Kid's Multivitamin: Do They Need Them (And Which Ones?)
As kids grow up, it’s important for them to get enough nutrition, vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal growth and health in their adult years. However, as parents watching their kids grow, we cannot help but ask the question:
“How can I make sure my child is getting enough nutrients? Should my kids take vitamins? Is it recommended?”
Multivitamins are generally not required if a child is eating a healthy balanced diet. A child is getting enough nutrients when their diet is made up of balanced meals and snacks with a variety of food from each of the four food groups: Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, Dairy and Milk alternatives, Meat and alternatives.
Most kids get adequate amounts of nutrients from a balanced diet, but under certain circumstances, children may need to supplement. A kid’s multivitamin can be taken if you think your child may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals from a limited diet or as recommended by your family doctor, paediatrician or registered dietitian.
A specific vitamin to consider supplementing is vitamin D if your child is not getting as much food sources that are rich in vitamin D such as cow’s milk, fortified nut milk, and dairy alternatives. We can only get vitamin D from sunshine (and we don’t get a whole lot in BC), and from select food sources like fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and some fortified foods such as milk, yogurt, orange juice, and cereals.
For specific nutrients, growth or diet concerns, consult a pediatrician or a registered dietitian.