Multivitamins: Do young children need them?

My preschooler is a very picky eater, and I wonder if he would benefit from a multivitamin?

- Sarah / Minnesota

Answer

Experts disagree on whether a daily multivitamin is necessary for all children.

Many young children are picky eaters but that doesn't necessarily mean they will develop a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Children don't need large amounts of vitamins and minerals. In addition, many foods that children eat are fortified with important vitamins and minerals. So your child may be getting more vitamins and minerals than you think.

When is a multivitamin necessary? Talk to your child's doctor. If your doctor is concerned that your son isn't getting the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals, he or she may recommend a daily multivitamin. However, giving your child a multivitamin can't replace proper nutrition.

Keep in mind that certain vitamins and minerals can be toxic if taken in large amounts. To prevent your child from getting too much of any one vitamin or mineral, choose a multivitamin specifically made for children, not for adults. Also, keep multivitamins out of reach of children.

An adult should always dispense vitamin and mineral supplements — even if a child seems responsible enough to do so. Although some multivitamins for children come in the form of gum or candy, it is important to teach your child that a multivitamin is medicine — and not candy.

One vitamin that has been in the spotlight lately is vitamin D. Some research shows that vitamin D deficiency is not uncommon in the United States, and vitamin D deficiency has a very negative impact on bone development in children. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a daily multivitamin with at least 200 international units (IUs) of vitamin D if a child:

• Does not get regular exposure to sunlight
• Does not drink at least 17 ounces (500 milliliters) of vitamin D-fortified milk, juice or soy milk daily
• Follows a vegetarian diet

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• Children's nutrition: 20 tips for picky eaters
• Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet

Web Resources

• MyPyramid.gov, U.S. Department of Agriculture