink Mix (Chocolate)
• For children 4 years of age and alder smarty, Pants Multivitamin Gummy
• Zarbee's Toddler Multivitamins Vitamin B Complex, pediatritian approved kid's dietary supplements
• Zero sugar multivitamins for your picky kids, Renzo's Vegan Multivitamins with Iron