Do Children Need Multivitamins?

Food Can’t Provide All Nutrients

The Journal of Nutrition looked at dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals from diet alone in over 34,381 people surveyed. More than 70 percent of children ages one to 13 were not consuming adequate nutrients from their diet. The researchers discovered that diet alone was not providing optimal nutrient intake except for the mineral zinc. 

Nutrient Inadequacies in Affluent Communities

A U.S. study in four elementary schools located in upper socio-economic communities found that nutrient consumption from diet alone was very low. Up to forty-five percent of children were not eating enough calcium to prevent osteoporosis, let alone to build strong bones. Seven out of 10 children had inadequate vitamin D intake which is necessary for optimal bone and immune health, to prevent some cancers and autoimmune diseases. No children met the recommended intake for potassium, vitamin E and vitamin K necessary for optimal heart health. This study showed that even in affluent communities, intake of nutrients from diet alone was not adequate. 

Silent Nutrient Deficiencies

While the symptoms of an extreme nutrient deficiency may be obvious to some parents because they can see dark circles under the eyes caused by an iron deficiency, suboptimal amounts of certain nutrients can hinder a child’s physical and mental health without a parent ever knowing.

It is hard to see that an inadequate intake of bone-building nutrients such as vitamin K2, D3 and calcium could be leading to reduced bone density.  Or that a lack of vitamin A and B6 is leading to lowered immune function, or that low levels of iron, magnesium, or essential fatty acids are causing behavioural problems.

When Food Isn’t Enough

Subpar Foods

Even if you think your child is eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, protein and healthy fats, there are other factors that make getting enough vitamins and minerals difficult.

Foods are harvested before they are fully ripened by the sun which reduces their nutrient content. Fruits and vegetables are grown in soils that have been depleted of nutrients from over farming. Foods are transported long distances and stored for extended periods of time, all reducing the nutritional content.

We eat refined and highly processed foods which have had the nutrients removed during the milling process. For example, eating white rice and white flour that have had the nutrient-rich outer layer removed instead of consuming brown rice or whole grains. To make up for this processing, nutrients are being added back into foods in a process called fortifying—read the label of your child’s breakfast cereals. However, the research we reviewed has shown fortifying foods does not make up for the loss of the nutrients normally found in their wholefood form.

All children with a digestive concern must supplement with vitamins and minerals, protein shakes, probiotics and essential fatty acids to ensure optimal health.

Multivitamins Bridge the Gap

Multivitamin and mineral supplements do not replace a healthy diet or make up for a bad diet; they are designed to supplement the diet and fill in any nutritional gaps that may exist.

Everyone regardless of age should be eating a varied diet rich in vegetables, fruits, high-quality protein and healthy fats. But when it comes to growing, active children they all need a great multivitamin with minerals. Read our article What to Look for in Kids Multivitamins.

Find kids’ multivitamins here