Parenting is tough. Not only do you have a demanding little human who never runs out of energy, but raising this kiddo requires lots of hard decisions!
Should we go with whole milk or 2%? How much screen time is okay? Is a kid’s vitamin necessary?
Decisions, decisions.
And although we can’t offer to babysit, or give you expert advice on screen time (only that you shouldn’t look at ours), we can point you towards this amazing Salted Caramel Latte recipe (for a parenting energy boost!) and guide you through the Maze of Multivitamin Madness.
Why a Multivitamin for Kids is Necessary
If your kiddo eats a well-balanced diet, you may wonder if a kid’s multivitamin is even necessary. Ideally, they’d get all their nutrition from food, right?
Well, the answer is, of course, it depends.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that kids have an erratic eating pattern. Some days we celebrate that our kids ate all their chicken. Other days, they push away the dinner plate signaling the start of another mealtime battle. This can lead to gaps in their nutrient intake!
But that’s not all. We also have to consider our kiddo’s preferences. As adults, we’ll add that spoon of kale because we know it’s good for us. . . even if it doesn’t taste like ice cream.
Kids not so much.
Picky eating is so common among children that mealtime battles are practically the norm. And, let’s just say parents have perfected the art of negotiation, bribes in particular.
But picky eating has effects that go beyond the dinner table. It can lead to all sorts of nutrient deficiencies and a greater risk of being underweight and having poor growth,[1] not to mention the long-term health effects.
The 4 main nutrient deficiencies in healthy children include:
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Calcium
So whether your kiddo eats a well-balanced diet, or leans towards mac-n-cheese and chicken nuggets, you can think of a multivitamin as your secret weapon! You’ll fill in those nutrition gaps and get that much-needed peace of mind.
But, as always, talk to your pediatrician first! :)
How to choose a Kid’s Multivitamin
Finding a healthy multivitamin for your kiddo can feel like a mythical quest. So we wrangled up a few tips to get you on the right path.
1) Avoid Sugar
Unfortunately, most kid’s vitamins are loaded with sugar. For example, an average gummy vitamin contains as much sugar per gram as an Oreo! So let’s steer clear of these guys.
2) Say Yes to Quality Ingredients
Along with loading up on sugar, another evil tactic is using low-quality, cheap ingredients. But not for your little one! Here are a few top ingredients you’d want in your kid’s multi:
⇒ Carbonyl Iron - If your kiddo is iron deficient, you may want to choose a kid’s multivitamin with iron. And if so, always opt for carbonyl iron instead of ‘iron salts’ (ferrous sulfate). Carbonyl Iron is gentler on the tummy and more steadily absorbed.
⇒ Vitamin D3 - Vitamin D3 is more effective than Vitamin D2.
⇒ Methylfolate - This ingredient is pricier than the cheaper, synthetic form (folic acid), but critical for brain and heart health.
These are just a few examples, but in general, when choosing a multivitamin, you want a brand that’s committed to high quality ingredients.
3) Yummy Taste is a Must!
Maybe the most important of all – yummy taste! Because we know that if our kids don’t like the taste, then those amazing vitamins and minerals will be long forgotten at the back of our medicine cabinet.
The Vitamin for Picky Eaters
Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi is the perfect vitamin for picky eaters because it’s loved by both kids and parents. They’re sugar-free and packed with 3x more nutrition and high-quality ingredients.
Plus, the special Melty Tabs dissolve right on your tongue!
We guarantee your kiddo will love the taste of our Cherry Cherry Mo’ Cherry...or your money back! :)