It’s been quite a journey finding a kids’ multivitamin that I trust and one that contain ingredients I am confident are safe for the boys. I found it difficult to find brands that didn’t contain artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, but still contained all of the essential vitamins and minerals I wanted (plus iron!). I’m sure I’m not alone in this challenge, so I wanted to share some tips with you on what to avoid in your kids’ multivitamin and what you DO want in them!
Ingredients to Avoid
There are definitely some things that you want to avoid when choosing vitamins for your kids (and for yourself!). Here are the big ones:
Artificial Colors
It’s no secret that artificial flavors aren’t great for kids (in fact they can cause and exacerbate hyperactivity in children), and there are MUCH better natural food-based alternatives. Typical food dye colors you will see on kids’ multivitamin label are:
- FD&C Blue No. 1
- FD&C Blue No. 2
- FD&C Green No. 3
- FD&C Red No. 3
- FD&C Red No. 40
- FD&C Yellow No. 5
- FD&C Yellow No. 6
- Titanium Dioxide
Artificial Flavors
Another ingredient lurking in your kids’ vitamins are artificial flavors to make them more palatable. Artificial colors are chemical additives which can also result in behavioral issues in kids (and also allergic reactions). There are natural alternatives, so look for those instead.
Other Fillers
Fillers like hydrogenated oils are frequently added to children’s multivitamins. These are the same hydrogenated oils and partially hydrogenated oils you avoid in processed foods. These fillers are NOT necessary, and there are brands that don’t use them.
Another thing to consider is that the hydrogenated oil is often soybean oil– which unless organic, is likely genetically modified. Talc and magnesium silicate may also show up on the label. These ingredients are used to prevent caking in vitamins.
What You DO Want In Your Children’s Multivitamins
When you choose your children’s multivitamins, make sure that you look for an option that is free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and fillers. You also want to make sure that your kids’ vitamins have the minimum daily allowance of recommended vitamins and minerals.
What I Give My Kids– Incredivites
Lactoferrin
I love that the Shaklee Incredivites have a secret ingredient– lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is a protein (also found in breastmilk) that has immune-boosting properties (along with bactericidal and iron-binding properties).
23 Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Incredivites have 23 essential vitamins and minerals including 100% of your child’s daily allowance of vitamins C and E and all 8 B vitamins. They also contain 600 IU of vitamin D3, calcium and vitamin K. They are sweetened with xylitol, which does not promote tooth decay– unlike others sweetener used in traditional multivitamins and gummy vitamins! They are also gluten-free.
How to Get Incredivites
Shaklee Incredivites are only available online. You can purchase them (along with a lot of other great nutritional, green cleaning and skin care supplies!) HERE.
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