Children's Multivitamins

Best children's multivitamin

The argument over children's vitamins is about the same as for adults -- experts say there's no clear-cut evidence for or against them; although a balanced diet is the best source of vitamins and minerals, it's probably OK to give your child a multivitamin as long as your pediatrician approves it. Children's vitamins are designed to appeal to children -- sweet and in fun shapes, like candy. Parents should keep these supplements in a childproof bottle or cabinet, and never give your child more than the recommended dose. A 2006 article published in the journal Pediatrics looked at the risk of vitamin A toxicity from "candy-like chewable vitamin supplements" designed for children. An overdose of vitamin A can lead to headaches, blurry vision, vomiting and hair loss. Overall, researchers say these vitamins must be "treated with extreme care when at home."

Children's nutritional needs are unique, so never give your child an adult multivitamin. The higher amounts in adult formulas can be harmful or fatal to children, especially if they contain iron. Children's needs also vary by age group. For example, 1- to 3-year-olds need 500 mg of calcium, whereas 4- to 8-year-olds need 800 milligrams. The best guideline is to follow your pediatrician's recommendations.

Flintstones Gummies (*Est. $22 for 200 gummies) come out on top in a recent test of kids multivitamins. In ConsumerLabs.com latest review, four multivitamins for kids are approved, but only the Flintstones Gummies multivitamin does not exceed tolerable intake levels for vitamin A as retinol. Two- and 3-year-olds should receive one gummy per day, and children 4 and up should have two. Flintstones Gummies also perform well in the FDA's test of lead in multivitamins. Although nearly all multivitamins tested contain some trace of lead, the Flintstones Gummies contained only 0.0167 mcg of lead per daily serving -- far below the provisional total tolerable intake levels (PTTI) of 6 mcg per day for children younger than 6. Other kids vitamins had higher levels of lead, including Ola Loa Kids (*Est. $22.50 for 30 packets) with 0.700 mcg per day and Nature's Plus Animal Parade (*Est. $12.50 for 180 tablets) with 0.623 mcg in a daily dose.

ConsumerLab.com also tests Hero Nutritionals Yummi Bears Multi-Vitamin and Minerals (*Est. $17 for 200 gummies), but they contain slightly more lead in the FDA test than Flintstones Gummies -- 0.109 mcg in a daily serving. Still, they are far below the safe/tolerable Ievels of 6 mcg per day. ConsumerLab.com also cautions that a serving of three bears a day exceeds the Upper Levels for vitamin A (as retinol) and zinc for children under the age of 3. The few parental reviews we saw on Drugstore.com indicate that most kids like the taste of Yummi Bears multivitamins, with the exception of a few picky eaters.

Flintstones Children's Complete Chewable Vitamins (*Est. $8 for 60 tablets) are also a well-reviewed choice for kids. In a 2009 Pharmacy Times survey, 41 percent of pharmacists say they recommend Flintstones to shoppers looking for a children's vitamin. Flintstones Complete chewable multivitamins are not included in the latest round of ConsumerLab.com's testing, but they are approved in a test conducted in 2009. Flintstones comes in several formulas, depending on your child's eating habits. Flintstones has a growth chart on its website to help parents determine which formula is best for their child.

Centrum and One-A-Day also have children's formulas. Centrum Kids Complete (*Est. $16 for 180 tablets) and One-A-Day Kids Scooby Doo! Gummies (*Est. $7.50 for 50 gummies) have label directions based on age group. The ingredients are similar, with the exception of vitamin K, more vitamin A, and added nutrients such as manganese, chromium and molybdenum in Centrum. Experts say these extras probably aren't necessary, and only serve to add to the total cost of multivitamins. The Centrum Kids multivitamin comes in sweetened, chewable cartoon shapes, and the One-A-Day Kids comes in chewable gummies.

Trader Darwin's Children's Chewable Vitamins -- sold at Trader Joe's stores -- is tested by ConsumerLab.com in its latest review. Testing indicates that the multivitamins exceed ULs for niacin and vitamin A as retinol. ConsumerLab.com notes that the Trader Darwin's multivitamins contained 5,000 IU of vitamin A as retinol, which is higher than the upper intake level of 3,000 IU.