Proper nutrition is important for everyone, especially children, who are still growing and developing. In case all of the essential vitamins are not provided by well-rounded meals, multivitamins can be given to children to help ensure they get their daily recommended intake. Vitamins for kids are available in a number of different combinations, and can be found in tablet, liquid, or chewable forms.
Some children may have difficulty swallowing tablet vitamins. In these cases, liquids can be added to or disguised in different foods. Chewable vitamins are another option, as these are usually flavored to make them more appetizing to even the pickiest of eaters.
Many of the different types of vitamins for kids contain those nutrients, which are water soluble and need to be replaced on a regular basis. Vitamin C is essential not only in supporting the immune system of a growing child but also in aiding in the development of muscles and other tissues. The vitamin B group helps balance a child's metabolism and aids the developing nervous system and circulatory tissues.
Although these vitamins are important, many medical professionals recommend they not be administered via a megavitamin. Megavitamins are not always created as vitamins for kids, and are typically made with adults in mind. These vitamins have such high amounts of nutrients that a child's small body could overdose on only a tablet or two. All vitamins are not created equal, and children's supplements are generally geared toward smaller bodies that are still developing.
Some products allow parents to effortlessly give vitamins for kids with the foods they already like. Fortified foods are manufactured with vitamins included, making it easy to get children to consume them. For example, milk can be purchased fortified with vitamins A and D.
There are also iron supplements available that are designed for kids. Those fed a vegetarian diet still require the vitamins and proteins found in red meat, so an iron supplement can be one way of making sure they receive enough of this vital nutrient. Some supplements are labeled as iron free; too much iron can result in a dangerous overdose with serious consequences, so children who are taking a multivitamin but who receive their daily dose of iron elsewhere can typically take these more safely than vitamins that contain all or part of a daily dose of iron. Similarly, children raised on a vegan diet may also require calcium supplements in order to ensure healthy teeth and bones.