Good Sources Of Vitamin D
From about late March/early April to the end of September, most people should be able to make all the vitamin D they need from sunlight.
The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors.
But between October and early March we do not make enough vitamin D from sunlight. Read more about vitamin D and sunlight.
Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods.
- fortified foods such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals
Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements.
In the UK, cowsâ milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D because it is not fortified, as it is in some other countries.
Biocare Childrens Mindlinx Complex
A healthy gut is just as important for kids as adults, and feeding it with plenty of live bacteria the friendly kind, of course is a great way to support it. This powdered supplement is packed with just that. The probiotics it includes are the most studied ones around, meaning theres lots of research to back up their benefits. Theres L-glutamine in there as well an amino acid that supports digestion .
Vegan-friendly and suitable from the age of two, this powder might be helpful for little ones who struggle with digestive issues or IBS symptoms. its super easy to take: just sprinkle over cold food. Its apricot flavor, although you only need such a small amount that your bairn likely wont even be able to taste it, making a daily dose very manageable.
Smartypants Teen Girl Formula Daily Multivitamin Gummies: Vitamins C B12 K Zinc & Biotin For Immune Support Energy Skin & Hair Support Assorted Fruit Flavor 120 Gummies
- For teenage girls, take four gummies daily with or without food
- 20 essential nutrients: omega-3 EPA/DHA , lutein/zeaxanthin for eyes, vitamin D3 for immunity, vitamin K for bones, vitamin B12 to support energy metabolism
- Product Note: Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
- New extra yummy flavors including lemon lime, mixed berry and orange Made with all-natural flavors No synthetic colors, artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Teen Girl Formula with new premium ingredients, all in one delicious serving: Beta Carotene, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K2 & Choline
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Do Kids Really Need Multivitamin Supplements
It depends. Does your child have a restrictive diet? Or a medical condition that can affect the absorption of nutrients?
How do you know if your child has a restrictive diet? Or if your childs medical condition affects the body from absorbing nutrients?
Ask yourself
- Does my child have lactose intolerance? If so, your child may benefit from a multivitamin to support vitamin D and calcium needs.
- Is my child very picky? Your picky eater may not like fruits and vegetables and can do well with a multivitamin that includes the widest variety of vitamins and minerals to fill your childs needs.
- Is my childs vegan or vegetarian diet varied enough? If you are unsure, you can always consult with a Registered Dietitian to help you figure out if your childs meals are varied enough. Otherwise, your child may need some additional supplements to help them along.
- Does my child have a medical condition? Having a food allergy or a condition of the stomach or intestines should prompt you to consult your childs doctor, who can help you figure out what your child needs for that medical condition.
In any of these cases, you must know what your child eats and does not eat to know how varied your childs diet is.
The following are the five best multivitamins for kids in 2022.
The Line Up At A Glance
Editors Choice
- Cannot be taken directly by mouth
You will find vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, and minerals. There is also 50 mg of an organic food blend contained in the ingredients.
Best Vitamins For Babies
You probably hear about DHA quite a bit. These vitamins from Nordic Naturals stand out since DHA is their prime focus. As a great way to help support brain and visual growth, these vitamins may be a nice addition to your childs bottle in the morning. Unlike a lot of DHA supplements, this one wont leave too much of a fishy aftertaste. This supplement also has Vitamin D3, which helps with bone development and your babys immune system.
One Reviewer Says: I got this for my toddler daughter who has a speech delay and tested low with her cognitive skills. I do realize it could be a coincidence but a couple weeks after starting with this DHA, began repeating words . But the big improvement has been in her cognitive skills! She’s doing simple puzzles and shape sorters, and stacking blocks!! She even coins into the slot of her toy pig! These are things she’d never even before! It really is like someone turned on a switch.
You can technically start using these multivitamins with iron after the two-month mark, if your pediatrician is on board with it. These drops include vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D3, and E. They also include iron and D3, which will help with their bone development. Perfect to slip into a bottle, this supplement tastes like grapes and is both vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
Also Check: What Foods Produce Vitamin B12
Reasons For Vitamin D Deficiency
Some of us, including our children, cant get enough sunlight to make vitamin D. People with dark skin, for example, may not absorb enough sunlight to make good amounts of this vitamin. Those who live in cloudy places with little sunshine may not get enough sun to produce an amount of vitamin D sufficient for good health. Others wear head coverings or cover their bodies with clothing for religious reasons. Covering up can make it difficult for the body to get enough sunlight to make a healthy amount of vitamin D.
In some cases, not getting enough sun is about our greater awareness of sun exposure as a risk factor for skin cancer. This means that even when our children are out of doors, we are careful to smear them with lots of sunscreen. Sunscreen not only limits the amount of sun our children get, it also limits the amount of vitamin D they can absorb from the sun.
Its also true that children, in general, arent spending as much time out of doors. This is the age of technology. That means that instead of spending time in the sun, children are more often found indoors, spending time on their computers and other devices.
Finally, for some children, not getting enough vitamin D is a medical issue. There are medical conditions, for instance, kidney disease, that can keep children from absorbing nutrients. This too, can result in not having enough vitamin D in the body.
Best Multivitamin For Teens
Recommended age: 13 years old and onwards
Holland & Barrett Mega Vita-Min Teen formula provides a comprehensive blend of essential vitamins and minerals, specially formulated for teenagers.
Each capsule combines a range of nutrients to help meet the unique dietary needs of developing teens.
Amongst other vitamins and minerals, Megavitamin Teens Capsules contains iron, vitamin D, C, B6 and B12.
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Best Kids Multivitamin Gummies
Recommended age: 3 years old and onwards
Holland & Barrett Super Strawberry Multivitamins chewable gummies are a soft, chewable capsule that contain a range of vitamins and minerals, which are suitable for children over the age of 3.
Made especially for growing children, these super strawberry chewable soft gummies contain essential vitamins and minerals.
These include vitamin A which contributes to the maintenance of normal vision, vitamin D which is needed for normal growth and development of bones in children and contribute to the maintenance of normal teeth.
As well as this, vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal function of the immune system.
Vitafusion Womens Gummy Vitamins
Do you need a complete vitamin for your little girl? Well, you can consider having this product.
It is a complete multivitamin that has enough level of antioxidant vitamins C and vitamin E. Also, it supports your teens. It is what you need to help your teens with the need for specific vitamins for their health.
Additionally, this is a convenient, clinically-proven product related to vitamin C and vitamin D3. It is the real solution for teens who wants to enjoy chewable multivitamin.
Even better, it does not contain artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, and gluten. It does not have synthetic dies and dairy as well.
For this reason, it is a good choice to start. This product is different from Vitafusion for adults. It is because the product does not contain annatto.
Pros:
- It also works to promote healthy hair and nails
- The multivitamin tablet is easy to take that your teens will love them
- If your teens have braces, the vitamin is easy to chew and it does not contain too much sugar.
Cons:
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When More Vitamin D Is Needed
Doctors may recommend that your child receive more vitamin D than these recommended amounts depending on a variety of risk factors, including:
- Certain medical problems, like obesity, celiac disease or cystic fibrosis
- If the child is healing from bone surgery
- Or if the child is taking medications that alter the way the body uses vitamin D
When Taking Vitamin D Supplements:
To reap the most benefits of the vitamin D supplements, take the supplement with a food thats considered a healthy fat, like avocado. Vitamin D is fat soluble, which means it needs fat to bind to in order to be consumed efficiently, says Lakshmi Nandiwada, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician.
Supplement production is not overseen by the Food and Drug Administration, so its important to talk to your doctor about whats best for your child before administering.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
The Healthiest Childrens Vitamin D Supplement
If youre looking for a gummy Vitamin D supplement for kids, I love these Vitamin D gummies from Llama Naturals . If youre looking for a liquid Vitamin D supplement for babies, toddlers, and older kids, I love these Vitamin D Drops from Raise them Well. There is literally nothing added to them . They are liquid and you only need one drop in your childs milk per day. Theyre marketed for infants, but you can use them for any age. Super easy, tasteless and pure. For two other great options, BabyD Drops and UpSpring makes a pure liquid Vitamin D supplement as well.
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L’il Critters Gummy Vites Daily Kids Gummy Multivitamin: Vitamins C D3 And Zinc For Immune Support 190 Ct 5 Delicious Flavors From Americas Number One Kids Gummy Vitamin Brand
- No Artificial Flavors or Sweeteners, No Synthetic Dyes No High Fructose Corn Syrup No Gluten or Dairy
- Americas 1 Kids gummy vitamin brand: We deliver the best vitamin experience so kids look forward to their daily dose
- Award Winning Taste: Recipient of the 2021 ChefsBest Excellence Award The ChefsBest Excellence Award is awarded to brands that surpass quality standards established by independent professional chefs
- Essential Nutrients: including vitamins C& D for immune support * Vitamin A for eye support Vitamin E for antioxidant support
- Yummy Nutrition: 5 kid-friendly naturally sourced flavors Cherry, Strawberry, Orange, Pineapple & Blueberry
Minerals And How To Get Them
Heres a list of the minerals you and your family need and how to get them.
Calcium You get calcium from dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt, fish with edible bones, like sardines and salmon, tofu and some green leafy vegetables, like kale and bok choy. Calcium builds strong bones and teeth.
Iodine You get iodine from seafood, vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil, iodised salt and bread made with iodised salt. Most bakery and supermarket bread is made with iodised salt, which will give most people enough iodine. Iodine is essential for normal growth and tissue development, and helps control the ways your cells make energy and use oxygen. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need higher levels of iodine.
Iron You get iron from meat, liver, chicken, seafood, dried beans, egg yolks and fortified breakfast cereal. Iron is especially important for brain function and red blood cell production, and it also helps carry oxygen around the body.
Zinc You get zinc from meat, chicken, seafood, milk, seeds, tofu and wholegrain cereals. Zinc helps with growth, wound healing and immune system function.
Other essential minerals include phosphorus, magnesium, copper, manganese and chromium.
Fruit and vegetables are vital sources of vitamins and minerals. You might like to read about encouraging your child to eat vegetables or see our illustrated guide to child-friendly fruit and vegies.
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Best Multivitamins For Teens By A Dietitian
I often get asked by clients to recommend multivitamins for their teenage kids, and in most cases, Ive always had to go to my dietitian for some nutritional advice.
But since I have become more involved with coaching fitness classes to teen girls and boys from all types of sports, I decided it was going to be more important to fully understand their nutritional needs.
So, I spent a couple of months working with youngsters and their parents to see if we could improve their health and fitness levels through multivitamins and other dietary supplements.
With the help of my dietitian doing the detailed product analysis for each multivitamin, weve been able to come up with this list and conclude the quest for the best multivitamin for teens.
Do Kids Need Vitamin Supplements
In general, kids who eat a healthy, balanced diet dont need vitamin supplements.
However, infants have different nutrient needs than children and may require certain supplements, such as vitamin D for breastfed babies .
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the USDAs Dietary Guidelines for Americans dont recommend supplements over and above the Recommended Dietary Allowances for healthy children older than 1 year who eat a balanced diet.
Instead, they suggest that kids eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and protein foods to obtain adequate nutrition (14,
- follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
- have a condition that affects the absorption of or increases the need for nutrients, such as celiac disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, or inflammatory bowel disease
- have had a surgery that impacts the intestines or stomach
- are extremely picky eaters and struggle to eat a variety of foods
In particular, kids who eat plant-based diets may be at risk of deficiencies in calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins B12 and D especially if they eat few or no animal products .
Vegan diets can be particularly dangerous for children if certain nutrients such as vitamin B12, which is found naturally in animal foods are not replaced through supplements or fortified foods.
Failing to replace these nutrients in childrens diets can lead to serious consequences, such as abnormal growth and developmental delays .
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Feel Kids Multivitamin Gummies
These gummies are more akin to what youd find at a sweet shop than a pharmacy. That is, in terms of flavour and texture we doubt theres much confectionery at the corner shop thats free of artificial sweeteners, colours, preservatives and sugar, while also being vegan and containing 10 different vitamins and minerals.
Feel is an online supplement brand that has a handy subscription option, and its products are designed by nutritionists and made with sustainability in mind. These gummies are for kids aged three to 16 and contain zinc , biotin and several different vitamins including the government-recommended A, C and D. They come in packs of 60, which will last you a month or two, and are easy to chew with a great fruity flavour.
The Best Multivitamins For Babies
Read on to learn more about 3 of the best multivitamins for babies.
Recommended age: 1 month onwards
If youve got a baby and a toddler in your family, you might be looking for a multivitamin that they can both enjoy.
And thats where the H& B Baby Multivitamins Liquid comes in.
With 9 different vitamins, including vitamin A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6 in one handy product, its perfect for supplementing modern day living. And its in a juicy orange flavour, so whats not to love?
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Essential Vitamins For Kids
Of course, children need all the essential vitamins and minerals everyone else needs. There shouldnt be a problem obtaining the key nutrients with adequate nutrition. But if your child needs some help from vitamin and mineral supplements, there are some nutrients to watch.
These nutrients, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B12, B6, iron, iodine, choline, and zinc, are crucial for brain development at an early age. These nutrients tend to be the ones affected the most by poor eating habits or restrictive diets.
Knowing what your child may need depends on their style of eating. For example, if your child is on a vegan or vegetarian diet, they may not be getting vitamin B12, which can usually be found in animal sources.
Also, some fortified foods can add vitamins and minerals that are not naturally found in some foods, like dairy products.
If your child does not eat dairy products, they may miss out on Vitamin A, Vitamin D, calcium, and sometimes zinc, iron, and folate in fortified milk products.
Choosing a multivitamin because its a gummy or liquid form should not be the only criteria you use to select a supplement. You must consider several factors to choose the best multivitamins for your child.
