Vitamin C Candy For Kids

Vitamin C Candy For Kids

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Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, healthy children who eat a well-balanced diet do not generally need vitamin supplementation, except vitamin D in infants and young children if they are not meeting the recommended daily value through food beverages. However, many parents choose to give their children a multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure they're meeting their nutritional needs, improving overall health, and decreasing the risk of disease.

Whether your child is a picky eater or you think they may benefit from an added nutrition boost, it's best to consult with your child's pediatrician before starting a supplementation routine. Vegetarian or vegan kids who have a malabsorptive condition, or have extremely picky habits may require supplementation. There are tons of top-quality multivitamin and mineral supplements on the market to suit your family's needs. It's important to ensure you're looking at the correct dosage for your child's age and investing in a quality product.

Here, the best children's vitamins.

Our Top Picks

Free of artificial sweeteners, this pick includes a mix of nutrients—and is especially ideal if your child's not used to tablets.

Affordable and a solid choice if your little one is gluten or dairy intolerant, the gummy features vitamins A, B12, B6, and more.

Yummy for kids, and convenient for parents, it's formulated with picky eaters in mind so they can still get the needed nutrients.

The tablet is smaller than average for easy ingesting and made from fresh, whole foods so your kiddo isn't overindulging on sugar.

A solid pick if your child has a lot of sensitivities, the vegan multivitamin features only real fruit and no added sugar.

If you're targeting iron for your children, this chewable contains 28% of the daily recommended value along with vitamin A and C.

Get a headstart on adding vitamins to your tot's routine with this multivitamin, which is free of additives and allergy-friendly.

The 2-in-1 gummy is both a multivitamin and probiotic, and you can rest assured knowing that it's third-party tested.

Pros

• Comes in various flavors

• Doesn't contain artificial sweeteners

• Can be taken with or without food

For a super tasty, vitamin-packed gummy multivitamin, SmartyPants Kids Complete Vitamins are the way to go. They contain a wide variety of important nutrients, including omega-3s, vitamin D3, and vitamin B12, and kids want to take them because they taste great. They come in three flavors—lemon, orange, and strawberry-banana—and while they do contain sugar, many parents prefer that to artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup.

Designed for children age 4 and older, the recommended dose is four gummies per day.

Quantity: 120 count | Daily Dosage: 4 gummies | Type: Gummies | Age Rec: 4 years old and up

Pros

• Comes in various flavors

• Doesn't contain artificial sweeteners

• Gluten- and dairy-free

Cons

• Not completely allergy-friendly

If you're looking for a children's multivitamin that won't break the bank, these Gummy Vites from L'il Critters are an excellent option. Recommended for children ages two and up, they contain a healthy mix of important vitamins, including vitamins A, B12, B6, C, D, and E.

The fun bear-shaped vitamins come in yummy flavors such as blueberry, orange, and cherry, but they contain no artificial flavors or sweeteners. Unlike other affordable products on the market, they're free of synthetic food dyes and high fructose corn syrup, so you can be confident that you're giving your child a great product, even if it's lower in price.

Plus, the gummies are free of gluten and dairy, so they're safe for most children. Note that the gummies do contain coconut, so they are not suitable for most children with tree nut allergies.

Quantity: 190 count | Daily Dosage: 1 gummy for 2-3 year olds | Type: Gummies | Age Rec: 2 years old and up

Pros

• Sugar-free

• Non-GMO

• Doesn't contain artificial colorants

Cons

• Doesn't come in various flavors

If you're looking for a great multivitamin for kids that's super convenient for parents, Ritual's Essential for Kids 4+ is an excellent option. The subscription-based gummy multivitamin is formulated with picky eaters in mind to ensure that even the most particular kids get all the nutrients they need. In addition to essential vitamins and minerals, each multivitamin gummy contains 50 milligrams of high-quality omega-3 DHA for optimal brain health and 3 grams of fiber to boost digestion.

If you're concerned about your child's sugar intake, these sugar-free gummies are sweetened with monk fruit, a plant-based sweetener that's less sweet than other non-nutritive sweeteners. The incredibly convenient multi is delivered to your door monthly, so you don't have to worry about buying a new bottle. Suitable for kids and adults ages 4 and up, the gummies are also Non-GMO and free of artificial colorants and synthetic fillers.

Quantity: 90 count | Daily Dosage: 3 gummies | Type: Gummies | Age Rec: 4 years old and up

Pros

• Easy to swallow

• Doesn't contain artificial sweeteners

• Can be taken with or without food

Cons

• Contains less nutrients compared to other options

If you're on the hunt for a comprehensive whole-food based multivitamin and mineral supplement, Megafood Kid's One Daily is perfect for kids ages 5 and up. Each easy-to-swallow mini-tablet contains a variety of important nutrients such as vitamin D3, B12, and B6.

Made from a variety of fresh, raw whole foods, the tablets are free of sweeteners, flavorings, and food colorings. These pure, vegetarian supplements are ideal for parents who are looking to boost the overall nutrition of their child's vegan or vegetarian diet without a ton of extra sugar and ingredients.

As always, it's important to check out the nutrition label to ensure that a supplement is providing adequate nutrition for your child. Note that this vitamin and mineral supplement provides a wide variety of superior-quality nutrients but tends to contain lower amounts of each nutrient than comparable products.

Quantity: 60 count | Daily Dosage: 1 tablet | Type: Tablet | Age Rec: 5 years old and up

Pros

• Doesn't contain artificial sweeteners

• Organic

• Comes in various flavors

Cons

• Must be taken with food

Vitamin D for kids is a critical nutrient to support their bone and immune health. While children can get vitamin D through exposure to sunshine, fortified milk or formula, and a diet rich in fatty fish and eggs, a supplement may boost their intake. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants under 12 months require 400 IU of vitamin D per day, while older children and adolescents require at least 600 IU per day.

Llama Naturals Plant-Based Vitamin Bites provide 800 IU of vitamin D2 and D3 in each serving, among other key nutrients such as vitamins A and C. Formulated for children ages 4 and up, the certified organic chews are made with real fruit and no added sugar or sweeteners. The top-quality supplements contain 13 essential nutrients from whole food plants, with no synthetic vitamins, animal-based ingredients, or common allergens.

Quantity: 60 count | Daily Dosage: 2 fruit bites | Type: Gummies | Age Rec: 4 years old and up

What to Avoid

It's best to avoid vitamins that contain artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. Avoid products with high fructose corn syrup and excessive amounts of sugar.

Pros

• Comes in various flavors

• Gluten- and dairy-free

• Allergy-friendly

Cons

• Must be taken with food

Iron is a key nutrient for growing kids, but not all multivitamins include the important nutrient. Bluebonnet's Rainforest Animalz Multiple Complete Daily Whole Food-Based Chewables contain 28% of the daily recommended value of iron in one serving. Iron is found in various foods, such as fortified breads and cereal, beans, and meat, but some kids need an extra boost.

The nutritious, whole food-based vitamin and mineral supplement also contains over 100% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C, which is known to boost iron absorption and promote immune health.

The animal-shaped cherry-, grape-, and orange-flavored tablets are sweetened with EarthSweet, a mixture of juice concentrates and cane sugar. The vitamins and minerals are derived from fruits and vegetables, so your children get the nutrients they need without any questionable ingredients. The whole-food multivitamin bridges potential nutritional gaps, including vitamin A for eye health and B-complex for energy.

Quantity: 180 count | Daily Dosage: 2 chewables | Type: Chewable | Age Rec: 3 years old and up

Pros

• Easy to chew

• Doesn't contain artificial sweeteners

• Allergy-friendly

Finding a children's multivitamin that's easy to take and suitable for toddlers can be a challenge. Zarbee's Naturals Toddler Multivitamin contains 13 essential vitamins and minerals, 11 of which are vitamins, including vitamins A, C, D3, and B-complex. This multi is formulated especially for children ages 2 to 4.

The great-tasting gummy vitamins are made with fruit pectin instead of gelatin, making them easier to chew and 100 percent vegetarian. They're lightly sweetened with honey and are free of unwanted additives like high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and artificial flavors.

No need to worry if your child has allergies. These gummies are super allergy-friendly and are manufactured in a facility without wheat, milk, egg, tree nuts, peanuts, and shellfish. If you're looking for a multivitamin for older kids, Zarbee's also carries various children's gummy supplements.

Quantity: 110 count | Daily Dosage: 2 gummies | Type: Gummies | Age Rec: 2-3 years old

Pros

• Doesn't contain artificial sweeteners

• Gluten-free

• NSF-certified

• Can be taken with or without food

For a complete multivitamin that also packs in the power of a probiotic, try these gummies from Olly. Olly's Kids Multi + Probiotic gummies contain 12 vitamins and minerals, including A, C, and B12, as well as 250 million CFU of Bacillus coagulans probiotics for good digestive health.

Recommended for children age two and up, the great-tasting gummies are free of gluten and artificial colors and flavors. They're also NSF-Certified, meaning the supplement has been third-party tested and meets strict standards.

Quantity: 70 count | Daily Dosage: 1 gummy | Type: Gummies | Age Rec: 2-3 years old

Final Verdict

For an excellent overall children's multivitamin that's easy to chew, try SmartyPants Kids Formula (view at Amazon). Though it contains sugar, it's sustainably sourced and free of artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, and common allergens. And available in multiple fruity flavors, it'll make your little one forget that they're taking a supplement.

Madelyn Goodnight / Verywell

What to Look for in a Children's Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement

Vitamins & Minerals

Most children can get adequate nutrients from a balanced diet; however, a supplement may boost their intake of specific areas of concern. Take a look at the supplement facts label to see what is (or isn't) in your child's vitamin. Vitamin D helps to boost immunity and bone health. Calcium is important for bone-building and is particularly important during puberty. Iron is important, especially for menstruating preteens and adolescents, while vegan and vegetarian children may benefit from supplementation of iron, zinc, and B12.

Dose

Consider your child's age when selecting a supplement for them, as some products are formulated for toddlers, while others are for older children and teens. Look for products with around 100% daily value of vitamins and minerals, as more is not always better. Follow the age guidelines outlined on the product packaging and speak with your child's healthcare provider to ensure that the product and dosage are appropriate for your child's needs.

Quality

Choose a product made from high-quality ingredients. When possible, select a product that is USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Certified. If you want to ensure that you're giving your child the highest quality product that contains what the label claims, choose a supplement that is third-party tested and highly rated by an organization or company such as NSF or ConsumerLabs.

Ingredients

Always take a look at the ingredient list of your child's supplement so you know exactly what is in the vitamin and mineral supplement. Many gummy vitamins have added sugar, so you may want to consider what kind of sugar is used (honey, cane sugar, etc.). Avoid products with high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, and artificial flavors.

Form

Vitamin and mineral supplements come in various forms, including chewable tablets, gummies, liquid, and powder. If your child doesn't like to chew supplements, consider purchasing a liquid or powder product. Chewable tablets and gummies may be more appropriate for older children.

FAQs

Can adults take children's vitamins?

There is no reason why an adult cannot take a child's multivitamin; however, they may be insufficient in certain vitamins and minerals as the product was designed for a younger population. For example, a pediatric multivitamin may only have 400 IU of Vitamin D whereas an adult requires 600 IU per day.

What nutrients are good for children's immune systems? Are these included in typical children's multivitamins?

So many nutrients play key roles in boosting our children's immune system. Typically, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Calcium are the first ones to look for, and many children's multivitamins do include these three. With that in mind, immune-boosting nutrients include Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, nearly all B vitamins, and iron. Iron is a tricky nutrient which not all multivitamins include. Iron is known to inhibit the absorption of other nutrients, specifically calcium. If your child requires additional iron or calcium, be sure that you provide these nutrients separately.

Do children's vitamins work?

Yes, children's multivitamins provide both vitamins and minerals effectively. However, they are not a substitute for maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet.

What Experts Say

"Children's multivitamins are not all created equal. Most healthy, developing children don't need supplements unless they have a restrictive diet limiting one or more food groups. It's ideal to speak with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian to figure out if your child is deficient in anything so that you can choose a formulation that supplements the missing nutrients. For example, many standard children's multivitamins don't contain any iron or sufficient amounts of calcium, which may be more commonly deficient in children's diet compared to other nutrients, like vitamin C."—Nicole Silber, RD

Why Trust Verywell Family

A personal note on my recommendations written above. As a dietitian, I am careful to recommend supplements, especially for children. I spent time reviewing the most current research on vitamin and mineral supplementation for children, and I looked at multiple brands and products. As a mom, I understand how parents want to keep their children as healthy as possible with the highest quality products. I believe the supplements in the round-up are made by trusted brands that are devoted to product purity and are composed of high-quality ingredients. —Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN

Lauren Cohen, MS, RD, LDN contributed to the FAQs.

Vitamin C Candy For Kids

Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-childrens-vitamins-4586789

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