Have you ever seen a commercial for organic vitamin gummies on TV and wondered if you should buy those for your children? If your answer is yes, you are not alone.
As children grow, they require more nutrients for optimal health. While it is certainly better for your little ones to get vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet, sometimes they might need supplements to make up for any deficit.
This guide will tell you all about organic vitamins for children and how to choose them. However, before we delve further into the topic, let’s quickly clarify some of the most common questions parents and guardians may have.
What are Organic Vitamins?
There are two main types of vitamins available over the counter: synthetic vitamins and organic ones.
As the name suggests, the synthetic variety is created in a laboratory. Meanwhile, organic vitamins are made from real and natural foods. They only include sustainably sourced ingredients, with many products being completely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Does Every Child Need Organic Vitamin Supplements?
Before we answer this question, we would recommend that all parents contact a pediatrician or another healthcare professional to determine if their child should take an organic vitamin supplement. Please do not start giving your child a multivitamin without talking to your pediatrician.
Not every child will need vitamin supplements. Most kids are able to get a healthy dose of nutrients from dairy products, fresh fruits, leafy greens, eggs, poultry, meat, seafood, and whole grains. However, if your little one follows a restrictive diet, does not eat well-balanced meals, takes medication for chronic medical conditions, or eats a lot of processed food, they could likely benefit from an organic vitamin gummy.
How to Choose an Organic Vitamin for Children?
Here are a few things you should keep in mind while choosing natural vitamins for children.
Only Buy USDA Organic Certified Vitamins
There is no shortage of multivitamin gummies that are specifically made for children. While many of these products have been tested by third parties and are safe to consume, parents should make sure only to buy the ones that bear the USDA Organic seal on the packaging.
Make Sure the Vitamins Are Meant for Kids
This one is a no-brainer. Parents should be cautious while choosing vitamins for their children and make sure the dosage doesn’t exceed the daily nutrient requirements recommended by a healthcare professional. If you are wondering why, please note that the vitamins meant for adults may contain mega-doses, which can be harmful to children.
Research has shown that consuming an excessive amount of nutritional supplements – particularly those containing Vitamins A, D, E, and K – may be toxic for kids. Moreover, one case study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16140692/) reported resistant hypercalcemia and hypertension in a two-year-old due to unintentional Vitamin D overdose. Thankfully, the toddler made a clinical recovery after hospitalization and treatment. However, the incident sheds light on Vitamin D toxicity in children.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Gummy Vitamins
Organic vitamin gummies are not only delicious but also easy to chew and swallow. This is one of the top reasons most parents prefer giving these candy-like vitamins to their young ones instead of the regular pills. You can easily find USDA Organic chewable supplements in various shapes and flavors, with many specifically marketed towards fulfilling the nutritional needs of children.
However, as convenient and tasty as they may be, gummy vitamins also have a few drawbacks. Firstly, they are usually too sweet, which may make them addictive for children.
Secondly, since they are easy to overeat, they may cause toxicity in children. A 2006 case study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16882846/) reported three cases where children had suffered from Vitamin A toxicity due to excessive consumption of over-the-counter candy-like vitamins.
To ensure your children only take the recommended amount of an organic vitamin every day, please keep these supplements out of their reach. In addition, you can discuss the disadvantages of consuming a large amount of these multivitamins with your older kids, so they also remain careful.
In case of any confusion, be sure to get in touch with a healthcare professional.
Which Organic Vitamins Do Kids Need?
These are some of the most important natural vitamins for children that ensure healthier minds and bodies.
Vitamin A
Naturally found in milk, eggs, cheese, carrots, yams, and other foods, Vitamin A promotes healthy growth and development among kids. If your child is lactose intolerant or does not like dairy products, they may benefit from a supplement rich in this nutrient. This vitamin also repairs bones and tissues, improves eye health, and boosts the immune system.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B2, B3, B6, and B12 are extremely beneficial for kids who are at a growing age. They are known for improving metabolism, promoting strong muscles, and producing energy. They are also good for the circulatory and nervous systems.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D not only strengthens bones by helping the body absorb calcium but also aids in tooth formation among young children. Apart from supplements, milk and fish are considered the best sources of Vitamin D, along with sunlight.
To Wrap It Up
Organic vitamin supplements can help your child become stronger and healthier. Therefore, if your little one is a picky eater or you are worried about their restrictive diet, please consider consulting a pediatrician or nutritionist to determine if you should give them a USDA Organic certified vitamin for optimal growth and development.
You can easily find natural vitamins in drugstores and e-commerce sites. However, we would recommend parents do some research before buying a bottle for their children to make sure the seller is reputable.
We hope our guide on choosing an organic vitamin for your children has answered some of your most pressing questions on the topic. If you want to learn about more organic products, please stay connected to HomeOrganic – your go-to place for tips on a healthier and sustainable lifestyle. You can also contact us to share your comments and feedback.
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