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Liquid Multivitamin for Children

Jun 14, 2011 | By Amanda White

A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine in 2009 determined that almost 34 percent of American children take some form of vitamin supplement, and this percentage was proportionate to a child's general access to health care. To put this proportionality more simply, the children without medical care are the ones who are the least likely to take supplements such as a liquid multivitamin. However, the Archives also found that these children with unmet medical needs were the ones who needed vitamin supplements the most.

Types

Liquid multivitamins for children are generally categorized by their target age range and their contents. You can find liquid multivitamins for infants and toddlers as well as those designed for older children. While there are many liquid multivitamins available, some also include minerals as well, most commonly iron. If you are looking for a true liquid multivitamin, make sure to get one without any additional minerals.

Indication

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, children typically get the vitamins they need from the food they eat. This may not be the case for some children, though. If your child has a limited diet or allergies, or if he has any medical conditions that may affect how his body absorbs vitamins from his food, check with your medical provider to see if he may benefit from a liquid multivitamin for children.

In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that exclusively breastfed babies take a liquid vitamin supplement that includes at least 400 IU of vitamin D daily. There are several liquid multivitamin formulas that include this dosage that are made for infants and toddlers.

Benefits

According to the MedlinePlus website, vitamins help your child's body to grow and develop properly. By giving your child a liquid multivitamin, you can help her make up for any deficiencies or holes in her diet.

Negative Outcomes

According to the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine and MedlinePlus, children who take too much of a vitamin supplement can suffer from stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, liver abnormalities and nerve problems.

Warning

Consult with your medical provider before giving your child a liquid multivitamin that's also supplemented with iron. According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, iron poisoning accounts for a large proportion of oral poisonings in children under age 5. Your child may be getting enough iron from his diet already and be better served by a different liquid multivitamin without additional iron.

References

Article reviewed by TheronN Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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