Should my child be consuming a multivitamin?

Should my child be consuming a multivitamin?

Taking a daily multivitamin alongside a diet rich in essential nutrients can help your child maintain optimal daily nutrition levels. Ideally, kids should be getting their nutrients from a balanced diet of natural, whole foods. However, the common complaint from parents is the reality of the modern diet; simply, it has become increasingly difficult to fit in all 4-6 servings of fruits and vegetables a day to obtain the necessary micronutrients. This is especially true if your child is a picky eater. Furthermore, pediatricians state that a multivitamin is recommended for children who:

• Are on a mildly to moderately restrictive diet (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, allergy, etc.),
• Have difficulty eating regular, well-balanced meals,
• Are "selective" eaters and simply aren't getting the nutrients they need,
• Have chronic medical conditions that prevent them from consuming a wholesome diet,
• Are active and have increased nutrient needs,
• Drink excessive amounts of caffeinated beverages (e.g. cola), which may deplete vitamins and minerals from their body. 

Please speak with your child's doctor to help determine whether a multivitamin is appropriate for your child.

For information on the recommended uses of Smartkids, please visit the Smartkids product page. For further questions related to product use, feel free to contact one of our nutritionists at askthenutritionist@allysian.com.