Gummy Vitamins for Kids: [A Beginner's Guide]

Kids need vitamins and minerals they can get to stay healthy. With the new normal and coronavirus making them more vulnerable, parents need to be more conscious about children's nutritional gaps. That means ensuring they eat the right foods first, and supplementing it with a multivitamin when necessary.

There are tons of kids multivitamins available nowadays, kids gummy vitamins being one of them. In this article, you will learn more about gummy vitamins for children, which vitamins and minerals you should look out for when selecting them, as well as other essential information to know about your kid's nutrition.

Nutritional Gaps & Diet Matter

Before we go deeper into understanding kids gummy vitamins, it's important to remember that a dietary supplement isn't enough to keep your kids happy and healthy. Their immune system, digestive health, and growing bodies are largely dependent on what they eat.

A balanced diet is still key to your child's well being. If they're eating too much processed foods, and skipping veggies, fruit or dairy, their quality of life may suffer. This could make them more susceptible to diseases and illnesses as they grow older.

Remember:

• Whole food and nutrient-dense meals are still the best way for your child to support your child's health and wellbeing.

• Smart meal planning is also beneficial so your kids eat all of the key nutrients. Plus, it prevents you from going for fast food or takeout.

• Create a schedule that will allow you to shop for healthier options online, in your local stores, or farmers' markets.

• Make meal time something your kids will look forward to. Get them involved in menu planning and take this time to educate them on how healthy What are kids gummy vitamins?

Gummy vitamins are a chewable multivitamin that usually have the same texture and shape as gummy bears and often taste like candy. Most gummy vitamins come in different colors, shapes and flavors like strawberry and cherry.

This kind of multivitamin is commonly made from gelatin, pectin, water, sugar, natural or artificial flavorings. Some use added colorings to mimic the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables.

Kids love the great taste are a great substitute for those who dislike taking pills or capsules. This often makes it a lot easier for children to take them. They think it's a treat and adults feel like they are helping support. Which in turn provides them with better nutrition and more vitamins and minerals they may not be getting as regularly as needed.

Not all gummies are created equal. That's why it's crucial to take your time to learn which one is best for your child and ask the right questions. Which ingredients should you look out for? Which nutrients can benefit your child the most? Which ones can you trust?

It's important to make sure the right vitamin levels are included in any daily dose of dietary supplements. For example, calcium, iron, and zinc might be good for immune support, but they can do more damage than good when included in a daily vitamin. Ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and monk fruit might be tasty, but you should avoid products that include these in your kids gummy vitamins. Tons of added sugar is not going to benefit your kids nutrition.

It also helps to speak with a healthcare professional when selecting your children's multivitamin. Third party testing can also help you be sure you're doing what's best for your kids.

What are the benefits of taking kids vitamins?

Children's multivitamins can help aid your children's growth and development. While they shouldn't be the only primary source of nutrients for your kids, they do come with many benefits that help support their health and well being.

They are great for a picky eater

It can get frustrating to have a picky eater, but providing a tasty nutrient-rich food menu that your kids love can be easier said than done.

The great thing about a kids gummy is they look and taste great just like candy, only a lot healthier. They also contain the extra vitamins and minerals essential to support your kids' health, and are a lot friendlier to take compared to pills and capsules.

They can fill in the nutritional gaps

We may not always have time to cook well-balanced meals all the time. This can lead to ordering more fast food just so our child doesn't get hungry. However, this could also mean they are missing out on nutrients intended to support them think and function daily.

Gummy vitamins are packed with key nutrients to help support your child's health. So don't be too hard on yourself if it's another drive through dinner. Just be sure to add a multivitamin so they are meeting their dietary requirements per day.

They help children on restrictive diets

Parenting varies from one household to the next. Some may want to put their children on certain diets at an early age while other kids may not be able to eat specific foods due to allergies or other health conditions.

Some children's vitamins are made vegan, gluten free and allergen-free. These supplements can further boost your kids health to get them the nutrients they need without worrying about animal by- products.  

They help fuel playtime

Playtime is highly formative and critical to any child. It allows them to be physically healthier and become more socially equipped when they grow up.

On top of a balanced diet, supplements like kids gummies help them stay energized and ready to enjoy the outdoors with their playmates.

Which essential vitamins and minerals should you prioritize?

It's not just about flavors, price and pretty product packaging. Before you start your search for supplements and the best children's multivitamins, it's important to know which nutrients and essential vitamins you should look out for when reading the bottle label. Apart from getting the best value for your money, you can be sure your kids are getting exactly the nutrition they need.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D assists in the body's ability to absorb minerals like calcium. This helps your kid develop stronger bones and teeth.

There are two kinds of D vitamins: Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 is sourced from plants and other non-animal products like yeast and mushrooms. While Vitamin D3 is more often sourced from animal by-products such as cod liver or fish oil.

The great news about Vitamin D3 is that some are made vegan. For example, gummies rich in D3 are now sourced from a plant species called lichen. It is associated with algae and fungi, commonly found in trees, rocks and on the mountainside. They are abundant and cause zero harm to animals and the environment.

Apart from sunlight, fortified foods and fatty fish, your child can also get an adequate amount of Vitamin D by taking supplements.

Calcium

No parent wants their kids to grow with weak and porous bones. That's why calcium is one nutrient you must not forego. It's found in cheese, yogurt, milk and vegetables like broccoli. However, calcium supplements are not necessary for your kids unless they have a medical condition that prevents them from getting enough calcium from their diet. The Journal of the American Heart Association did a study that shows that calcium consumption directly from supplements may raise your risk of coronary artery calcification. It is very common for multivitamins to include calcium so make sure you check your bottle label.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B improves your children's metabolism and helps produce more red blood cells. There are eight essential non-water soluble B vitamins you need to be aware of, each requiring different recommended daily allowance depending on age. And yes, it is possible to take too much Vitamin B especially when it's added to a multivitamin.

• Vitamin B1 - Thiamine RDA: 1.2 milligrams (mg) for men and 1.1 mg for women

• Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin RDA: 1.3 mg for men and 1.1 mg for women

• Vitamin B3 - Niacin RDA: 16 mg for men and 14 mg for women

• Vitamin B5 - Panthothenic Acid RDA: 5 mg

• Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine RDA: 1.7 mg for men and 1.5 mg for women

• Vitamin B7 - Biotin RDA: 30 micrograms (mcg) for adult.

• Vitamin B9 - Folate RDA: 400 mcg for those aged 14 years and above

• Vitamin B12 - Cyanocobalamin RDA: 2.4 mcg for those aged 14 years and above

There are tons of sources for these vitamins like soy, fish, meat, avocado, broccoli, mushrooms, milk, eggs and other whole foods.

Gummy vitamins as well as other supplements are also packed with Vitamins B if your kids aren't getting much of it from their daily diet.

Iron

Iron is very important for children especially during their period of accelerated growth. They contribute to building stronger muscles as well as producing blood.

However, this is another mineral similar to calcium or zinc that can be toxic in high amounts. The best way for kids to get iron is through food not supplements. Sources such as meat, poultry, fish, and beans.

Iron supplements should be avoided especially in gummies. Iron overdoses are one of the a leading causes of poisoning-related injury and death in young children according to the National Library of Medicine. Iron supplements can also cause side effects such as constipation and an upset stomach.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps fight off infection and improve your children's immune support and overall health. It also strengthens one's skin, tissue and muscles. For a healthy dose of Vitamin C, look to citrus, potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes as well as daily vitamins.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps your children maintain great vision and normal growth. Yellow and orange vegetables should be on your menu because they are packed with Vitamin A. Dairy products and liver will also help your kids get the nutrition they need.

What do you need to look for in kids gummy vitamins?

Gummies are loaded with vitamins and minerals kids need to stay strong, healthy and happy. However, too much of anything can be harmful. Furthermore, being unaware of which things to look out for when buying children's vitamins could mean putting your kids at greater risk.

Don't fret. Below are factors to consider when shopping for children's gummies.

Natural ingredients

Concentrate on gummies that are rich in natural and/or organic ingredients like veggies and fruits dried and blended into them. Artificial flavorings are nothing but additives and won't improve your child's health. If anything, the excessive sugar or monk fruit in these flavorings could cause more harm than good. They may taste great, but the added sugar has no place in your kids multivitamin.

Sugar content

Gummy vitamins are often made with added sugar. This is why it's a topic of debate as to whether or not this kind of multivitamin is good for children's health. However, it's all a matter of searching for a gummy supplements that contains a lot less of it. Plus, regulating their intake of sweets would help to regulate their blood sugar levels too.

Easy to overeat

Supplements are good for your kids, but too much of it can backfire. Gummies are easy to chew and take, making them a lot easier to overeat. The good news is you can prevent this from happening by ensuring your kids are only taking the required amount, and storing these gummies away from their reach locked up in their bottle.

Consciously made

More and more parents want access to natural, vegan, gluten-free and organic products, including supplements. Gummies that are consciously made not only helps our planet, but It also ensures our children's vitamins are sourced naturally and carefully.

Tested and trusted

Be careful when buying gummies for your little ones. You only want to go for those that were produced based on scientific evidence and have been third party tested. There's no place for heavy metals in your multivitamin bottle.

Collective reviews

Feedback from fellow parents or medical reports will help you make better decisions when you shop for your children's gummies. Again, if your vitamins are third party tested it will give you more confidence you're only getting what your child needs. You only want your kids to take a multivitamin that is well and truly good for them.

Careful dosage

Gummies are still a dietary supplement. Over supplementation can cause a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe. Side effects could vary and include nausea, increase or decrease in blood pressure, lack of sleep, rashes and more.

Take the time to read comprehensive reviews and talk to your a healthcare professional. This way you are able to help boost your child's health without putting them in danger.

The bottom line

Dietary needs vary from one child to the next. Apart from feeding them properly, a high quality multivitamin can aid in your child's overall growth and wellness. Above all, gummies are supplements and it's essential to educate your children that they are not candies or snacks. If you are concerned if your kid's are getting all the vitamins they need, then our kids daily multivitamin may be exactly what you're looking for. Over 70,000 customers have made the switch to First Day and love that we have up to 80% less sugar than other multivitamin kids products.

Alice Li

Alice is the Founder and CEO of First Day, leading an amazing group of people who believe in a very simple idea: providing better health that’s accessible to everyone.

Alice spent two years, working with Harvard and Yale advisors to comb through 35,000 clinically backed studies, create 17 prototypes, and 30 flavor profiles to develop real-food vitamin gummies that work. Since then, over 70,000 families have tried First Day.