Updated: January 2021
A few years ago, a private client of mine gave me the opportunity to look more closely at the best multivitamins.
She wanted to know if she should be taking a multivitamin, and if she should be giving one to her children. Of course, she also wanted to know which brands make the best multivitamins.
I shared my opinion with the Gimme readership back then, and now am pleased to be able to update you guys. What follows is even more research on multivitamins, plus a few supplements I do recommend, as well as suggestions for the best multivitamins if you decide to take one.
RELATED: Best Prenatal Vitamins
Should You or Your Kids Take a Multivitamin?
The best way to hit all nutritional checkpoints is by eating a diverse range of vibrantly-colored fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. This is hard to accomplish for a picky child, of course. Many nutrients are lost during the processing of the food most Americans eat.
For adults, there is no harm in taking a multivitamin, although it’s unclear if there is a huge benefit, either. In general, I recommend against giving a multivitamin to young children, but I think they cannot hurt for kids about six and older. You’ll read more about this below.
I do recommend that both children and adults take a vitamin D supplement. You should also consider a fish oil supplement or a multi that contains fish oil if you or your children don’t eat fish.
If you eat several servings of fish a week, you probably don’t need a fish oil supplement.
The Case for (and Against) Multivitamins
Science clearly shows that vitamins and minerals are important to overall health. Studies have also shown that the best way to get most nutrients is from our food.
There is some evidence to suggest that the quality of modern soil and agricultural practices are insufficient to produce food as rich in nutrients as the stuff that our ancient ancestors enjoyed. This makes sense.
Still, most researchers argue that isolating vitamins into pill form vastly reduces or even eliminates the benefits.
The theory that multivitamins and supplements can “fill gaps” in our dietary intake of vitamins and minerals also makes sense. And yet most studies have been unable to find any actual health benefits when compared to placebo or non-use.
Despite this lack of clear benefit, many doctors recommend the use of a daily multivitamin, and I don’t think there is much harm in “covering your bases” by taking one.
I haven’t come across strong evidence that taking vitamins has any major downsides for adults, but there are a few worrisome studies I’ve found that don’t apply to most people, but are still worth mentioning:
- Smokers who take beta carotene have increased risks of lung cancer.
- Folic acid may increase prostate cancer risk.
- Adults who take large doses of B vitamins for many years may have increased incidence of hip fracture.
Overdosing on Vitamins
You can take toxic doses of vitamins—in particular preformed vitamin A, E, and K. Look for supplements with no more than 100% of your daily value for these.
Excessive doses of vitamin C have also been shown to increase the risk of kidney stones. Most of us get plenty of vitamin C in our diets, so it’s not one that you need much of in a supplement.
What are the Best Multivitamins for Adults?
If you are trying to get nutrients from a pill, it makes sense to get a food-based pill. The less we try to break down vitamins/minerals to the sum of their parts, the more bio-available all the nutrients will be.
There are two brands I like if you choose to take a multivitamin–or if your doctor recommends one.
Ritual Essential for Women
Ritual’s multivitamin contains half of the number of ingredients of most multivitamins, so you’re not getting unnecessary or excessive amounts of nutrients. For instance, this multi doesn’t include calcium, because most women get plenty from their diets and it can impede the absorption of iron. Ritual’s multi uses folate rather than synthetic folic acid, and it contains omega-3 oil (a vegan form) in the same pill with the other nutrients This brand is one of the most transparent of those we reviewed, and has the best third-party testing. Finally, Ritual’s multivitamin has an enteric coating to improve absorption of nutrients. You can shop Ritual here.
Llama Naturals Multivitamins Gummy Bites
If you, like me, have a hard time swallowing pills, then these gummies will make taking vitamins something you actually look forward to . Despite not even being convinced that I need a multivitamin at all, I take these every day after lunch when a sugar craving hits (I also take their vitamin D and probiotic). I like this brand because their gummies don’t contain any sugar (they’re sweetened with organic apples and strawberries) are organic, and contain no synthetic vitamins.
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Should Kids Take a Multivitamin?
Considering how many kids take multivitamins, I was surprised to uncover almost no research on the benefits and risks of this daily habit.
Each brand of multivitamins contains a different cocktail of vitamins, and the quantities of each vitamin varies by brand as well. When studies are done on “multivitamins,” they don’t seem to take these differences into consideration. Therefore, we really don’t know which combinations of vitamins and minerals carry which benefits or even which potential risks.
Here are a few red flags I uncovered:
- An association between multivitamins before the age of 6 months and increased risk of asthma among black children.
- The same study showed increased levels of food allergies among formula-fed infants who were given multivitamins before the age of 6 months, and increased levels of food allergies amongst 3-year-olds exposed to multivitamins (whether they had been breast- or formula-fed).
- Another study found that the nutrients most lacking from the diets of children ages 2 to 8–-namely, calcium and vitamin D–-remained lacking despite multivitamin use. Researchers attribute this to the fact that children’s multis are heavy in the “wrong” nutrients–B vitamins and vitamin C, for instance, both of which kids get from food. Moreover, multivitamin use led to excessive levels of certain nutrients, like iron, zinc, and copper in this study. The effects of this are unknown.
What Are the Best Multivitamins for Kids?
Overall, I think the potential for a downside outweighs the potential benefit of multivitamins for kids under about the age of about six. Of course, I defer to your pediatrician–if he or she recommends that your child take a multi, or if your child has a very restricted diet, there are a few brands that qualify as Good Stuff that you can consider.
And for older children, a high-quality multivitamin might be beneficial and probably isn’t harmful. Based on our research, the best multivitamins for kids are the following:
Llama Naturals Kids Multivitamin Gummy Bites
This is a unique gummy brand because it has no added sugar–the vitamins are sweetened with just fruit. It has a good range of naturally-derived vitamins, including 100% the daily requirement of vitamin D.
Ritual Essentials for Kids
Sweetened with monk fruit, Rituals chewable vitamins also contain fiber, a prebiotic, and omega-3 oils. Ritual has separate (non-chewable) formulas for teenage girls and boys, both of which adhere to Ritual’s strict ingredients sourcing policy.
Hiya Kids Daily Multivitamin
Hiya is the most eco-friendly brand because they come in a reusable glass bottle and then send you monthly refill packs. The ingredients list is very clean, and Hiya’s chewable vitamins aren’t a gummy at all, so they are a great option for kids who are prone to tooth decay.
Two Pills You & Your Kids Probably Should Be Taking
My research left me somewhat torn about the necessity of multivitamins, but I did come away convinced that we all should be taking a couple of supplements:
- Vitamin D. Higher levels of vitamin D are protective against a variety of diseases. Vitamin D also enables calcium absorption, making it critical for growing children. Unfortunately, it’s hard to get sufficient vitamin D from diet alone (which is why I recommend time outside without sunscreen). Supplementing 400 IU a day for babies and children and 4,000 for adults makes sense, especially because vitamin D carries a low risk for toxicity. Note that you want to look for D3 if you are a vegan.
I like Carlson as a brand for vitamin D supplements for babies. As for kids (and me!), we take these ones by Rainbow Light or this one by Llama Naturals (which is free of sugar).
Carlson is my favorite brand of vitamin D drops for babies.
- Omega-3s. These fatty acids are crucial for good brain and heart function, and are found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, breastmilk, and some nuts and seeds. If you and your kids eat fish regularly (even relatively small amounts), you are probably covered. If not, you may want to consider a DHA supplement.
Nordic Naturals Baby’s DHA is a good one, as are the Nordic Naturals supplements for adults. (Note that the orange-flavored “Fishies” by Nordic Naturals have low levels of omega-3s and are basically candy.) Ritual’s kids multivitamin also contains omega oils and is Good Stuff approved.
Another supplement that you might consider is one with B12 if you are a vegan. This one has 75% of what you need in a day.
Finally, probiotics are good for all of us, and while they are beyond the scope of this post, you can read more about them here.
What supplements and vitamins do you like? Please share in the comments below.
Stay sane,
P.S. If you’re pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, you may want to read our guide to the Best Prenatal Vitamins.
P.P.S. Here’s Llama Naturals lineup of vitamins, including a probiotic we take every day.
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Julie says
We just started with Hiya vitamins. We tried SO many and this is the best we’ve found by far. All my mom friends give it to their kids and now so do we. 🙂
Juliet says
Love your recommendation about Hiya! We ordered based on advice from our dentist and it’s been amazing. Best vitamin by far.
Jess says
We tried a few of these and absolutely LOVE Hiya. We’re so happy we made the switch and won’t be going back.
Madeleine says
Hi Maia!
I’m a vegetarian and I’m now very anemic after my three pregnancies. Do you have a recommendation please for iron for people who are iron anemic, especially vegetarians who may be deficient on both B vitamins and iron?
Thanks so much 🙂
Madeleine
marianna says
hello!!! love your site! question! by boy 4years old needs vitamin B12 but doesn’t like to bite it! I need advice which syrup or spray i can buy! thank u!
Rebecca says
Have you reviewed Mary Ruth Organics liquid vitamin? I’ve started giving it to my toddler but now after reviewing this post I’m questioning if I should be.
Michelle says
Thanks for your article. It is quite helpful. I wish you offered a recommendation for a more affordable option. It’s unfortunate that good healthcare is limited to those who can afford it. $30/month per family member is not within reach of many people. There are a lot of other options out there that provide nearly 8 months for only $15. And while obviously these are not anywhere near the same quality, it would be helpful knowing which lower end options are better than others.
Jolie says
Hiya is worth it — best brand and best company.
diane says
Thanks for the article! We’ve done a ton of research and cycled through every kid’s vitamin imaginable. Our little one has a vitamin d deficiency, so we spent a long time talking with her pediatrician about options.
After researching and testing, I’ve determined you should never give your kid a gummy vitamin. It’s just candy in disguise and it cause cavities and doesn’t even help.
The best option we’ve settled on is a new brand called Hiya (www.hiyahealth.com). It’s not perfect, yet the packaging is gorgeous, it’s thoughtful with its ingredients, and my daughter loves the taste. So it’s a win for me.
Azalais Coombes says
I agree I just started giving my 4 year old daughter Hiya and she loves it.
Melissa says
I’m not so much sure what the thing that matters is between the Animal Parade Gold and the normal Animal Parade. They come directly to my home, they’re all-characteristic and non-GMO. I think they have truly assisted with boosting my vitality and they aren’t no picnic for my stomach.
Bertha says
Hi Maia, I am also interested in what you think about First Day Multi for kids as well as Hiya Multi for kids, Mary Ruth’s Kids Multi and Llama Naturals Kids Multi. They praise to be better because they use organic ingredients, no sugar, additives, or preservatives but I would like to know if the type of vitamins in them, where they are derived from, and the daily amount they are getting from the vitamin is safe. There are so many parents trying to find the safest and best multi for their kids and with so many things to factor in it’s hard, especially with all the options out there now.
– Garden of life
-Rainbow light
-Dr. Mercola
-Mary Ruth’s
-First Day
-Hiya
-Llama Natural (organic & plant based)
-MegaFood
-Thorne
-Natures Plus
To name a few that many of us have come across looking for a healthier kids multi. Hope you get to read this and give more help and insight on choosing a great brand. Thank you.
Melissa says
I would love to know what you think of NaturesPlus Animal Parade vitamins for kids. I’m not really sure what the difference is between the Animal Parade Gold and the regular Animal Parade.
Diana says
Wow, great article. Thank you so much! I am using Garden of life gummies (https://www.gardenoflife.com/content/product/mykind-organics-kids-multi-gummies/). Any thoughts on them? My boys are 4 and 7 and I give them 3 daily (4 is recommended). Thank you Diana
Kevin Halverson says
I prefer my Natural Factors Vitamins from Village Vitamin Store. They come straight to my house, they’re all natural and non GMO. I think they have really helped to boost my energy and they aren’t hard on my stomach.
Rebeka says
I know you said you are lukewarm in regards to kids multivitamins. But, have you heard of First Day Vitamins for kids? https://hifirstday.com. If so, what are your thoughts?
Ann Taylor says
I would be interested in your thoughts on this multi as well.
Maia James says
Hi there! I had never heard of this brand, so thanks for putting it on my radar. I see no red flags! I’ll keep digging, but looks like Good Stuff:)
Cindy says
Hi Maia,
I have started taking Sport Formula 99 because my sister was taking it and her hair, nails and health had improved so much that I could see the difference. She also would get sick a lot but that also stopped. She told me she was taking this and I bought some. Ive been on it for a couple of months now. Could you please check it out and see what you think?
Rachel Thompson says
I’m really surprised you don’t recommend a probiotic? That’s top on my list. In fact my pediatrician recommends Reuteri probiotic – 1/4 tsp 2x a day which I put in her milk. For myself, I’m a huge fan of Klaire Labs
Maia James says
yes, love Klaire labs!
🙂
Alison Lakoff says
Hi,
Thanks for all your research on this and everything else! I give my children this in juice b/c of the following from his site: “Fish and fish oil are unfavorable sources of DHA and EPA because most fatty fish contain harmful pollutants. Dr. Fuhrman’s DHA+EPA Purity is derived from lab-grown algae and contains no contaminants.”
Please let me know if you see anything wrong with this brand. Thanks!
https://www.drfuhrman.com/shop/products/52/dhaepa-purity
Kim Lavelle says
Two questions:
1) You mention everyone needing a Vitamin D supplement. I live in California and make it a point of being outside (without sunscreen) for at least 5 minutes daily with my 11 month old. On rainy days (where we won’t be standing outside!) I do take a large quantity of Vitamin D so that he’s getting it through the breast milk. Do you think everyone needs a Vitamin D supplement daily if they are in a sunny environment? I was told I was okay to not take anything if we were in the sun daily.
2) I can not eat dairy and while I know there are dark leafy greens that provide calcium, I’m concerned that I don’t get a sufficient amount of these in my diet. While working to increase my consumption of them, I also thought it safest to ingest calcium supplementation either in a multi or separately. Would you recommend calcium in this instance?
Maia James says
Keeping in mind that I’m not a doctor:
1) I’d get your vitamin D levels tested and see if you’re deficient. It may be that your sun exposure is plenty!
2) I personally feel you can get enough calcium from a healthy vegan diet–you didn’t mention if you eat meat?
Kerry says
What are your thoughts on Juice Plus products? I give my kids the gummies and I take them in pill form.
Rebeka says
I’m also interested on your thoughts about Juice Plus+ products.
Melissa says
I would be interested to know your thoughts on Juice Plus as well.
Keri Luce says
Hi Melissa!
Wow I just posted my above comment on this page and scrolled down and saw these recent posts on Juice Plus, what an amazing coincidence! I have been in fitness & healthcare for 9 years- I fully stand behind their products!
Please read my brief post on why it is so important to get your Omegas from plant sources NOT FISH OIL!!!
I would love to share even more eye opening info with you on all of their products!
You can message me on my instagram handle @_bodybykeri_ or you can email me at bodybykeri.@gmail.com.
My Juice Plus+ website is keriluce.juiceplus.com
Peace & Wellness to you!
Keri Luce
Keri says
Juice Plus+ is absolutely AMAZING! Check out my website keriluce.juiceplus.com and send me a message for more information!
Keri Luce says
Hi Rebeka!
Wow I just posted my above comment on this page and scrolled down and saw these recent posts on Juice Plus, what an amazing coincidence! I have been in fitness & healthcare for 9 years- I fully stand behind their products!
Please read my brief post on why it is so important to get your Omegas from plant sources NOT FISH OIL!!!
I would love to share even more eye opening info with you on all of their products!
You can message me on my instagram handle @_bodybykeri_ or you can email me at bodybykeri.@gmail.com.
My Juice Plus+ website is keriluce.juiceplus.com
Peace & Wellness to you!
Keri Luce
Keri Luce says
Hi Kerry!
Wow I just posted my comment on this page and scrolled down and saw these recent posts on Juice Plus, what an amazing coincidence! Please read my brief post above on why it is so important to get your Omegas from plant sources NOT FISH OIL!!!
I would LOVE to share more information with you.
My instagram handle is @_bodybykeri_ or you can email me at bodybykeri.@gmail.com My Juice Plus+ website is keriluce.juiceplus.com The Omegas blend is the most important Juice Plus+ product in my mind. Would love to share even more eye opening info with you!
Peace & Wellness to you!
Keri Luce
Keri Luce says
Hi Rebeka!
Wow I just posted my above comment on this page and scrolled down and saw these recent posts on Juice Plus, what an amazing coincidence! I have been in fitness & healthcare for 9 years- I fully stand behind their products!
Please read my brief post on why it is so important to get your Omegas from plant sources NOT FISH OIL!!!
I would love to share even more eye opening info with you on all of their products!
You can message me on my instagram handle @_bodybykeri_ or you can email me at bodybykeri.@gmail.com.
My Juice Plus+ website is keriluce.juiceplus.com
Peace & Wellness to you!
Keri Luce
Carlin says
My doctor always recommends thorne supplements. In fact, every naturopathic doctor that I’ve ever been to recommends their brand of supplements. I do give my children a half dose of a vitamin (pure encapsulations), because I want them to get the methylcobalamin and methyl folate that they might not be getting enough of from food. I used to be a big believer that my kids were getting everything from food, but nowadays there is no guarantee of that because of quality issues. I can’t speak to lab stats, but overall my daughter says she notices a difference in her energy. We also do calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.
Keri Luce says
Hi! Great all around info….but have you ever considered the fact that fish actually get their omegas from consuming ALGAE and that getting Omegas from plant based sources is so much better for the health of humans and the planet! Flax meal, Chia etc and plant based Omega supplements like Juice Plus+ which contains algae, sea buckthorn oil, pomegranate seed oil, raspberry seed oil, tomato seed oil…
Fish oil is contaminated with heavy metals, even arsenic and various studies have shown fish oils go RANCID on shelves….plant based Omegas are WAY safer and MORE environmentally friendly and cause so much less devastation to our Oceans from the impact the fish oil industry!
Making simple small simple changes like this really adds up <3.
It is NOT any consumers fault that they only think you can get omegas from fish- this deceptive marketing has been engrained in our culture from these huge corporations at the expense of our oceans and our own well being, even some doctors don't understand the negative implications of highly unregulated fish oil- if they only knew to suggest the plant source in the first place!
PLANTS ARE POWERFUL!
Kay says
Hello Maia,
Do you also recommend “Essential for Women” as a multivitamin, for those of us who are not pregnant, (https://ritual.com/products/essential-for-women-multivitamin) based on your prenatal guide: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/safe-product-guides/organic-prenatal-vitamins/?
Let us know and thank you for all your good work. It’s appreciated.
Jiene says
I’ve given my daughter, now 3.5 Rainbow light kids multi, mostly because I thought the probiotic in it was important. Now that I see it’s unnecessary to give her a multi, I’d love to hear what you think about the importance of a probiotic for children (& adults). And if you think helpful, then I’d love a brand suggestion. She does eat a small amount of a relatively healthy organic, whole milk, Greek yogurt daily too. Thank you.
Maia James says
Hey! We wrote about probiotics here: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/baby-biotics-what-are-the-best-probiotic-supplements-for-babies-kids/
Kayla says
I’m not really a fan of multivitamins either. But when my 6 year old started getting bad leg cramps, I tried to do all the recommended things to help keep them at bay such as upping magnesium, potassium and calcium in his diet, making sure he was getting enough water, ect…), but he was still getting them very often. So I decided to try giving him a whole food vitamin every other day and his cramps have almost completely stopped. I really don’t like giving vitamins but it really does seem to help him. I give him naturello kids multivitamins, do you think the ingredients look ok? I chose it because it came from whole foods and it had higher magnesium.
Maia James says
Yes I like Naturello!
Bethany says
What Vitamin D do you recommend for toddler’s 2-4?
Tina says
Any thoughts on Nature’s Plus vitamins? I love that they are whole-food supplements. I am in the process of transferring my whole family over to a healthier medicine cabinet so I am specifically looking at the animal parade multi, calcium, vit. D as well as the garden life prenatal and the mens multi.
Aria says
Would you recommend rainbow light prenatal one or garden of life mykind Organics prenatal once daily? Thank you!
Maia James says
Our prenatal guide will be out by the end of the month and will answer this:).
Jacqui says
Hi Maia,
We don’t use a multivitamin, but in our daily routine we use LifeChoice brand for our probiotics, cal/mag, and B complex (I am a huge fan of the quality of their products.) We also use St. Francis vitamin D & Nutrasea fish oil daily.
John says
Green tea extract, natural flavors and sunflower oil in their fish oil? I would be cautious taking these products. The bottles are pretty, but natural flavors is usually code for any number of questionable hidden ingredients. And green tea extract has a lot of bad publicity for its potential link to liver issues. But don’t take my word for it, research further. The B vitamins (lifechoice) have maltodextrin, silicon dioxide, sucrose and (Spirulina) source (?) I personally would not take this product. It has too many “other ingredients.” that I don’t think should be in a quality vitamin. MegaFood B complex is what I take and is very good.
Natalie says
I would love an updated supplement post! My husband and I and our four kids do take some supplements, and it’s changed over the years. My toddler does use the Honest baby/toddler multi vitamin powder, and although the recommendation is for two packs, he’s only ever taken just one a day. The rest of our family currently takes garden of life. I’m taking the women’s vegetarian, my husband takes the men’s vegetarian, my teenager takes the family vegetarian, my 6 & 10 yr olds take the children’s chewables. My 6 year old, 3 year old and myself all take Carlson’s cod liver oil as well.
Leesa says
Hi Maia,
Thanks so much for this post and sharing your research with us. I have learned so much and have made much more informed decisions about the products I purchase for my kids and myself.
Quick question about the kids Vitamin D – why did you choose the Carlson’s brand? What are your thoughts on Baby Ddrops? What about VitaDaily D3 drops?
Also, if I am taking an Omega 3 supplement and I’m still nursing my 15 month old, does he get enough through breast milk? Would you still supplement?
J.S. says
I too am interested in Maia’s take on the VitaDaily Baby D3 Drops. I am leaning towards this brand over the Carlson’s brand due tot he fact they are 100% organic and I worry about the fact Carlson’s is lanolin-based, non-organic D supplement, with lanolin being so laden with pesticides.
Brittany says
Reading through the comments it looks like you were looking to do another post about vitamins- have you> I’m interested in learning about what prenatal vitamins are the best out there
THanks! love your site!
Natalie Rosen says
I just saw a IG repost of a lawsuit Sunshine vitamins just settled for having high levels of led. Can you confirm this? Thank you!
MICKEY says
Hi Maia,
What about Nordic Naturals Baby DHA with D3? You’d recommended Nordic Naturals Baby DHA but also recommended a different brand Carlson Lab for Baby Vitamin D. Just wondering if there was something you’d found in the Nordic Naturals Baby DHA with D3 that you didn’t like?
Maia James says
Nope, nothing bad in that brand;)
Linda says
Hi thank you for you site! I love it.
While looking at your review for children’s vitamins I noticed that there was a lack of information regarding vitamin B complex. Vitamin B complex are very important for mental development from everything that I have learned from being in the healthcare industry and was also something our pediatrician discussed with us as something that is commonly lacking in children’s diet. Vitamin D and calcium the often receive in milk and fortified juices so our pediatrician feels there should be more focused and vitamin B. Do you have any information regarding this, I would love to hear your research and opinion on this. Thanks again for the great site. Take care
Rachel B says
I’m a big fan of the Mega Food brand. I am taking their Vitamin D and Prenatal Vitamin and my husband takes their Men’s Multi. As for DHA, I take OmegaZen. It’s algae based so not from fish. I order it on Raw Power now because the Amazon distributor stopped supplying it regularly. Highly recommend OmegaZen. I haven’t looked yet but would love to hear more about some other supplements used in green shakes i.e. spirulina etc.
Yolanda says
Hi! I love your thoughtful reviews!
Have you read much about how part of the population really can’t tolerate folic acid? I was surprised that you recommended a multi with folic acid (rainbow) rather than folate. The second multi’s description of folate seems suspicious to me as well…
This might be of special interest when you look at prenatal vitamins – as it’s thought that folic acid, for those who can’t tolerate it, could cause miscarriages (among other unpleasant things).
Thanks and take care!
Grace says
Do you worry about the vitamin A level in the Nordic Naturals Baby DHA? I had trouble finding any without, though. Honest makes a baby DHA without Vitamin D, but I’m kind of on the outs with them now with all the recent controversy!
Maia James says
Yes, I know, a lot of people have sort of had it with Honest, although for the most part I do think it’s still a good brand. I think the Nordic Naturals is the best option for baby DHA, high vitamin A and all…
Niti says
Hi Maia,
Thank you for the post. What are your thoughts regarding giving probiotics to toddlers? I give those to my 18 mo old when we travel, or when she was on antibiotics and if/when she has weaker digestion than normal and could use some help with gut health.
Thanks!
Maia James says
We recently blogged about probiotics:) https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/baby-biotics-what-are-the-best-probiotic-supplements-for-babies-kids/
Nikki Boyd says
Since (as above) I couldn’t swallow the Rainbow Light ones, I ended up getting Garden of Life Raw One for women. I can actually swallow it and it seems like it’s a good one.
Josh says
Hello,
I feel like a blog like this should be recommending real whole food supplements, instead of ones made from all kinds of chemicals, that if you saw them in a body care product you would tell people not to use it. Unfortunately none of the vitamins mentioned in this article or in the comments are actually true whole food supplements. A whole food supplement is one that is made entirely of food concentrates, no synthetic or isolated vitamins are added at any time during the process. The vitamin in c in most multivitamins for example is made using corn syrup, acetone, and sulfuric acid, for example.
Unfortunately many companies claim to be whole food supplements, but are simply synthetic and isolated vitamins fed to yeast or mixed with a small amount food. There are some great companies out producing true whole food supplements like nutriplex formulas and a few others.
As a consultant who has been in the industry for over 10 years, I would be happy to speak with you about whats really in supplements (hint, its scarier than whats in body care products) and what they are really made from as opposed to what the supplement companies and stores tell you is in them.
John Goss says
Hi Josh,
It seems that you have a lot of experience. Feel free to contact me directly at john@gimmethegoodstuff.org
Best,
John
Nikki Boyd says
Maia,
I appreciate your advice and come here frequently for tips and advice. I recently purchased the Rainbowlight womens multivitamin (we already used the brand for probiotics), but I cannot swallow the vitamin. Even breaking it in two, or more, I’m finding to be a challenge. Is there a chewable equivalent or smaller one that you know of and would feel confident recommending? Thank you for any advice you can provide!
Nikki
Julie says
Hi Maia,
I was wondering what your thoughts are on Zarbee’s Vitamins and how they compare to your recommendations? There is a Honey Omega 3 Supplement as well as a toddler Multivitamin.
Maia James says
I haven’t researched this brand enough to give a recommendation. I’ll look into it when we post again about vitamins!
lm1212 says
Anything on honest company vitamins?(multivitamins, Dha/ fish oil, lactation plus, baby/ toddler multi powder, prenatals)
Thanks!
Maia James says
We haven’t gotten enough info on them to make a call one way or another. When we do an updated post on vitamins, we will be sure to include them!
Kristen says
I know you said you didn’t think kids should take vitamins…I’m so torn on this issue. Our pediatrician was ready to put my 6 month old (at the time) on one. I asked what was in it, and the first things out of the nurse’s mouth were iron and fluoride. The fluoride sent me running for the hills! Ugh…but I am a worrier, so I wonder if he shouldn’t be on something for the iron? Then the next issue is finding one…I really want to avoid folic acid. I personally was found to be having major issues after someone took me off my folic acid containing vitamin. I was having days where I felt drugged. The problem is I can’t find a vitamin powder for kids that uses folate AND has iron. Seeking Health as one minus the iron. I’ve also been interested in Honest Company’s infant toddler powder, but of course then we’ve got the folic acid. Any thoughts on iron importance in supplementation of infants (he is now 11 months old). I’m not counting food as a good source of nutrients yet, because he still plays with his food more than he eats it. Sorry for the rambling comment…I have a lot of thoughts on the subject, but no real idea which is the best choice…And not doctor I trust enough to help. I’d also love to know what you think of the Honest Company Adult vitamins. It looks like they are making a switch over from folic acid to folate. p.s…thank you for all you do!
Maia James says
Hi Kristen-
I definitely don’t see any reason for a child to be on iron unless they are truly anemic–is that the case with your baby? Of course I am not a doctor so I encourage you to consult with yours. From what I’ve seen so far, Honest Company adult vitamins look fine.
Jami Josephson Chace says
Maia… I agree on some points you mentioned here.. But please do look into Shaklee supplements… They’re the only company I know whom has 125 published peered reviewed papers, does 250 more tests (gov does 80) than any company for purity, and has PROOF that vitamins (multi’s) can improve ones health. I get that there’s a lot of fraud out there… But as I have requested before, I wish you would really look into Shaklee… I think you will be pleasantly surprised, and I bet you mom knows them too 🙂
Suzanne Weaver-Goss says
Hi Jami,
Thanks for your comment!
I do know about Shaklee supplements. They have been around for a long time! I am sure that their products are fine, if you want to take supplements. I prefer to purchase supplements in the retail market, although I am not a huge supplement fan. When we do more extensive research on supplements and vitamins, we will include Shaklee. Suzanne
John says
I think if the diet is full of healthy food, a vitamin seems redundant. and useless esp. for an 11 month old child. Have confidence that your instincts will serve you well. If it doesn’t make sense, run. Most Doctors will not advocate vitamins and if they do they are the cheap toxic ones. Additionally a child can get too much iron, folate, etc….I’m a fan of vitamin c (non gmo) d3 and fish oil for older children. But of course, fish oil can be poor quality so you want to do your research. I think teenagers should have a stress vitamin b complex (Food based) and d3 and fish oil. For adults, I personally take Carlson’s super D3 killing 2 birds w/one stone (pardon expression). Try not stressing. Believe all is well. 🙂
Kim says
I use Nordic Naturals and Carlson. Vitamin D is so important. You have to be careful about fish oil there is a lot of info out there saying it is not pure. We have tried a few kinds of multi vitamins and right now we like Dr Mercola’s. We also use his krill oil instead of the other fish oil. It comes from a trusted source. We also use his probiotic for kids. My other kids won’t take it so I buy the garden of life powder probiotic for them. I take Garden of Life women’s multi. It’s a good option for women’s multi vitamin.
Holly says
Hi~Vitamins and supplements are so tricky. Glancing at the Women’s One, it looks like it contains a couple of synthetic sources of vitamins. Take a look at let me know what you think!
ally says
Agreed! Look for vitamins with the bioavailable and methylated forms of the b vitamins, especially folic acid. Folic acid is synthetic, and should be avoided by everyone, esp those with the mthfr mutation.
Maia James says
Thanks so much, Ally, for your wealth of knowledge!
Ozan Carmichael says
Very True. Check for folate instead of folic acid. Folate is the natural form of folic acid.
Sarah says
You recommend the Nordic Naturals brand for babies and adults, but are there any specific ones you recommend for toddlers 2+ and 4+?
Appreciate all the research.
Maia James says
Hi Sarah-I would probably just do the Nordic Naturals baby ones even for toddlers/kids, but run it by your doctor!
Maia James says
Hi Penelope-
The studies I saw showed very high purity for Rainbow Light vitamins–can I ask where you saw the info about lead? You can check out SmartyPants and others on labdoor.com
ally says
Whole food based supplements are generally higher in lead. The fda did a study a few years ago that showed this. Rainbow light was one of the highest.
Maia James says
I saw that study, Ally, but that was from 2008, and my understanding is that the last tests showed high purity for the Rainbow Light multi (although I still need to research the prenatals).
Penelope says
Be careful though. I know Rainbow Light is high in lead. My latest best find is SmartyPants. What do you think of those?
Maia James says
Hi Alexandria-yes, we are going to do a thorough prenatal vitamin review in a future blog post….I don’t think that the two brands you recommended with high levels of vitamin A are necessarily dangerous…but the Rainbow Light organic one sounds like a better bet! Thanks for all the research! I find labdoor to be a useful site as well.
Sarah says
I second this request! And have also used those 2 brands. Thanks!
Sarah says
Sorry I’m on a phone and meant to put this reply up above. Didn’t see your response Maia. Looking forward to your post! 🙂
Alexandria Stoddard says
In your research of multi vitamins and prenatal vitamins, I came upon this site which has some great data available.
https://labdoor.com/rankings/prenatal-vitamins
Jackie says
labdoor makemoney of the products they recommend. Don’t really trust their reports.
Alexandria Stoddard says
Hi Maia,
I wondered if you would mind expanding this discussion to include Prenatal Vitamins.
My top three are:
New Chapter Perfect Prenatal
Garden of Life mykind Prenatal Multi
Initially I didn’t like the Rainbow Light Prenatal because the Vitamin A is partially from Retinyl Palmate. Though they do have an Organic version that sources the Vitamin A solely from Beta-carotene.
Of the three of these, the Rainbow Light Organic has greatly reduced the amount of Vitamin A to 31% so as to prevent accidental overdose in combination with a healthy diet. So my question is are the New Chapter and Garden of Life versions dangerous with the Vitamin A up at 100%?