Parents recognize that trial and error is part of the job when raising children. That’s especially so with young children at mealtime. Some children love fruits and vegetables from a young age, while others may resist such vitamin- and nutrient-rich offerings for years. Parents of children who lack enthusiasm for fruits and vegetables may wonder whether multivitamins help ensure their children get the vitamins and nutrients they need to grow up strong and healthy. 

 No two children are the same, but Rachel Dawkins, M.D., of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, notes that most kids don’t need to supplement their diets with multivitamins. Dawkins notes that’s because even picky eaters tend to get sufficient nutrients from the foods they eat. The Mayo Clinic echoes such sentiments and adds that some foods and beverages, including cow’s milk, are already fortified.

So why is there a robust market for children’s multivitamins? Each parent has different reasons for giving a child a multivitamin, which are typically administered daily. But the Mayo Clinic adds that certain conditions may require vitamin supplementation, including a diet low in vitamin D, delayed physical or developmental growth, a chronic disease, a diagnosis of lead poisoning, or a limited or restrictive diet.

Parents seeking more information on multivitamin supplementation for their children are encouraged to consult their child’s pediatrician before making a decision. Understanding the benefits of vitamins can provide additional insight into why it’s important for children to eat enough healthy foods to avoid vitamin deficiencies.

  • Vitamin A: Nemours KidsHealth® notes that vitamin A facilitates nighttime vision and helps people see color. Vitamin A also strengthens the immune system, which can help kids fight off infection. Orange fruits and vegetables, such as cantaloupe, carrots, and sweet potatoes, are good sources of vitamin A. 
  • Vitamin B: Vitamin B provides a range of benefits, including helping the body extract energy from food and use it as needed. They also support the production of red blood cells, which, Nemours KidsHealth® notes, deliver oxygen throughout the body. Good sources of B vitamins include whole grains, certain types of fish and seafood, poultry, eggs, leafy green vegetables, and beans and peas. 
  • Vitamin C: Nemours KidsHealth® states that vitamin C supports healthy body tissues. That’s important for bone strength, healthy gums, and blood vessels. Citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli are some examples of foods rich in vitamin C. 
  • Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin is important for strong bones and teeth and plays an important role in the body’s absorption of calcium. Milk and other dairy products fortified with vitamin D, fish, and egg yolks offer ample amounts of vitamin D. Kids also can get some vitamin D by playing outside in the sunlight.
     

These vitamins and more can help kids grow up strong and healthy. Parents who suspect their children are not getting enough vitamins through their diets can discuss supplementation with their youngster’s pediatrician.