In an ideal world, your child would eat all the right foods every day. And because of this, he will get all the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy growth and development. But we don’t live in a perfect world.
There are a lot of factors which make it quite difficult for children to meet the daily nutritional requirements. A lot of children have varying food preferences and changing appetites. Aside from that, parents have busy schedules and can’t monitor what their kids eat at every meal.
This is where multivitamins come in. Although they aren’t meant to replace your child’s healthy diet, you can use them to supplement what’s missing. Different vitamins have different components. Choosing the best multivitamins for children below 7 can be quite confusing. Fortunately, there are guides (such as this article) to help you out. Read on and learn all about selecting and buying multivitamins for your child.
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Who Needs Multivitamins?
Nowadays our lives are so busy that we might overlook some important things – such as nutrition. Therefore pediatricians might recommend multivitamins for some children. Not all children may need such supplements. Only those who:
- Don’t eat healthy, balanced meals regularly;
- Are picky-eaters;
- Have chronic medical issues such as digestive problems, asthma, and such;
- Eat a lot of processed foods and fast foods;
- Are on a vegan or vegetarian diet;
- or kids who drink a lot of carbonated beverages.
What are Multivitamins
Just like adults, some children need to take multivitamins too. But what are multivitamins, exactly? These are supplements given to children (or adults) to help fill in any gaps in nutrition. As previously mentioned, not all kids need to take multivitamins. It’s important to consult with your pediatrician first before giving your child any supplements.
When it comes to children and multivitamins, parents are usually unsure. The issue is whether they should give their kids such supplements. Children and adults have different nutritional needs and requirements. And when it comes to kids, there are a lot more factors to consider.
First off, you need to think about your child’s age. Not all vitamins are suitable for children of all ages. Aside from this, it’s also important to consider any allergies and restrictions, if any, in your child’s diet. After considering all these factors, there’s a lot more to think about. There are 3 important aspects of multivitamins you should consider.
One, look at the composition of the multivitamins. This would indicate how many essential vitamins and minerals are contained in the product you’re considering. It may sound surprising, but some products lack some of the most important elements. These include chromium, iodine, magnesium, and others.
Aside from the key nutrients, you should also think about the various “active ingredients.” These are often overlooked as they are lesser-known elements even if they have a lot of health benefits. Such elements are lycopene, inositol, and choline. These aren’t usually added to the basic multivitamin formulas. But if your child needs them, try looking for products which contain these compounds.
Two, look at the potency of the multivitamins. This factor has 2 components. The first is the nutrient’s chemical form and the second is how much of the nutrients would one serving contain. Depending on these 2 components, one product which has the same ingredients with another may be a lot more potent.
Three, look at the bioavailability of the multivitamins. This refers to the part of a specific active ingredient which can be absorbed through the membranes of the intestines. This is important to the body’s cells and organs can use the nutrients from the multivitamins. Different nutrients may come in different chemical forms. Some of these forms are a lot more bioavailable than other forms.
Consider all these factors when looking for the best multivitamins for your child. Think about it, even when looking at the best-case scenario, children don’t get all the essential nutrients they need each day. This can be because of different reasons, whether they aren’t fed well, or they don’t want to eat well. That’s why in some cases, it’s mandatory for children to take such supplements.
As children grow and develop, their needs grow and develop with them too. Depending on their diet, children may need multivitamins to keep their bodies fit and balanced. Here are some of the most important vitamins children need:
Vitamin A – this is needed to ensure proper tissue and bone repair. This vitamin will also enhance your child’s immune system, eyes, and skin. Natural sources of this vitamin include cheese, eggs, milk, and some kinds of vegetables.
Vitamin B – this is needed to promote your child’s metabolism. It’s also important in the development of the circulatory and nervous systems. Some natural sources are meat, cheese, beans, milk, and nuts.
Vitamin C – this is needed to enhance the development of connective tissues and muscles. Some excellent natural sources are citrus fruits and a selection of vegetables.
Vitamin D – this is needed for healthy bone and teeth formation. The best source is from sunlight, but you can also feed your child salmon and milk.
Calcium – this is also needed for healthy bone and teeth formation. Some great food sources are cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.
Iron – this is needed to enhance the production and development of red blood cells. You can find this in red meat, spinach, and beans.
These are just some of the essential vitamins and minerals. And if your child doesn’t get all these each day, giving multivitamins will be very beneficial.
To learn more about multivitamins for children, watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krOJcBkBQp8
What Are the Benefits of Multivitamins?
No matter how much you want your child to consume all the required daily nutrients, the task is next to impossible. Therefore multivitamins were created. This is also why pediatricians may recommend these to some children, especially those with deficiencies. Here are some of the benefits of multivitamins:
They’ll keep your kids happy and healthy
To keep your child healthy, you need to make sure that he’s healthy. Regularly providing the right supply of vitamins and minerals is crucial health and vigor. This is especially true for children who are growing, developing, and changing every day.
Some studies have shown that children who grow up while taking multivitamins learn healthy habits early on. And because of this, they tend to bring this habit with them even as they become adults. As we’ve said, there are different kinds of multivitamins. Find out if your child has any deficiencies and choose vitamins which contain those.
Aside from deficiencies, there are also some vitamins which children need to keep growing and developing at a healthy rate. Providing these to your child will ensure that he has enough energy to play, learn, and do all his daily activities well.
Usually, multivitamins contain vitamins A, C, D, and E. These are the most basic components. Each of them is essential in keeping your child’s immune system strong and healthy. Another important thing multivitamins may have are antioxidants. These are what contribute to the health of the immune system.
When your child’s immune system is kept healthy, your child’s body will be able to fight off illnesses, diseases, and infections. And when your child isn’t prone to these negative health conditions, then he becomes a lot healthier. And when a child is healthy, there’s a higher likelihood that he will be happier. And what parent doesn’t want their child to grow up happy and healthy?
They serve as supplements
Multivitamins aren’t meant to replace a healthy diet. Instead, they are given to “supplement” what your child is eating every day. If there are any deficiencies in the nutrition, multivitamins are there to fill in any gaps. A “gap” is a lack of a vitamin, mineral or nutrient. And if it isn’t filled, it can affect the child’s health.
No matter what kind of eater your child is, there’s a high likelihood that he would have one or more of these gaps. But, if given multivitamins daily, it may rectify the situation. The multivitamins would serve as supplements to your child’s diet, keeping his health at an optimum level.
They’ll keep your child’s bones healthy and strong
Most multivitamins contain vitamin D. In fact, some of them are rich in this essential vitamin. Vitamin D is vital for the healthy and strong development of teeth and bones in adults and especially in children. Because of this, your child will need daily doses of this vitamin to keep the teeth and bones fit.
Aside from vitamin D, some multivitamins also contain calcium. This is another compound which promotes the health of teeth and bones. So, if you’re able to find multivitamins which contain both vitamin D and calcium, all the better! Especially if you notice that your child has a deficiency in these elements.
Keeping your child’s bones and pearly whites is extremely important. During childhood up to early adolescence, the bone mass develops and forms. Therefore keeping them healthy is critical at this stage of development. So that when your child grows, he would already have a strong foundation.
They provide energy
Anyone who has children know how energetic they can be. From the moment they wake up to the moment you finally get them to sleep, it’s children are just huge energy sources bouncing around your home. But, to keep up those energy levels, they need sufficient nourishment. They need the right number of vitamins and minerals to keep them strong and active.
B vitamins are essential in giving your child enough energy. These components will help your child’s body produce enough energy from the food that he eats. The fact is, our bodies cannot store huge quantities of B vitamins. So, giving your child multivitamins will ensure that his body always has a regular amount of these much-needed B vitamins.
Kids need a lot of energy. And they need to get this energy from the proper sources so as not to run out. They need high energy levels to fuel their play, their learning, and all the other daily activities. Some people say that kids get their energy from eating a lot of sugar.
Although true, this too much sugar isn’t an optimum energy source. This is because sugar just gives a temporary boost of energy followed by an unavoidable sugar crash. So, it’s not enough. Instead, it’s better to give your child multivitamins which contain the essential B vitamins.
With enough B vitamins, your child’s system will be able to convert the food he consumes into the energy he needs. This will allow them to keep on enjoying their busy days filled with fun activities.
They’ll strengthen your child’s immune system
Another great benefit of multivitamins is keeping your child’s immune system strong, allowing it to function well. Since children’s bodies aren’t fully developed yet, that means they are susceptible to diseases and infections. At least as compared to adults whose immune systems are already more developed.
Without a fully-developed immune system, your child needs all the help he can get to keep him healthy. This is where multivitamins can shine. They can help increase the amounts of essential nutrients which the immune system needs to stay fit. Such nutrients are vitamin C and zinc. With enough of these nutrients and more, your child can be better-protected.
If you don’t take care of your child’s immune system, it might not develop well. When this happens, your child might get sick a lot. And when he gets sick, it would take a lot of time before he can fully recover.
So, if you notice that your child gets sick a lot, consult with your pediatrician. Maybe your little one lacks some of the essential nutrients needed to keep the immune system strong. If that’s the case, giving him, multivitamins would help a lot. They would lessen the frequency of illnesses and infections from occurring.
They are nutritious
Finally, multivitamins are nutritious. If they weren’t, nobody would use them! Remember, children aren’t usually able to consume all the vitamins and minerals they need each day to keep them healthy. So, supplementing their diets with multivitamins can go a long way. Just make sure you know what’s in the multivitamins before you give them to your child.
What Are the Points to Consider when Giving Multivitamins to Children Below 7?
When you’re thinking about giving your child multivitamins, safety must be your very priority. You’ll be putting these supplements in your child’s body, so you need to be sure that they’re safe. When looking at the components of the multivitamins, there are some points to consider:
Check if there are any additives which may be harmful to your child’s health. The best kinds of multivitamins don’t contain any synthetic ingredients which may be detrimental to your child’s development.
Also, make sure your child needs the multivitamins. Do this, so there’s absolutely no risk of overdose. Again, it’s probably best to check with your child’s pediatrician first before giving any supplements.
What Are the Best Multivitamins for Children Below 7
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Dr. Mercola Children’s Chewable Multivitamin
Overview:
As much as you want your kids to meet all their daily nutritional requirements, sometimes it’s impossible! With these chewable multivitamins, asking your child to take them won’t be much of a challenge. It comes with the essential vitamins to keep your child healthy and to grow well. It doesn’t contain any allergens such as dairy, soy, yeast or wheat gluten. Finally, it contains an element which helps enhance the mineral absorption of your child’s body.
Pros
- Has an orange-mango taste which children like.
- Made with a chelation formula which helps children’s bodies absorb the multivitamins better.
Cons
- Contains folic acid, which concerns some parents.
- Although it has an appealing taste, the flavor is just mild.
NATURELO Chewable Multivitamin for Children
Overview:
These all-natural chewable multivitamins are perfect for children. It contains 37 ingredients, none of which are synthetic. If your child isn’t a fan of eating vegetables, these multivitamins are sure to help. They’re made from extracts of organic vegetables and fruits. These vitamins don’t even contain any artificial sweeteners. Instead, they have whole-food sweeteners like extracts from monk fruit and stevia leaves.
Pros
- It’s chewable, so your child doesn’t have to swallow the tablets, which some kids aren’t able to do.
- Tested by a third-party, which means it’s guaranteed to be pure.
Cons
- The taste isn’t very appealing.
- The tablets look quite chalky.
Kirkman Labs Children’s Chewable Multi-Vitamin
Overview:
These chewable vitamins appeal to child’s taste buds because of the naturally tasty peach/mango flavor. It’s also sweetened with sucralose and dextrose. These multivitamins are a lot more potent than other commercially-sold products. It’s ideal for kids because it doesn’t contain any artificial flavorings and colorings. This is very useful because such synthetic compounds may cause allergic reactions in some kids.
Pros
- Has a sweetened taste which is quite appealing to kids.
- Doesn’t have artificial colorings or chemicals.
Cons
- Tablets crumble easily.
- Although sweetened, some customers still complain about the taste of the tablets.
GNC Kids Multi Gummy
Overview:
Here’s a fun type of multivitamin for kids. It supports children’s bone and eye. It also helps strengthen the immune system of your little ones. Aside from this, the vitamins also reinforce energy production. The gummy vitamins have tasty fruit flavors which your kids will surely enjoy. Finally, it’s dairy-free and gluten-free, ideal for those with allergies.
Pros
- Supports children’s immunity and production of energy.
- Also supports healthy eyes and healthy bones.
- Doesn’t contain any dairy or gluten compounds.
Cons
- Some customers claim that the gummy bears were slimy.
- Might present choking hazards for younger children.
Abidec Multi-Vitamin Supplement for Babies & Children
Overview:
This is a specially-formulated multivitamin which will help your child meet the daily requirements for nutrition. It’s especially advantageous for kids who have vitamin deficiencies. If you give this supplement to your child every day, it will help keep the right balance of vitamins in your child’s body. Hence, it will promote your child’s healthy growth and development.
Pros
- Has a natural taste and smell.
- Comes in drops form, so it’s easy to give to children.
Cons
- The taste can be improved to make it more appealing.
- Might cause allergic reactions to some kids, so it’s best to check with your child’s doctor first.
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Our Choice for the Best Multivitamins for Children Below 7 (200)
When choosing the best multivitamins for children below 7, there’s a lot to consider. First off, you need to think about the components and ingredients of the multivitamins to determine whether it’s right for your child. All-natural multivitamins are the best, and if they taste great, that would be a great bonus!
Out of all these products, we believe that one stands out. The – Dr. Mercola Children’s Chewable Multivitamin is all-natural and has a taste which appeals to children. It doesn’t contain any artificial colorings, flavorings, and ingredients. It has an orange-mango flavor which will make it easier for your child to take every day.
One significant thing we liked about this brand of a multivitamin is the fact that it doesn’t contain any allergens. Such allergens are dairy, soy, yeast, and wheat gluten. It’s also quite beneficial as it contains a chelation formula, which a lot of other multivitamins don’t contain. This component will help your child’s body be able to absorb the components of the multivitamins a lot more efficiently. It contains great ingredients which are all-natural, and it tastes good too. What more should you ask for? Of course, it’s still best to consult with your child’s doctor before you give any multivitamins.
