Getting children to eat a variety of healthy foods to ensure adequate nutrient intake can be tricky. Picky eating specialist Jennifer Friedman, MS, RD, says, “Kids with restricted diets and those with medical conditions might need a vitamin supplement to meet their nutritional needs.” In these cases, vitamin supplements can play a crucial role in helping kids meet their daily nutrition requirements. Bloodwork to check specific vitamin levels before supplementing and guidance from a healthcare professional can help determine any specific nutrients of concern.
In general, it can be hard to know if your child is eating a varied enough diet to get adequate nutrients, so a multivitamin can be helpful to cover your bases and help fill any nutrient gaps. Choosing the best supplement for your child will depend on their dietary patterns, age, gender, and overall health. It’s important to remember even if a child takes a vitamin supplement, the goal should still be to eat balanced meals—including a variety of fruits and vegetables, proteins, whole grains, and fats.
When selecting our top vitamins for kids, we focused on multivitamins that contain a balance of nutrients in appropriate dosages. We also considered the quality of ingredients, value, internal and third-party testing, and type (including gummies, tablets, and liquids). In addition to our extensive research and consulting a picky eating expert, we surveyed 60 parents to get their feedback on taste, texture, convenience, and general experience with a variety of multivitamins on the market.
A Note About Supplements
Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you. They also may interact with other supplements or medications your child is taking. Please always speak with a healthcare provider first to discuss any supplements you plan on giving a child. Remember to always store supplements out of reach for kids.
Why We Recommend It
SmartyPants Kids Multi & Omegas is our top pick because it’s third-party tested, free of common food allergens, and contains a variety of key nutrients. This gummy also includes omega-3s, an essential fatty acid important for brain and eye development in children. Most kids don’t eat a lot of omega-3-rich foods like fish and seafood, so we like it’s included in this gummy. You won’t need to force your kids to take this multi—parents in our survey described how their kids looked forward to taking it.
The range of vitamins includes A, C, D, E, and K, plus the B vitamins, iodine, and zinc. All amounts of vitamins and minerals are 100% Daily Value or less, making them a safe choice for most kids. This multi is NSF Contents Certified, meaning it is third-party tested for ingredient amounts and free of any harmful contaminants. It’s also a Clean Label Project Purity Award winner.
These gummies are non-GMO and free of any synthetic colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives. They’re also free of gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and soy, so if you have a child with food sensitivities, intolerances, or allergies, these are a great choice.
But Take Note
Because these gummies contain fish oil, they are not suitable for some vegetarian diets. They also contain five grams of added sugar per serving, which is higher than other gummies on our list. While we love that these gummies have omega-3s, keep in mind they only have 100 milligrams (mg) per serving, and the recommended daily amount for kids 4–8 years of age is 900 mg per day.
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B vitamins, iodine, zinc, and omega-3s
- Notable nutrients not included: Iron, magnesium, calcium
- Type: Multivitamin gummies
- Recommended Use: For children 4 years of age and older, take 4 gummies daily.
- Third-party testing: Yes, NSF Certified and Clean Label Project Purity Award Winner
Why We Recommend It
If you want vitamins for kids that won’t cost too much without sacrificing quality, we like Nature Made Kid’s First Multi with Omega-3. We like that it is third-party tested for purity and potency and includes key nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, and folate, as well as zinc and omega-3s, in just one gummy serving.
For children ages 4 to 13, this multi contains 125% of the Daily Value of vitamin D3 and 125% of B12 and is also high in folate at 83%, which are key nutrients that can be difficult to get from food alone. It contains over 25% of the Daily Value of other vitamins, including A, C, E, and additional B vitamins, making it a good option to fill in nutritional gaps without the risk of getting too much.
This supplement is gluten-free and does not contain artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, or high fructose corn syrup. It is sweetened with sugar, but just two grams per gummy serving.
But Take Note
This supplement contains fish oil and gelatin, so it’s not vegetarian-friendly. While it does contain omega-3s, it only has 30 milligrams per serving which is a relatively small amount in the context of the recommended of 900 milligrams per day for children ages 4–8.
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, zinc, and omega-3s
- Notable nutrients not included: Iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin K
- Type: Multivitamin gummy
- Recommended Use: For children 4 years of age and older, take one gummy daily.
- Third-party testing: Yes, USP Verified.
Why We Recommend It
Renzo’s Picky Eater Kids Multivitamin is a comprehensive multivitamin providing 75% to 100% of the Daily Value of 18 vitamins and minerals for kids ages 4 years and older. It is a great choice for picky eaters who may need a stronger boost of nutrients from their multi. For example, it provides 76% DV of iron for kids 4 years and older, making it a good choice if your picky eater isn’t a fan of red meat or other iron-rich foods. We like that it is produced in an NSF-certified facility and is third-party lab-tested for purity and potency.
Renzo’s can meet a variety of dietary needs, as it is vegan, non-GMO, and free from common food allergens, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. Plus, the green apple and cherry flavors are kid-approved and fun to eat. Many kids’ multis are gummies and contain sugar, which can lead to an increased risk of cavities, so we like that this is a sugar-free tablet option.
But Take Note
Because this supplement contains higher doses of vitamins and minerals, it may not be the best fit for kids who eat a well-varied diet.
Although these vitamins are sugar-free, they do contain a small amount of sugar alcohols, including mannitol and xylitol. While they are considered safe, they can cause digestive upset in some, but typically only when consumed in high doses.
Product Details
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B vitamins, zinc, and iron
- Notable nutrients not included: Omega-3s
- Type: Multivitamin dissolvable tablets
- Recommended Use: For children 4 years of age and older, take 2 tablets daily. For children ages 2 and 3, take ½ tablet daily.
- Third-party testing: Yes
Why We Recommend It
Liquid multivitamins can be a good alternative if your child does not like taking tablets or gummies. We like Mary Ruth’s Kids Organic Multivitamin Liposomal, providing key nutrients in a highly absorbable liposomal liquid that can be taken on its own or mixed into a beverage or smoothie. The liposomal form means the vitamins and minerals are encapsulated for more optimal absorption. While the Daily Value percentages are slightly lower than other supplements on our list, this supplement is in a more absorbable form, meaning more of the contents can be absorbed and utilized.
This supplement is USDA Organic and third-party tested for purity and potency and Clean Label Project Certified. It also comes in convenient, single-serve packets for on-the-go and travel. It comes in a strawberry cherry vanilla flavor, made with natural flavors, with no added sugar. It is also vegan and free of soy, gluten, and dairy.
But Take Note
This supplement does not contain omega-3s, so if your child doesn’t eat fish or plant-based sources of omega-3s, you may want to supplement that separately. Additionally, not all kids may like the syrup-like texture or taste, so it may be best to mix it into a smoothie.
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, zinc, choline
- Type: Liquid multivitamin
- Recommended Use: Ages 4–8, take 1/2 Tablespoon (7.5 mL) daily. Ages 9–13, take 1 Tablespoon (15 mL) daily. It can be taken directly or added to your choice of blended beverage or as a topping on a variety of foods.
- Third-party testing: Yes, Clean Label Project Certified
Why We Recommend It
Thorne’s Kids Multi+ is a great choice for kids who don’t want to take a pill or would prefer to take a supplement mixed into a drink, yogurt, applesauce, or whatever they enjoy. Thorne is a trusted supplement brand that has its products tested in-house. They also work in collaboration with institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic, the National Institute of Health (NIH), Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins University for research trials with their product ingredients.
We appreciate Thorne’s use of more absorbable forms of vitamin D, folate, and zinc in this supplement. Something unique about this multi is that it also contains added antioxidants for eye health to help protect against harm from blue light screens, a vegan source of omega 3’s, and choline—both nutrients needed for brain function.
This dissolvable supplement does not have any added sugar, is vegan, and is free of gluten, dairy, soy, artificial colors, and flavors.
But Take Note
They only come in a strawberry kiwi flavor, which may not be preferred by all kids. They are also only recommended for ages 4–12. While Thorne is a trusted supplement company that produces research-backed formulas and conducts internal testing, this product is not third-party tested for purity and potency.
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, iodine, DHA, choline, antioxidants
- Type: Multivitamin dissolvable tablets
- Recommended Use: For children 4–12 years of age, take 1 disc daily.
- Third-party testing: No
Why We Recommend It
Flintstones Complete Chewable Multivitamins have been a longstanding favorite. We like that they’re third-party tested for purity and potency, contain 17 nutrients, and come in tasty flavors and fun shapes that kids enjoy. They’re also at a budget-friendly price point.
This vitamin contains vitamins A, C, D, E, and B vitamins, as well as several minerals, including iron and calcium. It contains 100% of the Daily Value of many of the vitamins and 50% of the DV of many of the minerals it includes, making it a very comprehensive multivitamin suitable for picky eaters with limited variety in their diet.
It does not contain any added sugar (sweetened with sugar alcohols) and is also free of dairy, fish, shellfish, and eggs.
But Take Note
This vitamin does contain sugar alcohols, including sorbitol and mannitol, and artificial flavorings and colorings, which some may choose to avoid. It also does not contain omega-3s. It’s not suitable for children with wheat or soy allergies.
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, zinc, calcium, and iron.
- Type: Chewable multivitamin
- Recommended Use: For children ages 2–3, take ½ tablet daily, and for children 4 years and older, take 1 tablet daily
- Third-party testing: Yes (ConsumerLab.com)
Why We Recommend It
If you don’t want to think about re-ordering or shopping for kids’ vitamins before you run out, a subscription can be convenient. We like Hiya’s Kids Daily Multivitamin as a subscription option, with 15 essential vitamins and minerals as well as a fruit and vegetable blend. We also like that it’s an environmentally friendly, refillable bottle and that it’s third-party tested for heavy metals, common food allergens, and pathogens.
The amount of vitamins and minerals is lower than some other picks, making it a good option for children who eat a relatively balanced diet but may need an added boost to fill in any potential nutrient gaps. These tablets contain no added sugar and are instead sweetened with monk fruit. Parents and kids ranked this supplement high for taste and texture and liked how easy it was to take the one-tablet serving.
This supplement is both gluten and dairy-free, vegan, and does not contain any artificial ingredients.
But Take Note
While it provides 100% or more Daily Value for most vitamins for kids 2–3 years of age, some vitamins (except vitamin D) are only 40–50% Daily Value for kids 4 years of age and older. They also do not contain omega-3s. Also note that if you want to cancel your subscription, you need to jump through a few hoops to do so.
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B vitamins, and zinc
- Type: Multivitamin chewable tablets
- Recommended Use: For children 2 years of age and older, take 1 tablet daily.
- Third-party testing: Yes
Why We Recommend It
We like Llama Naturals Real Fruit Multivitamins Gummies because they’re USDA Organic, naturally sweetened with fruit, and third-party tested for potency and potential contaminants, including heavy metals and mold. They contain key vitamins, including A, C, E, E, K, and B vitamins, but do not contain any minerals.
This is a good option for a child who eats a relatively balanced diet that may benefit from a vitamin boost. Most vitamins in this supplement are around 50% DV.
This supplement does not contain added sugar, sweeteners, additives, or artificial flavorings and is free of soy, eggs, tree nuts, dairy, gluten, and shellfish. We like that it’s sweetened and flavored with organic fruit purees.
But Take Note
These gummies ranked a little lower for taste compared to some other gummies. It’s also slightly lower in nutrients, with most vitamins and minerals around 50% of Daily Value, and does not contain any minerals or omega-3s.
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, and B
- Type: Multivitamin gummy
- Recommended Use: For children ages 2–3, take 2 gummies daily, and for children 4 years and older, take 3 gummies daily.
- Third-party testing: Yes
Why We Recommend It
For a more budget-friendly, organic option, we like Mama Bear Kids Multivitamin. It contains key vitamins as well as minerals, including iodine and zinc. These tasty gummies come in berry, orange, and cherry flavors, and they ranked high among the parents we surveyed for taste, texture, and value.
This supplement is USDA organic, vegan, and gluten-free and does not contain any artificial colorings or flavorings. It is sweetened with organic cane sugar, with three grams of sugar per two gummy servings.
But Take Note
This supplement has not been third-party tested, is not as comprehensive as some of the other multivitamins on our list, and does not contain omega-3s.
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, iodine, zinc
- Type: Multivitamin gummy
- Recommended Use: For children ages 2–3, take one gummy daily, and for children 4 years and older, take 2 gummies daily.
- Third-party testing: No
Why We Recommend It
If you are looking for a sugar-free gummy option, we like Nordic Naturals Zero Sugar Kids Multi Gummies. This supplement is third-party tested for purity and potency and contains key vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. Instead of sugar, these gummies are sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol. One advantage of sugar-free gummies is that they pose less of a risk for cavities.
This supplement contains fewer vitamins and minerals, with most nutrients at 50% of the lower Daily Value, making it a good option for children who eat a relatively balanced diet.
These gummies are vegetarian and are free of artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives. They come in an orange-lemon flavor.
But Take Note
It is sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause stomach upset in some, but typically only at high doses. It also contains four grams of fiber per serving from soluble tapioca fiber. This can be a lot of supplemental fiber for little tummies, especially if not paired with adequate water intake, so we recommend this choice for older children. It doesn’t contain omega-3s and has a larger serving size of four gummies.
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, iodine, zinc
- Type: Multivitamin gummy
- Recommended Use: For children 4 years and older, take 4 gummies daily.
- Third-party testing: Yes
Why We Recommend It
For teens, we recommend Ritual Essential for Teens, offering both a Multivitamin for Her and a Multivitamin for Him. We like Ritual’s targeted approach, which contains the nutrients teens typically lack to avoid over-supplementation. Each ingredient is traceable, so you know exactly where each nutrient is sourced from and what form is used. We also like that they utilize both internal and third-party testing for purity and potency,
Each two-capsule serving contains key nutrients, including vitamins A, D3, E, K2, B12, folate, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 DHA. The Multivitamin for Her also contains iron to support girls’ increased iron needs due to menstrual blood loss. They use a chelated form of iron that is typically well tolerated and more gentle on the stomach. We appreciate their use of methylated forms of B vitamins for optimal absorption.
These supplements are free of major allergens, artificial colors, and synthetic fillers.
But Take Note
This is not a complete multivitamin, excluding nutrients like calcium, and vitamins A and C, so it may not sufficiently fill nutrient gaps for those that follow a very limited diet.
Product Details:
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, D, E, K, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, omega-3s (and iron in Multivitamin for Her)
- Type: Multivitamin capsules
- Recommended Use: Consume two capsules daily
- Third-party testing: Yes
More To Consider
Here are some other quality supplements worth considering that ranked relatively high amongst the parents we surveyed but didn’t make our top choices for any category:
Should My Child Take Vitamins?
Vitamin supplements can be beneficial, but whether or not they are necessary depends on each child’s diet and health status. Even if it’s not taken every day, a multivitamin could help set your mind at ease that your child is getting enough vitamins, especially during periods when they are not eating a balanced diet.
All kids, whether they take supplements or not, should aim to get a variety of foods in their diet. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, fats, and some dairy products to get all the vitamins and minerals they need. However, if your kid is a picky eater, refuses to eat certain food groups, needs to follow a diet that would limit certain nutrients, or has a medical condition that limits their ability to eat certain foods, he or she may benefit from a vitamin supplement.
A healthcare professional—like a dietitian—can help give further guidance on which vitamins or minerals your child may benefit from depending on what foods they avoid. For example, if a child does not eat animal foods, a B12 or iron supplement might be helpful. Supplementation is very individualized, so there is no single best option for every child. If their diet is generally limited to multiple food groups, you may want to opt for a more comprehensive multivitamin like Renzo’s Picky Eater Kids Multi with Iron.
Otherwise, kids who are eating plenty of variety may not benefit from a vitamin supplement. A well-chosen multivitamin can help fill in any potential nutrient gaps and provide parents with peace of mind that their children are getting all the nutrients they need.
In some cases, an individual vitamin or mineral supplement may be indicated to target a specific deficiency, so be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before adding a vitamin to your kids’ regimen. It’s important to know that taking too much of certain vitamins can also be harmful. It is always recommended that you consult a healthcare professional on the necessity of vitamins for kids and if they have a specific product recommendation for your child.
How to Choose a Multivitamin For Your Child
Choosing a multivitamin can be confusing as there are so many options on the market. A good starting point is to figure out which form your child is willing to take. Would they prefer a chewable, liquid, or dissolvable tablet in their juice? Once you’ve figured this out, you can start looking at the best options for the form of vitamin your child will take.
Next, look at the nutrient amounts. Look for a multivitamin that has a range of essential vitamins and minerals and their percentages. The specific amounts will depend on your child’s age, gender, and other individual factors. You also want to look at the label to see if products are allergen-friendly if necessary. Also, consider if these products are third-party tested to ensure you’re getting what the label claims.
Lastly, keep in mind that while supplements can help kids meet goals for their dietary needs, supplements cannot replace a balanced diet or guarantee they will grow more when taking a supplement.
Our Supplement Review Process
In reviewing and researching prenatal vitamins, we consult with experts and our own in-house Registered Dietitians. We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science, and we value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest-quality products. In order to find the best children’s vitamins, we closely consider several factors, including quality of ingredients, third-party testing certifications, and comparing different forms and dosages. For children’s supplements especially, we prioritize products that are third-party tested for purity and potency, as the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market.
Additionally, we interviewed 60 parents to get their feedback on their level of satisfaction with different aspects of vitamins for their children, including taste, texture, ingredient transparency, convenience, and value.
While we hope this serves as a guide, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
Our Experts
- Jennifer Friedman, MS, RD, picky eating specialist and founder of Jenny Friedman Nutrition
- Holly Klamer, MS, RD, is our nutrition commerce editor. She analyzes each product we recommend and rates each of our surveyed vitamins for nutrition and third-party testing ratings.
Multivitamin Dosage
There is no standard formula for kids’ multivitamins, so the nutrients and dosages they contain vary. In general, they typically include a combination of key essential vitamins and minerals. Note that the nutrient label will show both the amount of each nutrient as well as a percentage, which is the percent Daily Value (DV) of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for any given age.
Remember, more is not always better with supplements for kids. Some nutrients, especially minerals and vitamin A, can be harmful at high doses, particularly for kids. Children’s detoxification and filtration systems (like the liver and kidneys) are less developed, so most supplements for children do not exceed 100% Daily Value for any nutrient to avoid any concern of over-supplementation.
Sometimes you will see certain nutrients slightly above 100% DV, which are typically nutrients that pose a low risk of negative side effects even at high doses well above the RDA (like vitamin C or most B vitamins), or they may be nutrients that are less abundant in foods (like vitamin D), and therefore harder to reach adequate intake through diet alone. Also, just because a supplement is listed as providing 100% DV doesn’t mean the body is actually absorbing that much, so sometimes supplements will provide slightly more than the RDA.
Multivitamins are considered safe for most kids but keep in mind this can vary, especially if other supplements or medications are taken. Check the ULs (Tolerable Upper Intake Level) for vitamins and minerals as outlined by the National Institutes of Health to ensure you are staying at a safe level for supplements, especially if multiple supplements are taken throughout the day. Always follow the recommended serving based on age, and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Sugar, Gummies, and Dental Health
The amount of added sugar in kids’ vitamins varies and should be considered in the context of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of keeping daily added sugar intake to 25 grams or less per day for kids 2 years and older. Additionally, the combination of sugar and the stickiness of gummies that can stay on the teeth can increase the risk of dental carries (or cavities). However, as long as your child is practicing good dental hygiene, including regular teeth brushing, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Multivitamin Ingredients: What They Do and Don’t Have
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.
Here are a few important nutrients that you may not find in children’s multivitamins, as well as some additional things to consider:
- Iron: If your child does not get enough iron in their diet, they may get iron deficiency anemia, which would result in symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. Healthcare professionals can check blood iron levels and will advise on whether or not your child needs iron supplements. Note that too much iron can be toxic, so only give iron supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Calcium: Calcium is another important mineral for kids, but it is not always included in multivitamins. This is because it is a larger mineral and would make the multivitamin large and difficult to swallow. You can include calcium in the diet by adding foods like cheese, milk, yogurt, fortified juices, and dairy alternatives, as well as dark leafy greens.
- Omega-3s: Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are particularly important for supporting brain and eye health in children. Some children’s vitamins contain them, but some may not. You can incorporate omega-3s in your child’s diet through foods like fish (like salmon) and plant-based sources, including nuts and seeds (flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are particularly high in omega-3s). Note that even if a multi has omega 3s, it is usually not enough to meet their recommended daily amount.
Who We Are
Anne Cook Carroll, MS, RD, CDN is a Registered Dietitian who works with patients and families to meet their health goals. She educates patients on the appropriate usage of supplements to optimize their nutritional status and overall health. She also specializes in supplement research and analysis and sifted through our parents’ survey results to get the best kids’ vitamins.
Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RDN, CDN, is a Registered Dietitian who owns her own nutrition consulting business. She is also one of our nutrition and supplement commerce editors who is adept at spotting nutrition trends and products.