Consult your pediatrician for individual advice regarding your toddler's need for vitamin and mineral supplements and, if needed, the appropriate doses. Your toddler should ideally be consuming a balanced variety of fresh and healthy food selections and eating meals rich in vitamins and minerals, and may not need dietary supplements. However, for various reasons your toddler may not be getting adequate nutrients daily.
Liquid Vitamins
Giving your toddler liquid vitamins and minerals prevents the possibility your toddler will choke on a pill or tablet. Liquid supplements are preferable to tablets for maximal absorption because liquids are readily absorbed in the body and do not need to be broken down for the active ingredients to be released. Liquid vitamins and minerals are also somewhat safer to store in your home than chewable tablets because they are not typically mistaken for candy.
Supplement Indications
If your toddler has a poor appetite, irregular or unhealthy eating habits, unbalanced diet, chronic disease or food allergies then giving him a daily multivitamin may be appropriate. If your toddler is on a restrictive diet, such as vegetarian or vegan meal plan, certain daily supplements are needed. Talk to your pediatrician before giving your toddler vitamins and minerals.
Organic Liquid
To avoid synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms in your toddler's supplements, purchase products that are organic. Organic supplements are also free of unnatural fillers and artificial flavors and sweeteners. Look at the bottle to see what vitamins and minerals are included, and choose a formula based on your doctor's recommendation. For example, your doctor may recommend a supplement containing vitamins A, C, D and E, essential B vitamins and vital minerals such as Calcium, Chromium, Magnesium and Zinc.
Supplement Recommendations
At the time of publication, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all toddlers take in a minimum of 400 IU of vitamin D and 15 mg of iron daily. Unless your toddler drinks at least 32 oz. of vitamin D-fortified liquids per day and eats at least 15 mg of iron a day in his food, daily vitamin D and iron supplements are recommended. Make sure to discuss your toddler's need for vitamin D and iron supplements with your toddler's physician.
References
- Healthy Children: Ages & Stages, Dietary Supplements for Toddlers; American Academy of Pediatrics
- Healthy Children: Ages & Stages, Vitamin & Iron Supplements; American Academy of PediatricsChildren: Ages & Stages, Vitamin & Iron Supplements
- Mayo Clinic; Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Multivitamins: Do Young Children Need Them?; Jay L. Hoecker; 2010
- Healthy Children: Healthy Living, Vitamin D: On the Double; American Academy of Pediatrics
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