How to Select a Multi-Vitamin for Children

The typical American diet leaves much to be desired. While many children are not getting all the vitamins and minerals they need in their daily diets, the debate is still on as to whether multivitamins are the answer. Most experts agree the optimal answer is good nutritious vitamin- and mineral-rich food. But since most children are eating too many empty calories and not enough nutrients, adding a multivitamin to their diets may be a good idea. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Understand that helping your child follow a good diet is one of the most important things you can do for his health. Experts feel that children can get all of their nutrients from a healthy diet. However, since they frequently don't eat foods which make up an optimal diet, taking a good multivitamin every day may be the right choice for some children.
2. Consider buying vitamins specifically produced for children. Giving a child an adult vitamin is not the right choice. Children are little people and need less than adults. Research today shows that vitamins such as iron, for example, taken in higher doses than recommended can be harmful.
3. Stick to the basics when you choose a multivitamin for kids. Many vitamins today add extras like varied herbs and supplements. Some of these "bells and whistles" may help sell the vitamins. But if you want specific herbs for brain power or energy, buy these supplements separately. For instance, if you want more antioxidants you are better off spending your money on real blueberries or cranberries.
4. Be aware that the debate about vitamins versus good food also revolves around research indicating that vitamins and minerals are better utilized in food than in vitamins. The specific combinations and ratios in natural food seem to agree with the human body's metabolism and utilization processes better.
5. Consider a liquid vitamin instead of the pill form for your child because it assimilates faster and is utilized better by the body. Remember to watch expiration dates, too, as over time vitamins lose their vital potency. Avoid vitamins that have added sugar to entice your children to take the vitamin.
6. Continue researching about what vitamins are best for kids, and how you can incorporate vitamin-rich foods into your child's diet. Doing this will help you give your child what he needs nutritionally to grow a strong body and mind, and prepare him for a healthy teen diet.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all vitamins--adult and children's alike--out of a child's reach.