Many children are picky eaters, and some insist on having junk food which means that their growing bodies are deficient in essential nutrients. If you are also facing a similar challenge, then multivitamins are the answer. These can fill the nutritional gaps and ensure proper growth and development. However, since there are so many varieties and brands, choosing the best multivitamin for kids becomes difficult. Here is a guide to help pick the right one.

Determine if your Child needs Multivitamins

Many parents wonder if their kids need a multivitamin. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, healthy children who eat balanced meals and consume a variety of good foods do not have vitamin supplementation. There are exceptions to this rule, and if your child belongs to that category, then a multivitamin can fill the nutritional gap. You and the pediatrician are the best judges for whether your child needs it.

Symptoms of Nutritional Deficiencies

Kids can have nutritional deficiencies when they do not consume the necessary nutrients or the body cannot absorb them. They should consume foods from the below groups:

• Whole grains
• Fruits and vegetables
• Lean proteins
• Legumes
• Nuts and seeds

If the above is not consumed in recommended portions, it can cause the below symptoms:

• Overweight, underweight, or obese
• Irregular bowel habits
• Lethargy
• Being pale
• Poor physical growth
• Tooth decay
• Dull skin or skin issues

How to Pick Multivitamin Supplements?

Choose supplements that are of the highest quality and that are certified by trusted third-party certifiers. Here are some things to look for while choosing a multivitamin for your child.

Certifications

• The third-party tested supplements ensure that they contain what is mentioned and that there is no contamination with certain specific contaminants.
• Even if certified, research the product and the company's reputation, whether it is certified or not.
• Do not opt for very cheap products, as they may have skipped the testing phase.
• Do check the ingredients and check if they are safe. 

Form

These vitamin supplements come in many forms like-

• Chewable tablets
• Gummies
• Liquids
• Powders

Among the above, choose the form your child is likely to have. Some kids prefer gummies, while others want to gulp and finish the process. Try various versions if your kid is too small to decide.

Ingredients

If it is based on the recommendation of a healthcare provider, it will be based on the vitamin and mineral supplement your child is deficient in. But if you do not have such recommendations, you should check the ingredients list carefully. Key nutrients to look for:

• Iron
• Vitamin D3
• B Vitamins
• Zinc
• Vitamin K
• Choline 

If your child follows a vegan or vegetarian diet, then nutrients to include are:

• Omega 3 fatty acids
• Iron
• Calcium
• Vitamin B12

Iron and calcium are the most important, but they are usually left off when multivitamins are made. That is because calcium is needed in larger quantities, and the tablet can become quite large. Also, these can inhibit other minerals' absorption and are likely to be included in multivitamins. The same case with iron too. Additionally, if the diet already has iron-rich food, iron supplements can lead to issues. So, the iron supplement is given only when iron needs are not met.

Choose products that have:

• No added sugars or artificial sweeteners
• Are preservative-free
• It has no added flavours
• No artificial colours

Excess of anything is too much and, in some instances, dangerous. So, give the right dosage and a product that is age appropriate.