Making sure that your children get all the essential nutrients they need can be challenging.
Busy schedules, picky eating habits, and allergies are just some of the reasons why children may not be getting enough nutrients in their diet.
That’s where children’s multivitamin gummies can help, offering a convenient and tasty way to up your child’s intake.
In this guide, we will explore if kids really need to take vitamins, their benefits, what to avoid in children’s vitamins, and tips for incorporating them into daily life.
Do my kids really need to take vitamins?
Ideally, children should get enough vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet; however, this is not always possible.
The government recommends that all children from six months to five years old be given supplements containing the key vitamins A, C, and D every day (i).
Babies can get their intake from infant formula or via baby formula drops.
However, for children older than this, meeting their nutritional needs can be more difficult.
They may not want to take traditional supplements due to their texture, taste, or size.
That is where delicious alternatives like our Multi-Max Kids Gummies can help bridge the gap.
Are gummies healthy for kids?
Gummy children’s multivitamins are becoming increasingly popular with parents because they appeal to kids.
However, there has been some concerns about gummies containing high levels of sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay (ii).
Our gummies range has been expertly developed to combat this issue and provide a tooth-friendly solution for all.
Instead of sugars and sweeteners, our products have been formulated with Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) from chicory root to support intestinal health.
In addition, they are gelatine-free and contain the following vitamins and minerals to support your children’s health overall:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Niacin
- Vitamin B6
- Folic acid
- Vitamin B12
- Biotin
- Pantothenic acid
- Zinc
- Iodine
If you have any concerns, remember to always consult a healthcare professional before introducing any multivitamin to your child’s diet.
At what age can kids eat gummies?
Generally, experts recommend waiting until your child is four years old before giving them multivitamin gummies (iii).
At this age, your child will be able to chew solid food and, therefore, gummy supplements.
However, age recommendations can vary depending on the product, so it is important to always check the label for guidance.
In addition, you should always supervise your child when they are taking supplements to avoid choking hazards and ensure safe consumption.
What are the benefits of kids’ vitamin gummies?
For many parents, getting their children to take their daily vitamins can feel like a constant battle.
Traditional pills and supplements are often met with resistance despite much convincing.
However, multivitamin gummies are a game-changer, as they are colourful, fun, and tasty, so they appeal to children more easily.
Here are some further benefits of children’s multivitamin gummies:
- Convenient. Gummies are easy to incorporate into your child’s daily routine and can easily be carried for on-the-go convenience
- Easy to take. Delicious flavours and fun shapes ensure that your child will look forward to taking their vitamins. In addition, their soft and chewy texture are ideal for children who struggle to swallow traditional supplements and pills
- Encourages healthy habits. Gummy supplements can encourage your little ones to think about their health and promote positive associations with nutrition from an early age
- Fills nutritional gaps. Children can have nutritional gaps for many reasons, including if they are picky eaters, have dietary restrictions, or have allergies. Children’s multivitamin gummies can help by providing essential nutrients in one convenient mouthful
- Supports immune health. Many children’s multivitamins contain nutrients like Vitamin C, D, and zinc, which contribute to the normal function of the immune system and can help the body fight against common illnesses
What to avoid in children’s gummy vitamins?
Now that you are aware of the benefits of children’s gummy multivitamins, it’s time to look at what you do not want in your supplement.
It is important to remember that not all multivitamins are created equal, and some may contain unwanted additives.
Always check the label before purchasing to ensure that you are choosing a high-quality supplement for your child.
Here’s what to avoid:
- High sugar. Gummy supplements can often contain high levels of sugar and sweeteners that can lead to tooth decay
- Artificial colours and flavours. Research has found that children can have sensitivities to artificial colours that can cause hyperactivity (iv)
- Allergens. If your child has sensitivities or allergies, keep an eye out for ingredients that include soy, gluten, or dairy
- Skipped nutrients. Children’s multivitamin gummies should contain essential vitamins and minerals needed for their growth and development. However, that does not mean that they always do. Always check the label and opt for children’s multivitamins that include key nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and E
- Lack of testing. Ensure the product is tested rigorously and adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Tips for adding children’s multivitamins into daily life
Incorporating multivitamin gummies into your child’s daily routine does not have to be difficult; in fact, it can be fun.
Get creative and think of ways you can make it an easy and enjoyable habit that your child will enjoy.
Here are some practical tips for adding gummies to your child’s daily routine:
- Take them together. Children often like to copy their parents, so why not take your supplements together? Our gummy range has lots of options for supporting optimal health in adults, including Vita-D, Berryguard, and Pro-Biome Complete Gummies
- Make it fun. Show your children that taking their daily vitamins doesn’t have to be boring; it can be fun! Create a chart where they can use stickers to track their vitamin intake, making it a more rewarding experience
- Create a routine. Ensure your little ones remember to take their vitamins regularly by adding them to a daily habit, such as eating breakfast or after coming home from the school run.
- Make vitamins relatable. Explain the importance of vitamins to your children in a way that will resonate with them. For example, vitamin D supports bone health, which for your child means that they can grow healthy and strong
- Set a reminder. Sometimes, life can run away with us, particularly on hectic days. Set an alarm or a reminder on your phone to make sure that the family remembers to take their vitamins, even on the busiest of days
Final thoughts
Children who eat a balanced diet will generally gain essential nutrients through food.
However, children’s multivitamins are a great way to support your child’s nutrition if they are not able to get it through diet alone.
It is important to remember that supplements are just that and should not be regarded as a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, always ensure that you are choosing high-quality products that contain the appropriate nutrients for your child’s needs and stick to the recommended dosage.
To find out more ways you can support your child’s health, check out Nutrition Buzz.
References:
i. NHS. Vitamins for Children: Importance and Guidelines. NHS. Available online: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/vitamins-for-children/
ii. WebMD. (2024) What to Know About Gummy Vitamins. WebMD. Available online: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/what-to-know-about-gummy-vitamins
iii. WebMD. (2023) Do Healthy Kids Need Vitamins? WebMD. Available online: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/vitamins-for-kids-do-healthy-kids-need-vitamins
iv. NHS. Food Colours and Hyperactivity: What You Need to Know. NHS. Available online: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-colours-and-hyperactivity/
