Vitamins are not a replacement for a balanced diet. However, if your child follows a restrictive diet, has trouble absorbing nutrients, or is a picky eater, they may benefit from taking vitamins.

Rachael advises buyers to “look for a vitamin that contains the key nutrients kids often fall short on, like vitamin D and zinc. It’s also important to find an age-appropriate formulation, ideally free of added sugar, artificial ingredients, and synthetic flavors or food dyes.

“If possible, you should also stick to products that have been tested by an independent lab for safety and quality. Be sure to check with a pediatrician to determine whether a supplement is suitable for your child’s specific needs.”

Here are some tips on what to look for when selecting a supplement:

• Third-party testing: To ensure safety, select supplements from trusted brands that undergo third-party testing for quality, purity, and safety. To ensure that the contents match the label, look for a product that has gone through third-party testing, such as NSF International, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab.com, Informed Choice, or the Banned Substances Control Group.
• Kids-specific formulation: Choose vitamins that are specifically for kids. These products shouldn’t contain megadoses that exceed the daily nutrient needs of children.
• Age-appropriate formulation: Select a product that’s formulated for the specific age of your child. While many multivitamins are for kids 4 years and older, there are a few options for younger toddlers.
• Nutrient needs: Be sure to talk with your child’s pediatrician or a registered dietitian to determine which nutrients your child’s multivitamin should contain.
• Additives and sugar: When possible, choose a multivitamin that contains minimal amounts of added sugar and artificial additives.

Plus, Rachael stated that “a higher price tag definitely doesn’t always translate to better quality when it comes to supplements. While some brands do charge more for better sourcing, higher quality ingredients, or third-party testing, others simply mark up their prices without any added value.

“Rather than relying on cost as an indicator for quality, look for brands with transparent testing practices, quality ingredients, and third-party testing or certifications.”

Always discuss supplements with a healthcare professional before starting a vitamin regimen or giving vitamins to your child.

“Multivitamins can be a convenient way to fill in any gaps in your child’s diet, especially for picky eaters or those with certain dietary restrictions,” Rachael notes. “However, if your child has been diagnosed with a specific nutrient deficiency (like iron or vitamin D), targeted supplementation might be a better choice.

“A pediatrician or registered dietitian can provide more personalized guidance and help determine the best approach based on your child’s needs.”

In general, children who eat a balanced diet don’t need additional vitamin supplements. However, infants have different nutrient needs than children and may requireTrusted Source certain supplements, such as vitamin D for breastfed babies.

The AAP and the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for AmericansTrusted Source do not recommend supplements over and above the Recommended Dietary Allowances for healthy children older than 1 year who eat a balanced diet.

However, some may require supplements in specific circumstances, such as those who:

• Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet: Plant-based diets may lead to deficiencies in calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins B12 and D, especially if few or no animal products are consumed. A lack of these nutrients in children’s diets can have serious effects on their health, such as atypical growth and developmental delays.
• Have certain medical conditions: Conditions like celiac diseaseTrusted Source, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer, and cystic fibrosisTrusted Source can affect nutrient absorption or increase nutrient needs. For instance, people with cancer may requireTrusted Source certain supplements to prevent disease-related malnutrition.
• Are picky eaters: Picky eatingTrusted Source decreases the variety of foods in a child’s diet and may lead to low intakes of key nutrients like zinc, as suggested by some studiesTrusted Source. In such cases, testing for deficiencies can help determine if supplementation is necessary.

There are many ways kids can get the nutrients they need from their diet, namely by eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and protein foods to obtain adequate nutritionTrusted Source.

While supplements can be helpful in the right situation, it’s essential to approach them with caution.

There are risks associated with vitamin supplementation. There are potential risks of vitamin toxicity, especially with the fat-soluble vitaminsTrusted Source, which are vitamins A, D, E, and K.

To ensure safety, select supplements from trusted brands that undergo third-party testing for quality, purity, and safety. Check the label carefully to ensure you are buying an appropriate product for your child’s age.

Ultimately, it’s best to rely on food first for getting vitamins and minerals.

Some children may have increased needs, and a supplement may help, but it’s best to consult a children’s healthcare professional before starting anything new.