MULTIVITAMINS FOR CHILDREN: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONES

MULTIVITAMINS FOR CHILDREN: 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONES

Most experts disagree about whether a daily multivitamin is necessary for all children. While some believe most children don’t need supplements because so many foods are fortified, others know all too well the perils of trying to get your little one to “eat healthy.”

The fact is that children who are picky eaters, susceptible to food sensitivities, or vegetarians may need a supplement just to meet the required daily amount of certain vitamins and minerals.

Fortunately, most experts do agree that taking a daily supplement won’t hurt as long as it doesn’t exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for any one vitamin or mineral. They also agree that supplements should never be a substitute for whole foods, but simply compensate for any gaps in your child’s diet.

If you choose to give your child a multivitamin, it’s important to know the ins and outs of each.

Check out the ingredients in your multivitamins

Make sure they are free of any artificial flavors or colors, aspartame and lactose. Surprisingly, many children’s multivitamins are full of GMOs that can be linked to harmful side effects. Nutrilite™ Kids supplements in the U.S., for example, are all non-GMO, lactose-free, gluten-free, hala, use soy-free protein and don’t contain any artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.

Nutrilite is the only global vitamin and supplement brand to grow, harvest, and process plant ingredients on its own certified organic farms.* And Nutrilite partner farms are required to meet the same, strict traceability and safety requirements as our own farms.

As a result, Nutrilite Kids Multivitamin Gummies contain plant nutrients like chia, blueberry, spinach, sea buckthorn and lutein that can be traced back to plants grown on Nutrilite and partner farms. Every ingredient has been tracked from seed to supplement so you know that what you’re giving your kids is safe, clean and wholesome.

Kids still have to brush their teeth

Many chewable multivitamins contain a form of sugar or sweetener to improve the flavor. Whether it’s glucose, xylitol or stevia, good dental hygiene is extra important with gummy vitamins or other sticky substances.

It’s important to have children drink water and brush their teeth after they take a gummy vitamin. This, combined with regular brushing and flossing, will go a long way toward keeping their teeth in good shape.

Pay special attention to calcium, zinc and vitamins A, C and E

These are common nutrients that kids frequently don’t get enough of.

Calcium

Calcium is needed to form growing bones. Proper calcium intake beginning in childhood on can help maintain normal bone mass later in life.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential nutrient for proper growth and development and also plays a role in supporting the immune system.

Vitamin A

Globally, it’s estimated that 30% of children under age 5 are deficient in vitamin A. This key nutrient supports vision health and aids in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin.

Vitamin C

Helps keep body tissues, such as gums and muscles, healthy. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron – important for kids – and protects cells from free radical damage. It’s also a key nutrient for supporting the immune system.

Vitamin E

This antioxidant powerhouse fights off free radicals. Vitamin E is commonly found in nuts, seeds and other leafy-green vegetables, which are not always easy to get kids to eat.

Simplify your search

Check out Nutrilite products for kids, including the  Nutrilite Kids Multivitamin Gummy, which provides 12 essential vitamins and minerals in fruit punch and berry flavors with plant nutrients from five colorful food groups, Nutrilite Kids Brainiums DHA™ Jelly Splat, a sugar-free supplement that has Omega 3s to support brain health†, and Nutrilite Kids Complete Immunity Fast-Melt Powder with vitamin C, probiotics, zinc and vitamin D for immunity support. Learn more at the links below.

And for more great tips and tricks on supporting  a healthy lifestyle for you and your family, check out a few more blogs at Amway Connections.