All About the 12 Best Vitamins for Kids

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This article outlines the best vitamins for kids and how they compare. It describes the vitamins and minerals children need for healthy development and outlines how children can acquire these from their diet. This article also suggests when children may need supplements.

Children should only take vitamins and supplements under adult supervision. They should be stored out of children’s reach.

People should speak with a pediatrician if they have concerns about a child’s nutritional needs.

• Best kids multivitamin: Ritual Essentials for Kids Multivitamin 4+
• Best B vitamins for kids: MegaFood Kids B Complex
• Best omega supplement for kids: Nordic Naturals Kids DHA
• Best organic vitamin for kids: Garden of Life mykind Organics Kids Gummy Vitamins
• Best baby vitamin: Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3
• Best kids vitamin for allergies: SmartyPants Kids Daily Multivitamin
• Best vegan vitamin for kids: Thorne Kids Multi+
• Best kids multivitamin with probiotic: Culturelle Kids Multivitamin + Probiotic
• Best kids vitamin for picky eaters: Renzo’s Iron Supplements for Kids
• Best gummy vitamin for kids: OLLY Kids Immunity
• Best multivitamin for teens: Ritual Essential for Teens

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best kids multivitamins: Ritual Essentials for Kids Multivitamin 4+

• Price: $33
• Form: gummies
• Quantity: 90 gummies (30 day supply)
• Daily dose: 3 gummies
• Price per dose: $0.90
• Age range: 4 years and up
• Key nutrients: omega-3 DHA, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C

Ritual claims these orange-flavored gummies are designed for picky eaters, with key nutrients for children ages 4-12 years.

The minerals and vitamins in this supplement include:

• vitamin A
• vitamin D3
• vitamin C
• vitamin E
• vitamin B12
• vitamin K2
• folate
• choline
• zinc
• iodine
• omega-3 DHA

Each 3 gummy serving contains a prebiotic blend and 3 grams (g) of fiber.

These gummies are suitable for vegans, sourcing omega-3 DHA from microalgae. They are free from gluten, GMOs, and artificial colors. They do not contain sugar.

Ritual offers a subscription service with free shipping and a money-back guarantee.

Read our review of Ritual here.

Best B vitamins for kids: MegaFood Kids B Complex

• Price: $16.99
• Form: tablets
• Quantity: 30 tablets (30 day supply)
• Daily dose: 1 tablet
• Price per dose: $0.56
• Age range: 5 years and up
• Key nutrients: folate, vitamin B12, zinc

MegaFood claims this supplement provides the essential B vitamins for children ages 5 years and older. B vitamins are essential for nervous system health and energy levels.

The minerals and vitamins in this supplement include:

• vitamin B1 (thiamin)
• vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• vitamin B3 (niacin)
• vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
• vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• vitamin B7 (biotin)
• vitamin B9 (folate)
• vitamin B12
• zinc

These B complex supplements are suitable for vegetarians and free from major allergens, including gluten.

Children can take these tablets with or without food. They may be easier to swallow when taken alongside a drink.

MegaFood offers a subscription service with a discount and a money-back guarantee.

Learn more about B vitamins here.

Best omega vitamin for kids: Nordic Naturals Kids DHA

• Price: $14.95
• Form: softgels
• Quantity: 90 softgels (22 day supply)
• Daily dose: 1 tablet
• Price per dose: $0.56
• Age range: 3-6 years
• Key nutrients: omega-3 DHA and EPA

These chewable softgels contain omega-3s from cod liver oil. They have a strawberry flavor with no fishy aftertaste.

Omega-3 can help support brain development and cardiovascular health.

These supplements are not suitable for vegetarians. They do not contain GMOs.

Learn more about omega-3 for children here.

Best organic vitamin for kids: Garden of Life mykind Organics Kids Multi

• Price: $34.99
• Form: gummies
• Quantity: 120 gummies (30 day supply)
• Daily dose: 4 gummies
• Price per dose: $1.16
• Age range: 4 years and up
• Key nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12, biotin, chromium

These gummy bear multivitamins are available in mixed fruit or cherry flavors. They are organic and contain a vitamin and mineral blend from whole food ingredients.

The minerals and vitamins in this supplement include:

• vitamin A
• vitamin C
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• vitamin K
• thiamin
• riboflavin
• niacin
• folate
• vitamin B6
• biotin
• vitamin B12
• zinc
• selenium
• manganese
• chromium

These organic supplements are kosher-friendly, suitable for vegans, and free from GMOs, dairy, soy, nuts, and gluten.

Children ages 4 years and older can take four gummies daily with food under adult supervision.

Best baby vitamin: Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3

• Price: $15.95
• Form: liquid
• Quantity: 0.37 fluid ounces/11 milliliters (365 day supply)
• Daily dose: 1 drop
• Price per dose: $0.04
• Age range: up to 12 months
• Key nutrients: vitamin D3

This liquid supplement is formulated specifically for babies up to 12 months old.

It contains organic extra virgin olive oil, and each serving provides 100% of the daily value of vitamin D3 recommended for babies.

Nordic Naturals recommends placing one drop on a pacifier, nipple, or bottle teat before nursing. People should not place the dropper directly into the baby’s mouth.

This supplement is suitable for vegetarians and free from GMOs. The vitamin D is sourced from lanolin in sheep’s wool.

Vitamin D can support bone health, immune system function, and sleep cycles.

Older children and adults may meet daily vitamin D requirements through exposure to sunlight. For young infants, sunlight exposure is not recommended. Providing a vitamin D supplement is an alternative option.

Babies will typically meet their nutritional needs through breast milk or formula milk alone. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is usually not necessary for babies.

People should speak to a pediatrician for advice on vitamins for babies, or if they have concerns that an infant is not meeting their nutritional needs.

Learn more about vitamin D here.

Best kids vitamin for allergies: SmartyPants Kids Daily Multivitamin

• Price: $23.95
• Form: gummies
• Quantity: 120 gummies (30 day supply)
• Daily dose: 4 gummies
• Price per dose: $0.79
• Age range: 4 years and up
• Key nutrients: vitamin B12, vitamin D, iodine, biotin

These multivitamin gummies are free from a range of major allergens and additives, making them suitable for children with allergies.

They are available in three flavors: cherry, mixed berry, and white grape.

The minerals and vitamins in this supplement include:

• vitamin A
• vitamin C
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• vitamin K
• thiamin
• riboflavin
• folate
• vitamin B6
• biotin
• vitamin B12
• choline
• iodine
• zinc
• omega-3

These supplements are free from milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nut allergens, fish allergens, shellfish, soy, gluten, and wheat. They also do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors.

The gummies contain fish oil and gelatin, making them unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Smarty Pants states that these gummies are suitable for children four years and older. People can take them with or without food.

Best vegan vitamin for kids: Thorne Kids Multi+

• Price: $36
• Form: dissolvable discs
• Quantity: 30 discs (30 day supply)
• Daily dose: 1 disc
• Price per dose: $1.20
• Age range: 4-12 years
• Key nutrients: vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, folate, DHA

These multivitamins are in the form of dissolvable discs, which people can add water or stir into foods such as yogurt, applesauce, or a smoothie. The discs have a strawberry kiwi flavor.

They may suit picky eaters or children who cannot take chewable or solid supplements.

The minerals and vitamins in this supplement include:

• vitamin A
• vitamin C
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• vitamin K
• riboflavin
• folate
• vitamin B6
• vitamin B12
• choline
• iodine
• zinc
• magnesium
• DHA

These multivitamins are suitable for vegans and free from dairy, soy, gluten, artificial ingredients, and sugar.

The packaging is plastic-free and recyclable.

Best kids multivitamin with probiotic: Culturelle Kids Multivitamin + Probiotic

• Price: $25.99
• Form: chewable tablet
• Quantity: 50 tablets (50 day supply)
• Daily dose: 1 tablet
• Price per dose: $0.52
• Age range: 3-12 years
• Key nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic

This chewable multivitamin tablet has a fruit punch flavor. It contains the probiotic bacteria strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to promote gut health. Culturelle claims this may help prevent and ease occasional digestive upset, such as diarrhea.

Learn more about probiotics for kids here.

The minerals and vitamins in this supplement include:

• vitamin A
• vitamin C
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• folate
• vitamin B6
• vitamin B12
• biotin
• zinc

This multivitamin probiotic is suitable for vegans and free from milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, gluten. It does not contain GMOs or sugar.

Best kids vitamin for picky eaters: Renzo’s Iron Supplements for Kids

• Price: $19.99
• Form: melty tab
• Quantity: 90 tabs (45-90 day supply)
• Daily dose: 1 tab for 2-3 year olds, 2 tabs for 4 years and up
• Price per dose: $0.22-0.44
• Age range: 2 years and older
• Key nutrients: iron, vitamin C

Each serving of this iron supplement contains 9 mg of iron and 25 mg of vitamin C.

Learn about the best iron supplements here.

Renzo’s Vitamins states that it includes vitamin C to aid absorption of iron, and uses carbonyl iron as it is easier for children to digest than other forms of iron.

The tabs have an orange flavor and melt on the tongue. This may suit children who dislike chewing or drinking vitamins.

This iron supplement is suitable for vegans and free from:

• gluten
• fish
• shellfish
• tree nuts
• peanuts
• soy
• dairy
• eggs
• artificial colors
• artificial flavors
• GMOs
• sugar

Renzo’s Vitamins recommends children 2-3 years old take one tab daily, while children 4 years or older take two tabs daily.

Learn about the best iron-rich foods for toddlers here.

Best gummy vitamin for kids: OLLY Kids Immunity

• Price: $13.99
• Form: gummy
• Quantity: 50 gummies (25-50 day supply)
• Daily dose: 1 gummy for 2-4 year olds, 2 gummies for 5 years and up
• Price per dose: $0.27-0.55
• Age range: 2 years and older
• Key nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc,

These gummies have a cherry flavor and contain a blend of beta-glucans, acerola cherry, elderberry, and zinc. Olly claims this may support a healthy immune system.

These gummies contain gelatin, making them unsuitable for vegetarians. They are free from gluten and artificial colors.

Renzo’s Vitamins recommends children 2-4 years old take one gummy daily, while children 5 years or older take two gummies daily.

Best multivitamin for teens: Ritual Essential for Teens

• Price: $33
• Form: capsules
• Quantity: 60 capsules (30 day supply)
• Daily dose: 2 capsules
• Price per dose: $1.10
• Age range: 13-17 years
• Key nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin E, folate, zinc, omega-3 DHA

Ritual offers Essential for Teens multivitamins in two formulations: Multivitamin for Her or Multivitamin for Him. They are designed to suit the specific nutritional needs of female or male teenagers.

The minerals and vitamins in these supplements include:

• vitamin A
• vitamin D3
• vitamin E
• vitamin K2
• vitamin B12
• folate
• magnesium
• zinc
• omega-3 DHA

The Multivitamin for Her has a higher level of folate and also includes iron. Otherwise, the two varieties contain identical ingredients and quantities.

These vegan supplements are free from gluten and major allergens, GMOs, sugar, and artificial colors.

Ritual recommends taking two capsules daily with or without food. It offers a subscription service with free shipping and a money-back guarantee.

Read our review of Ritual here.

The following table compares the best vitamins for children in this article on key points:

Children benefit from a diet containing all the essential food groups for proper growth and development. Planning a child’s meal to include all the necessary macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals can give them a healthy start.

Below are some of the essential vitamins and minerals that children need.

Calcium

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, childhood and adolescence are the best time to build healthy bones for life. As such, a child’s diet must contain all the essential nutrients for bone health.

The following micronutrients work with calcium to build healthy bones:

• vitamin D
• vitamin K
• magnesium

These are recommended daily allowances (RDA)for calcium for children of different ages, according to the National Institutes of Health:

• Children aged 1-3: 700 milligrams (mg) per day
• Children aged 4-8: 1,000 mg per day
• Children aged 9-18: 1,300 mg per day

Learn the signs of calcium deficiency here.

Sources

Dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, are good sources of calcium. An 8-ounce glass of milk provides 299 mg of calcium.

Other good sources of calcium include:

• leafy green vegetables
• pulses
• nuts
• breakfast cereals and fruit juices fortified with calcium

Learn about the best non-dairy sources of calcium here.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps to build strong bones and prevents the childhood condition rickets. This condition causes a softening and weakening of the bones.

Children younger than 12 months need 400 international uits (IU) or 10 micrograms (mcg) of Vitamin D each day. Children ages 1–18 years need 600 IU or 15 mcg daily.

Learn more about vitamin D deficiency here.

Sources

Exposure to sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D3 in the skin. A person then stores the vitamin in their liver and fat cells.

It is unclear how much sun exposure a person requires to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. Some researchers suggest that 5–30 minutes of sun exposure at least twice a week without sunscreen can trigger sufficient vitamin D synthesis.

However, sun exposure may increase the risk of skin cancer. Children should always wear sunscreen to reduce this risk, even though it may inhibit vitamin D absorption.

Learn more about vitamin D and sun exposure here.

Very few foods contain vitamin D. Fortified foods provide most of the vitamin D in the American diet, with one cup of milk containing 100 IU.

Some food sources of vitamin D include:

• fortified plant milks, such as almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk
• fortified breakfast cereals, fruit juices, and margarines
• fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel
• fish liver oils

The following foods also contain small amounts of vitamin D:

• beef liver
• egg yolks
• cheese

Learn more about food sources of vitamin D here.

B vitamins

There are many different types of B vitamins. According to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, most B vitamins help the body release energy from food. As such, they are vital to supporting a child’s energy requirements.

Children also require B vitamins for the following:

• healthy blood
• healthy metabolism
• healthy neurological development
• healthy skin and eyes

Sources

Children can obtain B vitamins from the following food sources:

• meat, poultry, and fish
• milk
• eggs
• soy
• whole grains
• foods fortified with B vitamins

Read our complete guide to B vitamins here.

Iron

Iron helps red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body.

Iron is important throughout all stages of a child’s development. Children between 1–18 years of age need 7–15 mg of iron daily, depending on their age and sex.

Learn about iron deficiency here.

There are two forms of iron: heme and non-heme.

Heme iron

Heme iron is present in animal products, such as:

• red meats, including beef, pork, and lamb
• fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel
• poultry, such as turkey and chicken
• eggs

Non-heme iron

Plants and fortified food products contain non-heme iron. A person can aid their absorption of non-heme iron by pairing it with foods rich in vitamin C.

Sources of non-heme iron include:

• iron-fortified infant cereals
• dark green leafy vegetables
• beans and lentils
• tofu

Learn about the best iron-rich foods for vegans and vegetarians here.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the primary nutrients children need for healthy immune system function and development. It also helps to maintain healthy skin, bones, and blood vessels.

Children require between 15–75 mcg vitamin C daily, depending on their age and sex.

Learn more about the role of vitamin C here.

Sources

Many fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C. Cooking can destroy vitamin C content, so providing a child with a selection of raw foods is beneficial.

Good sources of vitamin C include:

• citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits
• kiwifruit
• strawberries
• mango
• tomatoes and tomato juice
• bell peppers
• potato

Learn about the best food sources of vitamin C here.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for growth and tissue repair. It also helps support healthy skin and vision.

Children need between 300–900 mcg of vitamin A per day, depending on their age and sex.

Read about the role of vitamin A in the body here.

Sources

Dietary sources of vitamin A include:

• vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach
• dairy products
• liver

Learn about foods high in vitamin A here.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, toddlers and older children who eat a well-balanced diet generally do not need vitamin and mineral supplements.

However, children at risk of nutrient deficiencies may require a supplement. Below are some examples in which a dietary supplement may be necessary.

Children eating a vegan or vegetarian diet

Children eating a vegan diet need to take a vitamin B12 supplement. This is because vitamin B12 is only present in animal products, such as meat and dairy. Some fortified plant-based foods contain vitamin B12.

In a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, researchers did not find any clinically meaningful differences in growth or other measures of nutrition in children raised on a vegetarian diet.

A child may need a supplement if they eat a plant-based diet that does not include all essential food groups.

A person can ask a dietitian for advice on planning plant-based meals and snacks for their child.

Children with celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which gluten consumption causes the immune system to attack the tissues of the small intestine.

Children with celiac disease cannot absorb nutrients efficiently due to damage to the gut lining. They often need additional vitamins and minerals in the form of a supplement. A doctor can advise a parent or caregiver on the best type of supplement to provide.

Learn more about celiac disease here.

Children with darker skin

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, children with dark skin may have lower vitamin D levels than those with light skin. This is because darker skin contains a higher concentration of the pigment melanin. Melanin reduces the absorption of sunlight, thereby reducing the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D.

However, a 2018 article highlights a paradox among Black Americans. Although Black Americans have markedly low vitamin D levels, they have fewer bone-related health issues than white Americans with similar vitamin D status.

Specifically, Black Americans experience fewer fractures and fewer cases of osteopenia. Osteopenia is the medical term for lower-than-average bone density.

Currently, no guidelines state children with darker skin need vitamin D supplementation.

The United States Department of Agriculture information tool My Plate offers information on how to plan a child’s meal to support healthy growth and development.

Some children may have an underlying medical condition that reduces their ability to absorb certain nutrients. In such cases, a doctor can advise a person on which supplements to provide.

How to choose the best vitamins for kids

When providing a dietary supplement, people should choose one with the recommended daily amounts of the necessary nutrients. Most multivitamin and mineral formulas contain nutrients in balanced amounts. People should avoid giving a child a supplement that contains nutrient amounts that exceed the recommended guidelines.

Parents and caregivers should also choose supplements with childproof packaging. This will prevent children from eating supplements, which they may mistake for sweets.

A person should consult a healthcare professional before giving a child vitamins. Check the product’s specifications and review this information with a physician before using it.

The following are common questions and answers about vitamins for kids:

What children’s vitamins are best?

The best children’s vitamins meet a child’s individual nutritional needs, according to their physician. Look for supplements that:

• contain the recommended daily amounts of necessary nutrients
• provide nutrients in balanced amounts
• do not exceed recommended guidelines
• use childproof packaging
• are certified by reputable organizations
• are third-party tested

Do doctors recommend vitamins for kids?

According to the Academy of Nutrition of Dietetics, most children who eat a healthy, well-balanced diet do not need to take vitamins. However, children may benefit from specific supplements if they:

• have celiac disease
• are vegetarian or vegan
• take certain medications
• have poor appetites
• are very picky eaters

What are the best vitamins for children’s immune systems?

Commonly used ingredients in supplements for immune system health include vitamins C and D, and zinc.

Consult a physician before giving a child any supplement for their immune system.

A well-balanced diet should provide the vitamins and minerals necessary to support a child’s growth and development. However, children with a limited diet and those less able to absorb or make certain nutrients may require nutritional supplements.

A child’s nutrient requirements will differ according to their age and sex. People should check supplement labels carefully to ensure they provide the appropriate levels of nutrients for their child.

Parents and caregivers can consult a doctor or dietitian for advice about suitable supplements.