Many parents are often confused about whether to give their children a daily multivitamin, myself included.  Do they really need a children’s vitamin everyday or do they get enough from the food they eat?  What kind should I give them?  It’s all very confusing and there are conflicting opinions on this subject. 

Unfortunately, there is no consensus. Experts tend to disagree about vitamin recommendations for children who don’t display signs of deficiency. The naysayers claim that children don’t need large amounts of vitamins and minerals, and that even picky eaters should be able to get enough from food. On the other side are those who think of a basic children’s multivitamin as an “insurance policy” that can fill in the gaps of a not-so-great diet.

Most government agencies make vague recommendations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, which suggests childrens vitamins “when a child is a poor eater or has erratic eating habits”.  

As a full-time working mom, I don’t always know what my children eat during the day.  I don’t have time to fix a lunch for them so they eat hot lunch at school.  I’m almost positive my son eats pizza most days, though he won’t admit it.  I try to fix a healthy, well-balanced dinner at night but that’s not always possible with sports and other activities.  McDonald’s anyone?  Thankfully, my kids prefer going to Subway, which offers a much healthier menu.

I feel a little better if I know they are least taking a good childrens vitamins everyday.  However, chewing on gummy vitamins sweetened with corn syrup or sugar can cause cavities as pointed out in a recent article in the USA Today. That’s why we formulated a complete sugar free children’s multivitamin gummy sweetened with maltitol, which does not promote tooth decay.  I don’t want to have to worry about their teeth each time they take a vitamin.   My kids love them!  You can purchase them online at Vitacost.com and soon on Amazon and at select retailers such as Meijers and Pathmark.

There is evidence that children are not getting enough nutrients from diet alone.  According to the NHANES, 2001-2002, (page 34) over 90% of 9-13 year olds do not get enough Vitamin E.  If you're concerned that your child isn't getting a balanced diet by meeting all the requirements in the Food Guide Pyramid, a children’s vitamin can't hurt as well as other nutritional supplements such as calcium. Just don't give your child more than the recommended dosage or neglect to focus on good nutrition at the same time.