Choosing the best kids vitamins with iron can be a challenge, especially when there are so many options available. Kids need extra nutrients from their daily diet to stay healthy, which is why it’s important for parents to find the best vitamin with iron options for their children.
Best Kids Vitamins With Iron
The Healthiest Children’s Multivitamins With Iron
- Children’s Best Organic Gummy Vitamin
- Children’s Best Complete Multivitamin (you can learn more here)
- Raise Them Well (formulated with methylated B vitamins to provide maximum absorption, contains more than double the recommended daily amount of Folate for brain development, contains Vitamin K2 which helps with Vitamin D absorption, vegan, gluten free, and can be used from 4 years of age)
- Yumi for Kids Ages 2-4 and Yumi for Kids Aged 4+ (includes 15 organic fruits + veggies!)
- Renzo’s Kids’ Multivitamin with Iron (does include sugar alcohols, can be used from age 2 onwards)
- Zarbee’s Naturals (this comes in liquid form and can be used from 2 months of age)
- Zarbee’s Naturals Gummies
- Natures Plus
- Vitamin Friends Gummies
- Bluebonnet Super Earth
The Healthiest Children’s Multivitamins Without Iron
- First Day
- Hiya Vitamins
- Ritual Essential Kids Vitamin
- Llama Naturals Organic Gummies
- WellVites
- Klaire Labs
- Garden of Life (note: This is sweetened with “Organic Stevia Leaf” which is the only form of Stevia I’m ok with – also can be listed as “organic whole leaf stevia” or “whole leaf stevia extract”. What I do avoid is “rebaudioside a or stevia extract” which could literally mean anything and have anything added to it.)
- Mary Ruth’s Gummies (note: this is sweetened with organic stevia leaf extract)
- Garden of Life Gummy Vitamin
- Naturelo
- Lil’Critters
- MegaFood
- Mega Foods Kids Daily Multivitamin Booster – a powdered form of their vitamin.
- OLLY Kids Super Foods Multivitamin – Note: if you’re looking for a probiotic + multivitamin in one, OLLY Kids has this option – but it does have gelatin in it so it’s not vegetarian friendly.
When buying a multivitamin, what should you look for?
The two types of children’s multivitamins often available are 1) With Iron and 2) Without Iron. You should get a multivitamin that doesn’t contain more than 100% of the recommended daily intake of most vitamins for your child’s age group, especially Vitamins A, E, and K. (that will be indicated by the label on the back). Vitamin C and other water-soluble vitamins are the exceptions in this case. Although it is a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D is not hazardous unless used in extremely high amounts, which would not be found in a daily vitamin. The majority of individuals, including children, are deficient in vitamin D. I would give your child half the recommended dose of the vitamin if it does include more than 100% of the vitamins A, E, and K.
So what should you buy? What’s the healthiest children’s vitamin out there?
Fortunately, there are a ton of choices! The products listed below are some of my faves; they are all manufactured with natural ingredients, don’t contain any of the strange preservatives listed above, and a few even get their vitamins from organic food sources, which I adore because the body can more easily absorb them that way. As long as the amount of cane sugar or fructose added to most of these is less than 4g per serving, there shouldn’t be much of a problem.
Note: The manufacturer or an affiliate program provided me with some of the below products to review. If you use the links provided to make a purchase, I might get paid a commission. I only offer recommendations for goods that I have personally tested, consider to be of the greatest caliber, and will be most beneficial to you and your family. Thank you for your support by making any of these purchases using the links below, which help fund this blog. Do not disregard any advice given to you by your doctor because of what you have read here; I am not a doctor. Please seek medical advice before beginning any new supplements.
8 Best Vitamins For 2-Year-Olds
1 – Ritual Essential Multivitamin for Kids (Editor’s Choice)
Ingredients
5.0
Price
5.0
Taste
5.0
Overall Score 5.0
Ritual is without a doubt the greatest vitamin and mineral supplement for your developing child if you’re searching for a comprehensive multivitamin that covers all the bases.
Ritual, which has 12 traceable ingredients and no added sugar, gives your toddler all the necessary vitamins they need to develop normally.
It also tastes excellent and is a fantastic addition to any balanced diet because it is naturally sweetened with ingredients like monk fruit, lemon oil, and raspberry extract.
Also, customers can track their daily supplement use using the company’s Ritual app.
This serves as a helpful reminder for days when you might forget to give your child a multivitamin and prevents them from unintentionally ingesting more vitamins than they need.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Free shipping and easy cancellation on orders
- 3-in-1 formula combining omega 3 DHA, fiber, and multivitamins
Cons
- Product shipping limited only to the U.S.
Vitamins: A, B, C, D, E, K
International buyers should look towards other choices, as the company only ships to residents in the U.S.
2 – Smarty Pants
Ingredients
5.0
Price
4.9
Taste
4.9
Overall Score 4.9
Each serving of Smarty Pants, developed by nutritional professionals, contains the ideal ratio of vitamins and nutrients to guarantee that your toddler’s body receives all it needs.
Given that it doesn’t cause any food allergies and is free of gelatin, gluten, and synthetic chemicals, Smarty Pants is a strong contender for the title of best children’s vitamin.
These chewable, readily digestible gummy vitamins are perfect for toddlers with sensitive tummies since they reduce choking hazards.
The supplement also includes extra probiotics to help with digestion and omega 3 fatty acids, which are rare and essential for good health.
This probiotic supplement can get around dietary restrictions while still giving your kid what they need if they are a finicky eater and won’t accept omega-3-rich foods like fish.
Pros
- Non-GMO and allergen free
- Gummy vitamins are easy to swallow and digest
- Third-party lab tested
Cons
- May stick to teeth
Vitamins: A, B, C, D, E, K
The product can be rather sticky, making it a nuisance if it gets stuck in kid’s teeth.
3 – Zarbee’s Naturals
Ingredients
4.8
Price
4.8
Taste
4.8
Overall Score 4.8
One of the best vitamins for kids between the ages of two and three is Zarbee’s Naturals. Toddlers in need of a Vitamin B complex should choose Zarbee’s Naturals in particular.
One of the best liquid multivitamin solutions is Zarbee’s Naturals, which is free of allergies and potentially dangerous additives.
With 12 vital vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, D3, and their Vitamin B complex in Zarbee’s Naturals’ complete multivitamin, your toddler will get all they need to grow up healthy.
One of the greatest vitamins for vegans or vegetarians to choose from because it doesn’t include any animal gelatin.
Zarbee’s Naturals also has a honey flavor without artificial sweeteners, which is crucial for reducing dangerous sweeteners.
Pros
- Free of nuts, wheat, shellfish, and dairy
- No high fructose corn syrup
- Fruit pectin makes it easy to chew
Cons
- Contains sugar
Vitamins: A, B, C, D, E
Despite being honey-flavored, the product contains a small amount of sugar.
4 – Renzo’s Iron
Ingredients
4.7
Price
4.6
Taste
4.8
Overall Score 4.7
Renzo’s Iron, which just has the two elements iron and vitamin c, is ideal for toddlers who only have these mineral deficits, in contrast to the majority of the vitamins on this list.
One of the greatest vitamins for maintaining good skin is Renzo’s Iron, which contains no artificial sweets or tastes.
In their FDA-registered lab, the product is also third-party tested, ensuring its integrity and safety, especially when it comes to the wellbeing of your toddler.
Moreover, Renzo’s Iron contains a unique type of iron that makes it easier to absorb than other vitamin brands while being gentler on a toddler’s stomach.
Renzo’s Iron includes two of the most crucial nutrients a toddler needs to support them during their growth spurts, and it is non-GMO, sugar-free, and a great supplement to any vegan diet.
Pros
- Money-back guarantee for picky eaters
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
Cons
- A high amount of iron can be potentially dangerous
Vitamins: Vitamin C, Iron
If your toddler accidentally takes more than the recommended dosage, contact a poison control center immediately.
5 – Trace Minerals
Ingredients
4.6
Price
4.6
Taste
4.7
Overall Score 4.6
Trace Minerals is a specially made dietary supplement that promotes better health and has all the ingredients required to fend off a cold and flu season.
One of the greatest vitamins for kids and their immune systems, these natural vitamins contain all the minerals typically found in fortified meals – all conveniently packed into one wafer-shaped supplement.
For finicky eaters or anyone following a strict diet, Trace Minerals is a fantastic option because it is a comprehensive multi-mineral and multivitamin supplement.
These chewable vitamins can guarantee that your children get enough nourishment regardless of what they consume if your toddler is deficient in specific vitamins in their diet.
Pros
- Made from natural ingredients
- Certified vegetarian and gluten-free
- Includes both micro and macro minerals
Cons
- Product may have issues regarding shipping and packaging integrity
Vitamins: A, B, C, D, E, K
In terms of product integrity, some customers may find themselves missing a bottle or receiving damaged packaging.
6 – Llama Naturals Plant-Based
Ingredients
4.6
Price
4.5
Taste
4.6
Overall Score 4.6
It’s not surprising that Llama Naturals Plant-Based gummies received the 2019 best multivitamin award given that they have no added sugar and are made from naturally grown US fruits and vegetables.
These vegan and vegetarian diets will benefit greatly from the absence of animal byproducts in these organic plant-based candies.
Also, the business provides a money-back guarantee to make sure customers are happy.
The product also comes in a plastic-free container for those who are concerned about product packaging or who are concerned about the environment, and the company collaborates with other organizations to eliminate plastics from the environment.
Pros
- No animal products
- Free of common allergens like wheat, nuts, and dairy
- Made in the USA and sourced from local ingredients
Cons
- Must be taken alongside a meal
Vitamins: A, B, C, D, E, K
Just be sure to take these vitamins with a serving of food to avoid stomach irritation.
7 – Olly Kids Multi
Ingredients
4.5
Price
4.4
Taste
4.5
Overall Score 4.5
Olly Kids Multi are fun, nutrient-dense gummies that support children’s growth and development by supplying a full spectrum of daily vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and vitamin d.
Olly Kids Multi is especially designed for finicky eaters because the company’s culinary and food science professionals are always experimenting with the flavor of their goods to create a kids vitamin that your child will enjoy.
Pros
- Gummy vitamins are tasty and easy to chew
- Fast shipping within 2-3 business days
- A high amount of probiotics for healthy gut bacteria
Cons
- It can take time to separate gummies from each other
Vitamins: A, B, C, D, E, Zinc
8 – Lil’ Critters
Ingredients
4.4
Price
4.5
Taste
4.4
Overall Score 4.4
Vitamin D regulates the absorption of minerals like phosphorus and calcium to promote healthy bones and prevents diseases as an individual grows older.
The easiest way to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D is to ensure your toddler gets enough sunlight per day.
In situations where the weather is cloudy, a Vitamin D supplement can also do the trick.
Pros
- No high-fructose corn syrup
- Award-winning fruit flavors and taste
- Dairy and gluten-free
Cons
- Ineffective for individuals with iron deficiency as it does not contain iron
Vitamins: A, B, C, D, E
If you need a multivitamin that contains iron, it’s best to look for other choices.
What Are Essential Vitamins For 2-Year-Olds?
The essential vitamins for two-year-olds are vitamins B, D, and E. They also need fiber, iron, and calcium.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are essential for maintaining overall health and wellness. There are eight types of Vitamin B, which include:
- B-1 (thiamine)
- B-2 (riboflavin)
- B-3 (niacin)
- B-5 (pantothenic acid)
- B-6 (pyridoxine)
- B-7 (biotin)
- B-9 (folic acid)
- B-12 (cobalamin)
Vitamin D
As a person ages, vitamin D regulates the body’s absorption of calcium and phosphorus to support strong bones and ward off disease.
Making sure your child receives enough sunlight each day is the simplest approach to guarantee they receive a healthy dosage of vitamin D.
A vitamin D pill may also be helpful in cloudy weather conditions.
Vitamin E
A substance called vitamin E is crucial for the body’s immune system, eyesight, and production of healthy red blood cells. Moreover, it has anti-oxidant qualities that fend off free radicals and stop cell deterioration.
Natural foods that are rich in Vitamin E include seeds, peppers, spinach, and peanut butter.
Fiber
While fiber isn’t considered part of a group of essential nutrients, it’s still an important nutrient for developing a healthy digestive system. Many foods rich in fiber also contain other vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin E, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
If you can’t get fiber from your multivitamins, it can also be found in a number of natural food sources such as beans, leafy greens, fruits, and oatmeal.
Iron
Our blood cells contain large amounts of iron, a crucial mineral that supports healthy circulation, immune system function, restful sleep, and muscle endurance. Nuts, seafood, lean meats, and fish are foods that are high in iron.
Moreover, iron is essential for supporting brain growth, particularly in young, immature brains like toddlers.
Weakness, cold hands and feet, low appetite, and dizziness are typical signs of an iron shortage.
Make sure the supplements your children take have the correct amount of iron in them to avoid these issues.
Calcium
Calcium is crucial for creating strong bones and teeth because it is a necessary mineral for bone and tooth health. Being youthful is crucial because as we age, our bone density gradually declines.
Between the ages of 1 and 3, make sure your child receives at least 700 mg of calcium to help prevent bone issues later in life.
What Ingredients To Avoid
Ingredients to avoid in a multivitamin for two-year-olds are preservatives, gluten, artificial ingredients, and dairy.
Preservatives
When buying organic vitamins, it’s important to keep an eye out for preservatives. They can disrupt a child’s developing system and prevent the absorption of minerals and nutrients, which can have long-term health effects.
Supplements containing vitamins and minerals typically have a lengthy shelf life on their own and do not require the addition of any additional preservatives.
Gluten
Gluten is another key ingredient that’s quickly becoming a protein to avoid. To avoid side effects such as bloating and stomach pain, ensure the mineral supplements you choose are gluten-free.
Artificial Ingredients
Everything “artificial” should be avoided, especially when feeding it to your toddler who is still developing.
Avoiding vitamins that contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors helps protect young children’s health from the harmful effects of these chemicals, whose bodies may not have the capacity to fight them off.
5 Best Vegan Kids Vitamins of 2022
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Not all kids require a multivitamin. Yet, children raised on a more restrictive diet could profit from the nutritional “insurance” that a multivitamin might offer. This is especially true for minerals like the vitamins D and B12, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids that could be problematic for vegans to consume.
The comfort that comes from knowing that a daily multivitamin will help close any nutrient gaps can be appreciated by parents. Regardless of diet, young children frequently go through episodes of selective feeding, but nutrition is a lengthy game. It’s crucial to have procedures in place that will encourage wholesome routines for life while seeing to it that your youngster gets the nutrition they require.
Because of this, we’ve put up a list of the top 5 vegan children’s multivitamins, ranked by their nutritional profile and the caliber of their components, which parents can feel comfortable about.
What to Look for in a Vegan Kids Vitamin
Like all supplements, vegan multivitamins for kids are likely to vary between one another in terms of ingredients and amounts. Here are some things to look for when you begin comparing different options.
Key Nutrients
- Essential to have: Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 (unlikely to be met on a vegan diet alone)
- Nice to have: Omega-3s DHA & EPA, Iodine, Vitamin K2
- Depends on the child’s diet: Iron
Ingredients to Avoid
- Gelatin (look for Pectin instead, especially in gummies)
- Added Sugar
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., sucralose, aspartame)
- Synthetic Food Dyes (e.g., yellow #5, red #40)
Keep in mind that no multivitamin is designed to meet 100% of your child’s nutrition needs. Rather, it’s intended to complement an overall healthy diet and help fill in any gaps.
Before adding any supplements to your child’s routine, always consult with a qualified healthcare provider to make sure that the one you choose is safe and appropriate for your child.
Third-Party Testing
Searching for supplements with a third-party testing seal is an excellent idea. There are several laboratories that provide independent testing services for supplements, but some of the most respected examples include NSF International, Consumer Lab, or USP.
A third-party testing seal often denotes that the product has undergone independent testing for purity and quality, is free of contaminants at potentially hazardous concentrations, and confirms that the contents of the bottle match the bottle’s label.
A Note on Vitamin D
Verify the vitamin D type that is being utilized in your multivitamin. It has been demonstrated that D3, or cholecalciferol, is more effective at increasing blood levels of vitamin D than D2, or ergocalciferol. Choosing a multivitamin with D3 is wise if your child doesn’t consume many foods that are fortified or contain vitamin D, and you live in a region where you don’t get direct sunlight all year round.
Additionally, search for vitamin D manufactured from lichen, a type of moss, if vegan ingredients are significant to you. Lanolin, one of the natural oils produced by sheep’s wool, is where the majority of vitamin D found in supplements is sourced.
The Best Vegan Kids Vitamins
1. Ritual’s Essential for Kids Multivitamin
Ritual is a female-owned business that takes delight in developing goods that are founded on solid research for women, moms, and kids. Also, each Ritual product is tested by a third party to guarantee the greatest quality.
In a clinical trial, Ritual’s omega-3 DHA from algae and vegan-certified vitamin D3 were both proven to raise adult women’s blood levels by over 40%. Both of these substances are included in their children’s multivitamin.
Gummies make up Ritual’s Essential for Kids. It doesn’t contain added sugar, in contrast to many children’s vitamins. Instead, monk fruit, raspberry extract, and lemon oil are used to flavor it. Also, this choice is devoid of artificial coloring, synthetic fillers, and other extra substances.
It provides 20% iodine and 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamins D and B12 per serving. It also includes 50 mg of Omega-3 DHA, saving you the trouble of looking for a different vitamin.
It also contains 45 mg of vitamin K2, which may be beneficial for the health of the heart and skeleton. While vitamin K1 is mainly found in leafy green vegetables, K2 is mainly found in fermented foods and animal products, thus a vegan diet may not provide enough of it.
Ritual does not contain calcium, in contrast to certain other vitamins. This is due to the inconsistent evidence that calcium supplements support growing bones in the same manner that diets do, and they may even have negative long-term consequences on heart health. Instead, ritual promotes a calcium-rich diet.
You should be aware that the Ritual Essential for Kids is a multivitamin created for children who are at least 4 years old.
2. Complement Essential Liquid Vegan Nutrients
Vital Liquid Vegan Nutrients by Complement is a liquid multivitamin formulated with the needs of the entire family in mind. Everyone can use it because dosing instructions are supplied for ages 1 year and up.
It includes nutrients that are highly bioavailable, such as the B12 forms methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, vitamins D3 and K2, omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, iodine, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. Stevia is used as the sweetener; there are no extra additives or fillers.
For purity and quality, each batch of Complement is examined by a third party. Although it costs more, this product has the advantage of being sold in glass bottles that are more environmentally friendly. Also, a portion of every transaction is used to assist environmental and sanctuary animal causes.
3. MaryRuth’s Vegan Kids Multivitamin Gummies
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To make MaryRuth’s multivitamin gummies vegan, pectin is used in place of gelatin. They use organic products, as well as natural tastes and colors derived from plants.
In its more accessible methylated form, one serving of vitamin B12 supplies 213% of the recommended daily intake.
It also has choline in it. Although not a necessary vitamin, this one may be advantageous for young children. The first two years of life may be especially advantageous for choline’s role in brain development.
MaryRuth’s, in contrast to several other alternatives, only provides 30% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D3. For vegan children who don’t eat fortified foods or often get sun exposure, this might not be enough.
Furthermore take note that it includes stevia as a natural sweetener, which some parents may want to avoid owing to the paucity of long-term health impacts data, particularly among children. Nonetheless, several human studies have revealed no issues with stevia intake, and the FDA has approved it as safe.
Use this multivitamin for kids who are 2 years old or older.
4. ChildLife Essentials Multi Vitamin and Mineral
This is a thorough children’s multivitamin that includes all the essential vitamins and minerals, such as iodine, choline, vitamins D and B12.
It comes in liquid form, which can be consumed on its own or combined with a child’s preferred beverage. This makes it perfect for infants as well.
Be aware that it does include stevia and small amounts of fructose for sweetness. Nonetheless, it is Non-GMO Project Verified and does not contain artificial colors or flavors.
According to the dosage recommendations on the box, this multivitamin can be given to children between the ages of 6 months and 12 years old.
5. Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi
Kids’ melt-in-your-mouth vitamin tablets are available under the Renzo’s brand. It was developed by Dr. Rocca, a father and researcher in the field of pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Rocca founded this company to ensure that all kids may get the same high-quality nutrition his son received after being born prematurely and dealing with severe health issues.
This alternative has more important vitamins and minerals than many children’s chewable vitamins combined—18 in total. B12 and D vitamins, iron, and iodine are all on this list, however omega-3 fatty acids are not. Moreover, it lacks calcium.
It is sweetened with a mixture of monk fruit and the sugar alcohols mannitol and xylitol, as well as natural plant-based tastes and colors.
For children 4 years of age and above, one serving provides 75–100% of the recommended daily intake for each nutrient. Renzo’s Picky Eater Multi, however, can be administered to kids as early as 2 years old; dose guidelines are provided.
Vegan Kids FAQ
What other kinds of supplements should a vegan child take?
Kids on a strict vegan diet need to make sure that a few nutrients of concern are adequately provided, and the most consistent and reliable way to do so is through using a supplement.
It’s totally up to you to decide whether your child takes a daily multivitamin or a few individual nutrient supplements. Just make sure you’re not getting the same nutrient from multiple supplements, as this carries the risk of overdose for certain ones.
Either way, it’s important to prioritize vitamins B12 and D, as well as iodine and omega-3 fatty acids for vegan kids. Iron may also be important to supplement, depending on how much iron your child already eats.
When should vegan kids start taking vitamins?
Whether vegan or not, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that partially or exclusively breastfed babies receive 400 IU of vitamin D daily starting at birth. Additionally, breastfed babies should get an iron supplement 4-6 months of age until they’re able to get enough from foods.
Otherwise, vegan children don’t necessarily need to begin other supplements until around 6-12 months or getting the majority of nutrition from food. This depends on the child and is best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Why aren’t kids’ vitamin products gendered?
Most vitamins designed for children are not designated for males or females because the nutrient needs of pre-adolescent kids are generally similar across the board. More drastic changes in needs don’t show up until closer to puberty, which is why you see vitamins marketed for teen boys or teen girls.
Can adults take children’s vitamins?
Kids and adults have different recommended intakes for vitamins and minerals. To best meet the micronutrient needs of an average adult, it’s a good idea to choose a multivitamin that’s age-appropriate.