Vitamin supplements for toddlers

Do toddlers need vitamins?

Toddlers should get vitamins and minerals from their diet. When they eat a variety of foods from all food groups, supplements are usually unnecessary. However, some kids might need extra support due to challenges like:

• Picky eating or restricted diet
• Poor appetite
• Feeding challenges
• Poor weight gain or growth
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Plant-based diets (vegan or vegetarian)
• Born prematurely
• Chronic medical conditions, such as celiac disease or other digestive issues

If you are concerned about your child's eating habits, especially picky eating, a quality vitamin supplement can help fill nutritional gaps and support healthy growth.

Common vitamins and supplements for toddlers

Daily multivitamin

A daily multivitamin can bridge nutritional gaps for picky eaters or kids with restricted diets. They contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc. However, many kids multivitamins don’t include any or sufficient amounts of calcium and iron. So, if your toddler is low in those nutrients, consider a separate supplement or find a multivitamin that includes them.

Iron

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency among children. While iron is found in many foods, it’s especially rich in animal proteins, which many kids avoid. Picky eaters and kids following plant-based diets are at a higher risk for iron deficiency, which can lead to growth issues and cognitive delays.

If your child isn’t eating enough iron-rich foods or their blood tests show low iron levels, include an iron supplement in their diet. When introducing iron supplements, start with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dose, as tolerated. Calcium can inhibit absorption, so iron supplements should be taken separately from calcium-rich foods. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, so pairing iron supplements with iron-rich foods like strawberries, broccoli, or citrus fruits is helpful.

Daily requirement: 7 milligrams

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an important role in healthy bone development, and a deficiency can increase the risk of conditions like:

• Rickets (soft, weakened bones)
• Broken and fractured bones
• Autoimmune disease
• Infections

Food does not typically provide sufficient vitamin D. Even if your child drinks milk or dairy fortified with vitamin D, they will likely need a supplement to meet their needs. Most children's multivitamins include vitamin D, but you can also find liquid vitamin D drops that can be administered directly into their mouth or added to beverages or food.

Daily requirement: 600 IU

Calcium

Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth and supports muscles and the nervous system. Children who don’t eat enough dairy products are at risk for calcium deficiency, especially kids with allergies, lactose intolerance or who follow plant-based or vegan diets. Since most multivitamins don’t include calcium or the recommended amount, you may need to purchase a separate supplement.

Daily requirement: 700 milligrams

Fiber

Most kids do not get enough fiber in their diet, which can contribute to constipation. Before considering a fiber supplement, try to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your child's meals. If dietary changes aren’t enough, fiber supplements can effectively bridge the gap between their intake and needs.

Daily requirement: 19 grams

Considerations when purchasing vitamins for toddlers

• Safe swallow: Supplements can pose a choking hazard for children under 4. Avoid hard chewables, gummies, or chewy supplements. Instead, opt for liquid or mixable powder-based supplements.
• Avoid added sugar: Choose vitamins without added sugars. If the supplement has sugar, brush your child’s teeth afterward.
• Complete nutrient composition: Standard multivitamins may not contain adequate amounts of key nutrients like calcium and iron or may lack highly absorbable forms. Look for supplements that address the specific nutrient gaps in your child’s diet with the correct dosage to meet their needs. If your child has a limited diet, consult your local or Summer Health registered dietitian for additional guidance.
• Quality: Supplements don’t require FDA approval so choose reputable brands that use independent, third-party testing for quality and purity.

Supplement safety

Many children’s supplements are colorful and attractive to children. They often come as gummies or chewable tablets that appear to be candy. While this can help your child be excited to take their vitamin, it poses safety risks related to overconsumption. Never refer to any medication, including vitamins, as candy, and do not offer supplements as treats or rewards.

Keep all medications, including vitamins and supplements, out of a child’s reach. Taking too many vitamins can cause harmful toxicities or unpleasant side effects. If you are ever concerned that your child has eaten too many vitamins, contact your pediatrician and local poison center at 800-222-1222.

Always consult your local or Summer Health pediatrician before offering your child supplemental vitamins.