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About nutrients

Calcium

Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth during childhood. Calcium is also needed for our heartbeat, blood pressure control and muscle function. To absorb the calcium from our diets we also need vitamin D.

More about calcium in your child’s diet:

The Association of UK Dieticians: Calcium

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ as it is made under your skin in response to sunlight. Some foods contain small amounts of vitamin D. Many children and adults do not make enough vitamin D from sunshine therefore it is recommended that all babies and children under five years should be given vitamin D supplements.

More information on vitamin D in your child’s diet:

The Association of UK Dieticians: Vitamin D

Iron

Iron is a mineral found in the environment. It is also found in lots of foods. Your body needs iron for muscle development during growth and to transport oxygen in healthy blood. Iron requirements vary, so careful choices are particularly important for some people.

More information on Iron in your child’s diet:

The Association of UK Dieticians: Iron

Folic Acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin which is vital for the formation of red blood cells. It supports growth and cell division in the body. The form of folic acid occurring naturally in food is called ‘folate’.

More information on folates:

The Association of UK Dieticians: Folic acid

Multivitamins

Babies and young children

It is recommended that all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given a daily multivitamin, containing at least vitamins A, C and D. This is especially important if your child is a fussy and restrictive eater, as they may not be getting sufficient micronutrients from their diet alone (vitamin D, for example, can be very difficult to get from food).

Babies who are having more than 500ml of infant formula a day should not be given vitamin supplements, as their formula milk will contain added vitamins and minerals. Babies who are being breastfed should be given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth.

Below is a table covering suitable multivitamins for babies and young children, up to 5 years old:

Multivitamin	Format	Nutritional information
Abidec Children under 1 year: One 0.3ml dose taken daily. Maximum daily dose: 0.3ml Children aged 1 to 12 years: One 0.6ml dose taken daily. Maximum daily dose: 0.6mlAllergens: contains peanut oil	Liquid or drops	Per 0.6ml Retinol (as vitamin A palmitate): 1333 IU Vitamin D2: 400 IU Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 0.4 mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.8 mg Vitamin B6: 0.8 mg Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3): 8 mg Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): 40 mg
Abidec advanced multivitamin syrup plus omega 6 and 9 Suitable for children aged 1 to 5 years.Children 1 to 5 years: 2 teaspoons (10ml) a day.	Syrup	Per 10ml Vitamin A: 800ug RE Vitamin D3: 7.5ug Vitamin E: 2.1mg a-TE Vitamin K: 13.3ug Vitamin C: 64mg Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 3mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 2.40mg Niacin: 16.67mg NE Vitamin B6: 1.4mg Vitamin B12: 2.5ug Biotin: 33.33.ug Pantothenic acid<: 2.81mg Blackcurrant seed oil providing omega 6 and 9: 20mg, 0.085g per 100g/100kcal
Dalivit Infants from 6 weeks to one year: 0.3 ml daily (7 drops). Older children, adults and elderly: 0.6 ml daily (14 drops) or as directed by the physician.Free from peanut oil and soya	Liquid or drops	Per 0.6 ml Vitamin A: 5,000 IU Vitamin D2: 10 µg Vitamin B1: 1 mg Vitamin B2: 0.4 mg Vitamin B6: 0.5 mg Vitamin C: 50 mg Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3): 5 mg
Natures Aid Mini drops multivitamin Suitable for infants and children aged 3 months to 5 years old. Dosage: 1ml per day	Drops	Per 1ml Vitamin A: 400 µg RE Vitamin D: 7.5 µg Vitamin C: 40 mg Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.5 mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.5 mg Niacin (Vitamin B3): 8 mg NE Vitamin B6: 0.5 mg Vitamin B12: 1 µg Pantothenic acid: 2 mg
WellBaby liquid Babies (from 3 to 6 months): 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) daily. Infants (7 months to 5 years): 5ml (1 teaspoon) daily. Allergens: Barley	Liquid	Average per 5ml Vitamin A (443IU):133 µg RE Vitamin D (as D3 400 IU): 10 µg Vitamin E: 5 mg α-TE Vitamin C: 30 mg Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.5 mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.8 mg Niacin (Vitamin B3): 6 mg NE Vitamin B6: 0.5 mg Folic acid: 80 µg Vitamin B12: 1 µg Pantothenic acid: 2 mg Iron: 4 mg Zinc: 2.5 mg Copper: 150 µg Malt extract: 500 mg
WellBaby Multi-vitamin drops Suitable for babies aged 4 to 12 months Babies (from 4 to 12 months): 0.5 ml twice daily Allergens: Barley	Drops	Average per 1ml Vitamin A: 350 µg RE Vitamin D (as D3 400 IU): 10 µg Vitamin E: 2 mg a-TE Vitamin C: 12 mg Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.2 mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.25 mg Niacin (Vitamin B3):3 mg NE Vitamin B6: 0.25 mg Folic acid: 50 µg Vitamin B12: 0.4 µg Biotin: 8 µg Pantothenic acid: 0.9 mg Iron: 2.2 mg Zinc: 1.5 mg L-Lysine: 10 mg Malt extract: 150 mg

Children and teenagers

Even as children get older, they may still require an additional vitamin supplementation for their diet. Fussy eaters may start avoiding foods containing calcium, iron and vitamin D, for example.

Below is a table covering suitable multivitamins for children, ranging from 3 to 18 years old:

Multivitamin	Format	Nutritional information
BetterYou: Children’s health oral spray Use 2 to 4 sprays a day, taken together or separately1 to 3 years old: 2 sprays4 to 8 years: 3 sprays9 to 13 years upwards: 4 sprays	Mouth spray	per 4 sprays Vitamin A: 600μg Vitamin D: 20μg Vitamin K2: 60μg Vitamin C: 40mg Folic acid: 140μg Vitamin B12: 1.2μg Iodine<: 130μg
Boots kids daily health multivitamins plus omega 3 Suitable for children aged 3 years and above: One gummy daily	Gummy	per Daily Dose Vitamin A: 600 μg RE Vitamin D3: 10 μg Vitamin E: 8 mg α-TE Vitamin C: 60 mg Flaxseed oil (omega 3): 48 mg Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): 20 mg
Boots kids daily health multivitamins Suitable for children aged 3 years and above: One gummy daily.	Gummy	per Daily dose Vitamin A: 233 μg Vitamin D: 10 μg Vitamin E: 2.6 mg α-TE Vitamin C: 28 mg Niacin: 8 mg NE Vitamin B6: 1.4 mg Vitamin B12: 1.5 μg Pantothenic acid: 6 mg
Boots kids daily health multivitamins Suitable for children aged 6 months+ For children from 6 months old: Take one 5ml spoonful daily.	Liquid or syrup	per 5 ml Vitamin A: 233 μg RE Vitamin D3: 10 μg Vitamin E: 2 mg α-TE Vitamin C: 25 mg Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.3 mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.4 mg Niacin (Vitamin B3): 5 mg NE Vitamin B6: 0.35 mg Pantothenic acid: 1.3 mg
MinaVit baby and infant liquid (Aldi) Suitable for children aged 6 months+ Take one 5ml spoonful daily.	Liquid	per 5 ml Vitamin A: 133 µg RE Vitamin D3: 10 µg Vitamin E: 5 mg a-TE Vitamin C: 30 mg Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.5 mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.8 mg Niacin (Vitamin B3): 6 mg NE Vitamin B6: 0.5 mg Folic acid: 80 µg Vitamin B12: 0.8 µg Pantothenic acid: 2 mg Iron: 4 mg Zinc: 2.5 mg Copper: 0.15 mg Malt extract: 375 mg

Multivitamin	Format	Nutritional information
Boots kids daily health A to Z multivitamin plus minerals Suitable for children aged 3 to 12: Chew one tablet daily	Chewable tablets	per Tablet Vitamin A: 200 µg RE Vitamin D3: 10 µg Vitamin E: 6 mg a-TE Vitamin K: 30 µg Vitamin C: 40 mg Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.7 mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.8 mg Niacin (Vitamin B3): 11 mg NE Vitamin B6: 1 mg Folic acid: 130 µg Vitamin B12: 1.5 µg Biotin: 30 µg Pantothenic acid: 3 mg Calcium: 120 mg Magnesium: 60 mg Iron: 7 mg Zinc: 5 mg Selenium: 30 µg Chromium: 30 µg Iodine: 100 µg
Boots teen multivitamin plus omega 3 Gummies Suitable for children aged 12 years and over: Chew one gummy dailyContains soya	Gummy	per Daily Dose Vitamin A: 600 µg RE Vitamin D: 10 µg Vitamin E: 8 µg a-TE Vitamin C: 60 mg Flaxseed oil (Omega 3): 48 mg Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA): 20 mg
Chewy vites kids multivitamin advance Suitable for children aged 3+	Gummy	per 1 Chew Vitamin D: 5µg Vitamin E: 12mg Vitamin C: 20mg Niacin: 4mg Vitamin B6: 0.7mg Folic acid: 200µg Vitamin B12: 2.5µg Biotin: 50µg Pantothenic acid: 3mg Iodine: 75µg

Multivitamin	Format	Nutritional information
Floradix Children over 12 years: 10ml twice daily Children aged 6 to 12 years: 10ml once daily Children aged 3 to 5 years: 5ml once daily Contains wheat germ extract	Liquid	per 20ml Vitamin C: 16 mg Thiamin: 1.6 mg Riboflavin: 1.8 mg Vitamin B6: 0.8 mg Vitamin B12: 1.2 µg Iron: 15 mg
Haliborange 3 to 12 years omega-3 and multivitamins Suitable for children aged 3 to 12 years Children over 3 years take 1 to 2 fruit softies daily.	Gummy	per 1 Softie Flaxseed oil: 220 mg Providing Omega-3 ALA: 100mg Vitamin A: 400 µg RE Vitamin D: 2.5 µg Vitamin E: 6 mg α-TE Vitamin C: 60 mg Niacin: 8 mg NE Vitamin B6: 1.4 mg Vitamin B12: 2.5 µg Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5): 6 mg
Haliborange multivitamin liquid Infants, 1 month to 4 months: Half a 5 ml teaspoon daily. Infants, 4 months to 4 years: One 5 ml teaspoon daily. Children 4 years and over: Two 5 ml teaspoons daily For children under 6 months the syrup can be mixed with milk or water.	Liquid	per 5ml Vitamin A: 200 µg RE Vitamin D: 3.5 µg Vitamin E: 2 mg α-TE Vitamin C: 25 mg Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.3 mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.4 mg Niacin: 5 mg NE Vitamin B6: 0.35 mg Pantothenic acid: 1.33 mg
Holland & Barrett teen brain health with omega Suitable only for children aged 13 years+: Take 2 capsules per day, preferably with a meal	Softgel capsule	per serving Fish oil: 1906.00 mg Vitamin A: 800.00 μg RE Iodine: 300.00 µg Vitamin C: 160.00 mg Vitamin D: 20.00 µg

Multivitamin	Format	Nutritional information
Holland & Barrett kids multivitamin and iron Suitable for children aged 4 years+ Take 1 Tablet per day, preferably with a meal.	Chewable Tablets	per Serving Vitamin B1: 1.10 mg Vitamin A: 750.00 μg Folic acid: >300.00 μg Vitamin C: 60.00 mg Niacin: 13.50 mg NE Vitamin E: 11.00 mg α-TE Vitamin D: 10.00 µg Iron: 7.50 mg Vitamin B12: 4.50 µg Vitamin B2: 1.20 mg Vitamin B6: 1.00 mg
Holland & Barrett teen fizz Suitable only for children aged 13 years+ Take one tablet daily, dissolved in 200ml of water.	Effervescent tablets	per Capsule Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 1.4mg Vitamin B6: 1.4mg Ginkgo Biloba extract: 30mg Vitamin B12: 5ug Folic acid: 200ug Choline: 200mg Panthothenic acid: 6mg Iron: 14mg L-Theanine: 100mg Iodine: 150ug Biotin: 50ug Vitamin C: 80mg Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 1.1mg Niacin: 15mg
Nutrigen vitamixin sprinkles Suitable for children aged 2 to 12 The company recommend one sachet daily, however Leeds Community dietitians recommend (due to the high iron content): Half sachet daily for age 2 to 6 One sachet daily age 7+ Can be added to food after it has been cooked or to drinks. Consume within 30 minutes.	Dissolvable sprinkles	per 1g Sachet Vitamin B2: 0.5mg Vitamin D3: 5µg Vitamin B1: 0.5mg Vitamin B6: 0.5mg Vitamin B12: 0.9µg Folic acid: 160µg Vitamin E: 6mg Iron: 12.5mg Zinc: 5mg Vitamin B3: 6mg Iodine: 90µg Vitamin A: 300µg Copper: 300µg Vitamin C: 30mg

Multivitamin

Format

Nutritional information

Vitabiotics Wellkid multivitamin liquid
Suitable for children aged 4 to 12 years4 to 10 years: 1 teaspoonful (5ml) daily
11 to 12 years: 2 teaspoonfuls (10ml) daily

Liquid

per 5ml

Malt extract: 500mg
Vitamin A (667 IU): 200 ug RE
Vitamin D (as D3 400 IU): 10ug
Vitamin E: 5mg a-TE
Vitamin C: 10mg
Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.7 mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.8 mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3): 8 mg NE
Vitamin B6: 0.8 mg
Folic acid: 100 ug
Vitamin B12: 2.5 ug
Pantothenic acid: 2 mg
Iron: 5 mg
Zinc: 4 mg
Copper: 150 ug
Iodine: 40 ug

Vitabiotics WellKid multivitamin smart
Suitable for children aged 4 to 12 years: Chew one tablet daily

Chewable Tablets

per tablet

Flaxseed oil powder: 114 mg
Vitamin A (1333 IU): 400 µg RE
Vitamin D (as D3 280 IU): 10 µg
Vitamin E (Natural source): 10 mg a-TE
Vitamin C: 40 mg
Thiamin (Vitamin B1): 0.9 mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.8 mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3): 9 mg NE
Vitamin B6: 0.7 mg
Folic acid: 200 µg
Vitamin B12: 3 µg
Biotin: 25 µg
Pantothenic acid: 4 mg
Magnesium: 75 mg
Iron: 7 mg
Zinc: 7.5 mg
Copper: 200 µg
Manganese: 0.3 mg
Selenium: 20 µg
Chromium: 10 µg
Iodine: 75 µg