Key takeaways
- Most kids who eat a balanced diet don’t need additional vitamin supplements.
- However, picky eaters, kids who follow plant-based diets, and kids with certain medical conditions may benefit from supplements.
- Hiya Kids Daily Multivitamin is our pick for the best vitamin for kids. Our tester praised its no-added-sugar formula and safe, kid-friendly nutrient levels.
- For an easy-to-take gummy multivitamin (ages 4+): First Day Kids' Daily Enrichment Multivitamins | Skip to review
- Best for kids' immune systems (ages 2+): Llama Naturals Plant-Based Multivitamin Gummies | Skip to review
- For small multivitamin tablets (ages 5+): MegaFood Kids One Daily Mini Multivitamin | Skip to review
- For supplementing vitamin D during breastfeeding: Carlson Labs Baby’s Super Daily D3 | Skip to review
Most kids get adequate amounts of nutrients from a balanced diet, but under certain circumstances, children may need to take vitamin or mineral supplements.
We spoke to registered dietitians Kelli McGrane, MS, RD and Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD, to narrow down our list to the top six overall, with some honorable mentions, too. We’ve got kids’ multivitamins and single-nutrient supplements for infants and kids ages 2 and up.
Read on to learn more about the best kids’ vitamins, evaluated by editors and dietitians, tested by parents and their little ones, and medically vetted by our medical integrity team.
A note on price
- $ = under $0.30 per serving
- $$ = $0.30 to $1 per serving
- $$$ = over $1 per serving
Besides the products listed above, there are many other high quality multivitamins for kids on the market.
If you still don’t see a supplement that meets your needs, here are a few additional products to consider:
- NatureMade Kids First Multivitamin: These gummies are for kids ages 4 to 13 or adolescents ages 14 to 18. They offer nine essential nutrients and 30 mg of important omega-3s, EPA and DHA, and may be a good option for those looking to fill common nutrient gaps.
- Thorne Kids Multi+: These strawberry-kiwi dissolvable discs are for kids ages 4 to 12 years and provide 15 essential vitamins and minerals. While they’re a good alternative to gummy vitamins, some reviewers complain that their kids don’t like the taste. These vitamins are also on the pricier side.
- OLLY Kids Multi + Probiotic Gummy: Similar to a few others on our list, these gummy vitamins are for kids 2 years and older. In addition to 12 essential nutrients, they contain probiotics, which may be appropriate for some kids.
- Garden of Life Kids Gummy: These certified organic gummies are suitable for kids ages 4 years and up. While we like their comprehensive formulation, they are high in added sugar (4 g per 4-gummy serving), and some reviewers complain of an unpleasant smell.
Kids’ nutrient needs depend on age, sex, size, growth, and activity level.
According to health experts, children aged 2 to 8 years need 1,000 to 1,400 calories each day. Kids ages 9 to 13 years need 1,400 to 2,600 calories daily, depending on factors such as activity level.
In addition to including enough calories, a child’s diet should meet the following
| Nutrient | DRI for ages 1 to 2 years | DRI for ages 4 to 8 years |
|---|---|---|
| calcium | 700 mg | 1,000 mg |
| iron | 7 mg | 10 mg |
| vitamin A | 300 mcg | 400 mcg |
| vitamin B12 | 0.9 mcg | 1.2 mcg |
| vitamin C | 15 mg | 25 mg |
| vitamin D | 600 IU (15 mcg) | 600 IU (15 mcg) |
While the above nutrients are some of the most commonly discussed, they aren’t the only ones kids need.
Children need some amount of every vitamin and mineral for proper growth and health, but the exact amounts vary by age. Older children and teens need different amounts of nutrients than younger kids to support optimal health.
There are several important factors to consider when choosing a supplement for your child, which is what we considered when choosing these products.
These products were selected based on the following criteria:
- Ingredients: We looked for vitamins that are free of fillers, artificial flavors, food dyes, and preservatives. All products adhere to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, and come from facilities that adhere to current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) established by the FDA.
- Credibility: We chose products from medically credible companies that follow ethical, legal, and industry best standards and that provide objective measures of trust, such as testing its supplements at third-party labs.
- Dosage: We included products that companies formulate specifically for infants or kids.
- Supplement form: We included multivitamins in several forms, such as liquid, chewable, dissolvable, and gummy.
- Reputable brands: We selected products from well-known brands that adhere to strict manufacturing standards.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the brands on this page, we considered all the vitamin brands that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further.
If your child follows a restrictive diet, has trouble absorbing nutrients, or is a picky eater, they may benefit from taking vitamins.
Ajmera 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, Ajmera 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,” Ajmera 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
The AAP and the
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 disease , inflammatory bowel disease (IBD ), cancer, andcystic fibrosis can affect nutrient absorption or increase nutrient needs. For instance, people with cancermay require certain supplements to prevent disease-related malnutrition. - Are picky eaters:
Picky eating decreases the variety of foods in a child’s diet and may lead to low intakes of key nutrients like zinc, as suggested by somestudies . 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, grains, dairy products, and protein foods to obtain
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
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.
Keep supplements out of children's reach
Vitamins or supplements can be toxic to children in excess amounts.
Discuss vitamin intake with older children
Talking with a child can help prevent overeating of vitamins and supplements.
The type of vitamin supplements your child may need will depend on their age and any specific health concerns they have. Consult a pediatrician to see whether your child needs or would benefit from taking vitamins.
If a pediatrician recommends that your child take vitamins, look for quality brands that have been tested by a third party and are formulated with the appropriate doses of nutrients for kids (to avoid toxicity).
Not all kids need vitamins, but some groups may benefit from them, such as those with limited sunlight exposure, darker skin, and more clothing coverage. In particular, breastfed and partially breastfed infants should be given vitamin D supplements shortly after birth.
Outside of this age group, when you should start giving vitamins to kids depends on when they begin to have needs that warrant supplements. For instance, a child who has undergone surgery that affects nutrient absorption will likely need to start taking vitamins after the surgery.
Discuss with a pediatrician to confirm the best time to give vitamins to your child.
While vitamins and minerals shouldn’t be used to replace other treatments for behavioral problems, some research suggests that certain supplements could reduce symptoms of certain conditions that affect behavior, such as ADHD.
For example, one review reported that omega-3 fatty acids may improve emotional difficulties, attention, and behavior in children and adolescents with ADHD. However, more recent research suggests these benefits may only occur with long-term supplementation.
A pediatrician can help determine whether supplementation may be beneficial for your child.
Gummy vitamins can be a good option for kids, especially if they’re third-party tested for quality and safety. However, some experts question the marketing of gummy vitamins, pointing out that encouraging children to consume them like candy may send mixed messages about health.
Additionally, gummy vitamins may not be the best choice if you’re concerned about added sugars, as some gummies contain several grams per serving. Always check the label and consider sugar-free options if necessary.
Kids who are eating a balanced diet generally do not need daily vitamin supplements. If your child follows a restrictive diet, is a picky eater, or has a medical condition which restricts which foods they can eat, you may want to talk with a pediatrician about supplemental vitamins.
Kids who eat a nutritious, balanced diet typically fulfill their nutrient needs through food.
Still, vitamin supplements may be necessary for picky eaters, children with a health condition that affects nutrient absorption or increases nutrient needs, and those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
When providing vitamins to children, be sure to choose high quality brands that contain appropriate doses for kids and stick to the recommended dosage.
It’s also best to be cautious of giving your child supplements without documented evidence of a deficiency.
To ensure that your child is getting enough nutrients, try to offer them a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods and limits sweets and refined foods.