Importance of Multi-vitamin

Check your local health food store. Usually the employees are very knowledgable and will be able to help you. They might cost a little more but it's worth every penny.

"Little Angels", by Maximum Living. You can find these at the healthfood stores or online. They are chewable, taste great and I believe have helped keep my son free of colds/etc from school/germs. For that reason alone, I feel they are beneficial.

Stay away from gummy vitamins. They are no good and bad for teeth.

Take care-

First I want to share with you the importance of nourishing our bodies with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Take a study of 26,000 of the healthiest eaters and NOT ONE person rec'd the recommend daily allowance (which is the minimum amount of nutrition) per day. Our pediatrician recommends we take a high-quality, pharmaceautical grade supplement and we have been for over 3 years. The manufacture (USANA Health Sciences) of these vitamins are actually listed in the PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) which is why they come highly recommended. Our kids love them and are budget-friendly...2 bottles per month...total cost $25.00. That's .83 cents per day, per child for better health!!!! My childrens' health is worth much more than that!!!!!

Blessings,
D.

I give my son flintstones, because i read a study that said they had the best absorption rate of all of the regular brands.

I just recently visited my pediatrician and asked her about my son's behavioral problems - which aren't severe but entails several meltdowns a day. He loves chocolate milk but doesn't drink white milk and is very limited on the choc. milk. as I don't buy it on a regular basis. She suggested that I give him Vit. D 3 - which I went to the local health food store and got it - it was about $5. She also suggest that I give him a good multivitamin. So I went online for this and Dr. Sears puts out chewable ones that are very "natural" so there are no additives etc. I also trust him b/c he has 8 children and he has been a dr. for like 40 years (2 of his sons are Dr's also). His wife is also an RN. Anyways, she also suggested that I give him Omega 3's.

She said that I would see a difference in about a month w/the meltdowns and such. Soooo.....I have 4 children and plan on giving them all the Omega 3's. I too have a hard time with it being expensive but he was running a special and I hope to eliminate them not feeling good which sometimes makes them act out b/c most kids today don't eat healthy.

Good luck!

Good morning,

I have asked this same question every year. I have a 5 yr. old with special needs. He has epilepsy and when he gets sick he gets a temp and that increases his threshold for seizures so I am over cautious. His pediatrician as well as his neurologist both tell me as long as he is eating his fruits and vegetables he does not need a daily vitamin. Giving him one is not going to hurt him but, he doesn't need it. I give him lots of oranges, blueberries, cherries, etc. I buy the dried and mix them together for snacks. As for the milk, there are so many other sources for vitamin D. cheese and yougurt are 2 good ones.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

I think vitamins are very important. So much of what we intake is processed even the "fresh" vegetables are grown in over worked soils and just don't contain the amount of nutrition they used to. A fantastic children's vitamin is Isotonix Might-a-Mins. It's a liquid (powder that you mix with water) and tastes great. No worries if your child is getting all the benefit or not. You know that almost 100% of the vitamin is being absorbed within 10 mins of swallowing. Check out this link for more info: http://www.marketamerica.com/healthybalance101/product-10.... Feel free to contact me with any questions: ____@____.com.

We give our girls vitamins pretty regularly. We switched to a natural vitamin which neither of them really likes but the older one would take but the younger one would not so for awhile the little one was not taking vitamins. Well not too long ago my little one got a cold/fever and my husband got it too. Neither my oldest nor I got it and we both were/are taking vitamins regularly. I credit the vitamins for keeping us from getting sick. So needless to say I let the kids switch back to the other vitamin so that they would both take them. I do not think vitamins are bad as long as you are careful to watch the doses etc. It's hard to get kids to eat right all the time so I figure vitamins can't hurt. Also have you tried Soy Milk? My girls were not eating breakfast real well so I started giving them soy milk (chocolate) since it is fortified and has protien.

There are many Childrens vitamins on the shelves of almost every store you go into.I buy mine at Dollar Zone usually located near Walmart shopping centers, they are $1. a bottle and are fruit flavored or bubble gun flovored and they wok great.Most vitamins if you get too much of one it is dispelled through your urine except for Iron.Iron will build up in your liver so I choose to not havea iron fortified vitamin unless the child won't eat iron rich foods.
Vitamin D is very important in our diets, Read below.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is found in food, but also can be made in your body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Vitamin D exists in several forms, each with a different activity. Some forms are relatively inactive in the body, and have limited ability to function as a vitamin. The liver and kidney help convert vitamin D to its active hormone form.

What does Vitamin D do?
The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. It promotes bone mineralization in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, soft, or misshapen. Vitamin D prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults -- skeletal diseases that result in defects that weaken bones.

What are the sources of Vitamin D?
Food Sources
Fortified foods are the major dietary sources of vitamin D. Prior to the fortification of milk products in the 1930s, rickets (a bone disease seen in children) was a major public health problem in the US. Milk in the United States is fortified with 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D per quart, and rickets is now uncommon in the US.
One cup of vitamin D fortified milk supplies about one-fourth of the estimated daily need for this vitamin for adults. Although milk is fortified with vitamin D, dairy products made from milk such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream are generally not fortified with vitamin D.

Only a few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D, including fatty fish and fish oils. The list below includes selected food sources of vitamin D.

Exposure to sunlight
Exposure to sunlight is an important source of vitamin D. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Season, latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog, and sunscreens affect UV ray exposure. For example, in Boston the average amount of sunlight is insufficient to produce significant vitamin D synthesis in the skin from November through February. Sunscreens with a sun protection factor of 8 or greater will block UV rays that produce vitamin D, but it is still important to routinely use sunscreen whenever sun exposure is longer than 10 to 15 minutes. It is especially important for individuals with limited sun exposure to include good sources of vitamin D in their diet.

How much vitamin D do we need?
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in each life-stage and gender group. Unlike many other nutrients, there is insufficient evidence to establish an RDA for vitamin D. Instead, an Adequate Intake (AI) -- a level of intake sufficient to maintain healthy blood levels of an active form of vitamin D -- has been established. The 1998 AIs for vitamin D for adults are the same in males and females, but increase with age.
Ages 19-50: 200 International Units (IU)
Ages 51-69: 400 IU
Age 70 and older: 600 IU

When can vitamin D deficiency occur?
A deficiency of vitamin D can occur when dietary intake of vitamin D is inadequate, when there is limited exposure to sunlight, when the kidney cannot convert vitamin D to its active form, or when someone cannot adequately absorb vitamin D from the gastrointestinal tract.
The classic vitamin D deficiency diseases are rickets and osteomalacia. In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, which results in skeletal deformities. In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to weak bones.

Who may need extra vitamin D to prevent a deficiency?
Older Americans (greater than age 50) are thought to have a higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. The ability of skin to convert vitamin D to its active form decreases as we age. The kidneys, which help convert vitamin D to its active form, sometimes do not work as well when people age. Therefore, some older Americans may need vitamin D from a supplement.
It is important for individuals with limited sun exposure to include good sources of vitamin D in their diets. Homebound individuals, people living in northern latitudes such as in New England and Alaska, women who cover their body for religious reasons, and individuals working in occupations that prevent exposure to sunlight are at risk of a vitamin D deficiency. If these individuals are unable to meet their daily dietary need for vitamin D, they may need a supplement of vitamin D.

Individuals who have reduced ability to absorb dietary fat (fat malabsorption) may need extra vitamin D because it is a fat soluble vitamin. Some causes of fat malabsorption are pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, sprue, liver disease, surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, and small bowel disease. Symptoms of fat malabsorption include diarrhea and greasy stools.

Vitamin D supplements are often recommended for exclusively breast-fed infants because human milk may not contain adequate vitamin D. The Institute of Medicine states that "With habitual small doses of sunshine, breast-fed or formula-fed infants do not require supplemental vitamin D." Mothers of infants who are exclusively breastfed and have a limited sun exposure should consult with a pediatrician on this issue. Since infant formulas are routinely fortified with vitamin D, formula fed infants usually have adequate dietary intake of vitamin D.

Current Issues and Controversies About Vitamin D

Vitamin D and osteoporosis: It is estimated that over 25 million adults in the United States have, or are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by fragile bones. It results in increased risk of bone fractures. Having normal storage levels of vitamin D in your body helps keep your bones strong and may help prevent osteoporosis in elderly, non-ambulatory individuals, in post-menopausal women, and in individuals on chronic steroid therapy.
Researchers know that normal bone is constantly being remodeled (broken down and rebuilt). During menopause, the balance between these two systems is upset, resulting in more bone being broken down (resorbed) than rebuilt. Estrogen replacement, which limits symptoms of menopause, can help slow down the development of osteoporosis by stimulating the activity of cells that rebuild bone.

Vitamin D deficiency, which occurs more often in post-menopausal women and older Americans, has been associated with greater incidence of hip fractures. A greater vitamin D intake from diet and supplements has been associated with less bone loss in older women. Since bone loss increases the risk of fractures, vitamin D supplementation may help prevent fractures resulting from osteoporosis.

In a group of women with osteoporosis hospitalized for hip fractures, 50% were found to have signs of vitamin D deficiency. Treatment of vitamin D deficiency can result in decreased incidence of hip fractures, and daily supplementation with 800 IU (20 micrograms) of vitamin D may reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures in elderly populations with low blood levels of vitamin D. Your physician will discuss your need for vitamin D supplementation as part of an overall plan to prevent and/or treat osteoporosis when indicated.

Vitamin D and cancer: Laboratory, animal, and epidemiologic evidence suggest that vitamin D may be protective against some cancers. Some dietary surveys have associated increased intake of dairy foods with decreased incidence of colon cancer. Another dietary survey associated a higher calcium and vitamin D intake with a lower incidence of colon cancer. Well-designed clinical trials need to be conducted to determine whether vitamin D deficiency increases cancer risk, or if an increased intake of vitamin D is protective against some cancers. Until such trials are conducted, it is premature to advise anyone to take vitamin D supplements to prevent cancer.

Vitamin D and steroids: Corticosteroid medications are often prescribed to reduce inflammation from a variety of medical problems. These medicines may be essential for a person's medical treatment, but they have potential side effects, including decreased calcium absorption. There is some evidence that steroids may also impair vitamin D metabolism, further contributing to the loss of bone and development of osteoporosis associated with steroid medications. For these reasons, individuals on chronic steroid therapy should consult with their physician or registered dietitian about the need to increase vitamin D intake through diet and/or dietary supplements.

Vitamin D and Alzheimer's Disease: Adults with Alzheimer's disease have increased risk of hip fractures. This may be because many Alzheimer's patients are homebound, and frequently sunlight deprived. Alzheimer's disease is more prevalent in older populations, so the fact that the ability of skin to convert vitamin D to its active form decreases as we age also may contribute to increased risk of hip fractures in this group. One study of women with Alzheimer's disease found that decreased bone mineral density was associated with a low intake of vitamin D and inadequate sunlight exposure. Physicians evaluate the need for vitamin D supplementation as part of an overall treatment plan for adults with Alzheimer's disease.

What is the health risk of too much vitamin D?
There is a high health risk associated with consuming too much vitamin D. Vitamin D toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, and weight loss. It can also raise blood levels of calcium, causing mental status changes such as confusion. High blood levels of calcium also can cause heart rhythm abnormalities. Calcinosis, the deposition of calcium and phosphate in soft tissues like the kidney can be caused by vitamin D toxicity.
Consuming too much vitamin D through diet alone is not likely unless you routinely consume large amounts of cod liver oil. It is much more likely to occur from high intakes of vitamin D in supplements. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine considers an intake of 1,000 IU for infants up to 12 months of age and 2,000 IU for children, adults, pregnant, and lactating women to be the tolerable upper intake level. Daily intake above this level increases the risk of adverse health effects and is not advised.

Selected food sources of vitamin D
The following lists suggests dietary sources of vitamin D. Fortified foods are a major source of vitamin D. Breakfast cereals, pastries, breads, crackers, cereal grain bars and other foods may be fortified with 10% to 15% of the recommended daily value for vitamin D. It is important to read the nutrition facts panel of the food label to determine whether a food provides vitamin D.

Cod Liver Oil, 1 Tbs: 1,360 IU
Salmon, cooked, 3 1/2 oz: 360 IU
Mackerel, cooked, 3 1/2 oz: 345 IU
Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 3 1/2 oz: 270 IU
Milk, nonfat, reduced fat, and whole, vitamin D fortified, 1 c: 98 IU
Margarine, fortified, 1 Tbs: 60 IU
Pudding, 1/2 c prepared from mix and made with vitamin D fortified milk: 50 IU
Dry cereal, Vitamin D fortified w/10% of the recommended daily value, 3/4 c: 40-50 IU (other cereals may be fortified with more or less vitamin D)
Liver, beef, cooked, 3 1/2 oz: 30 IU
Egg, 1 whole (vitamin D is present in the yolk): 25 IU

I learned @ the importance of quality vitamins about 3 years ago and it has made a big difference in our health. When my oldest was young, I used grocery store brands and then health food store brands. But when I switched to a whole food vitamin, we were sick less often (hardly ever) and we all had more energy. Now I help other moms learn about healthy options for their families.

Our bodies were made to absorb our vitamins through food... however, most of us are not receiving the recommended daily allowances (especially children).

There are 3 types of vitamins. Synthetic, Isolated and Whole Food. Synthetic is often found in grocery stores (think of a plastic lemon). Isolated may say natural but gov't regulations only require vitamins to be 20% natural (the rest can be synthetic). Whole Food is the best... includes all parts of the food source (ie. the whole lemon); giving us all known and unknown benefits. You also want to make sure the vitamins are safe, without sugars and artificial sweetners/colors. You also want cold processed to ensure that you are receiving live enzymes (ie. how raw fruit/vegetables are better for us than cooked).

Then finally I want to share that last August the FDA studied 324 women's and children's vitamins and found traces of lead in all but 4. Many traditional and often thought "healthy" brands are included on the list (Flintstones, gummies, GNC Brands, Nature's Sunshine and many more). It is hard to understand how the gov't can regulate lead in children's toys but not in the vitamins we eat. There are healthy safe alternatives and as moms, we have to protect our children until the gov't does.

You can find out more about the FDA study and the entire list of vitamins studied on my blog: http://greenmoms4kids.blogspot.com/2008/08/fda-finds-lead...

If you have any questions or would like help sifting through nutrition options for your family, please let me know.

I give my daughters (almost 5 and 2-1/2) chewable vitamins with iron each day, which was recommended by their pediatrician because they both have slightly low iron levels, despite the fact that they are both pretty good eaters. I also give them a daily chewable antioxidant called Lifeguard Jr. If you want to check that out, please go to www.starlightonline.com/KJThomas.

My kids are great eaters so I don't worry about vitamins with my son. My daughter hates milk so I do give her a calcium supplement.

we like the trader joes brand, they only cost 3-4 dollars, and they are fun animal shapes and colors, and they're in a fun teddy bear bottle too. :)

you get vitamin d from the sunlight too, so be sure they get outside.

You can also buy orange juice (if she drinks that) with Calcium. Tropicana and Minute Maid both make calcium-fortified OJ; these are the kinds in the plastic bottles near the milk--I don't know if you can get it that way in the frozen cans.

Hi D.
with all the viruses out there you little ones should absolutely be on a GOOD multi-vitamin. The best on the market is Shaklee childrens. Tast good no fillers no dyes and no lead. Check your labels good. Go and check it out for yourself. www.livingwithsolutions.com
Best of Luck
S.

Most of the multi-vitamins have charts on the bottles telling you by age or weight how many vitamins a child needs daily. If your tablets do not have the chart do a comparison while in the store by reading the charts on the back and you can figure out how many they should get by the charts. I know you can purchase calcium tablets, even flavored chewables if you are concerned about calcium for the younger child.

My son has been taking a vitimin since he was able to chew. He is almost 6 and currently taking one flinstone vitimin with extra vit. C daily per his ped. suggestion. He only took a half one until he was the age on the bottle, again as his ped. suggested we do. He is an AWESOME eater, but was getting sick often.
My neice was put on a multi. vitimin with iron when she was 9 months old. She has remained on this vitimin now 18 months old. Her vitimin is a prescription.

I give my boys the Gummi Bear ones (get them at walmart). My 9 yr old (90lbs) takes 2 in the morning and 2 at nite and my 2.5 yr old takes 2 at nite. Dr. ok'ed it, since lil one is very picky and at the bottom of his weight chart.

I give my 5 year old daughter a liquid vitamin. She drinks it every morning. She loves it. It taste like apple cider. She is a very picky eater, so I worry about her getting everything she needs. My doctor supports her taking it and even said she wished more parents would do this. Since she started taking it, her allergies have gotton better and we are slowly decreasing her allergy meds!! If you would like some more information on it just let me know.

I give my 3-year old daughter a vitamin almost daily. Her pediatrician does not recommend giving vitamins to kids. I don't know why. And I figured that I grew up on vitamins and that it can't hurt. So I don't know if I am really answering your question to well...lol.

Where vitamins are concerned, a rule of thumb is usually: the more natural, the better.

If you have a Whole Foods store in your area, they carry several lines of excellent vitamins, and many of them are very reasonably prices.

You can also check http://www.swansonvitamins.com on line. They have excellent prices on really good vitamins.

Milk is not necessary for the human body, so your daughter who doesn't consume it might well be healthier than the one who does.

I see an Integrative M.D. who recommends a diet free of dairy, wheat, and sugar for all of her patients. She started out as a pediatrician, but when her patients' parents saw how healthy their children were, they began making appointments with her too, so she now has a family practice. She also recommends Cod Liver Oil (in capsule form) to all of her patients. For adults, the dosage is 1000 mg 3x daily, CLO contains vitamin D. The best source of Vitamin D for anyone is natural sunlight, so encourage your girls to play outside for a little while every day. For school children, recess time alone usually gives them adequate exposure to receive enough Vitamin D.

Vitamins and supplements are wonderful, and can really help to make for stronger, healthier kids.

I give my 3 year old a vitamin, but I do it more because I figure it can't hurt, not because it has any significant benefit. Your body does not absorb much if what is in a vitamon, maybe 10% so really the nutrients from food are much more important. As for the Vitamin D, which you need to absorb calcium, you'll get more just exposing a little skin to the sun every day. I know the sun gets a bad rap, but just exposing hands and face for a few minutes a day is enough to supply the body with Vitamin D. Of course, the lighter the skin the more Vitamin D is absorbed, so that is something to keep in mind. Does your daughter consume any dairy to get her calcium? If she's eating a fairly balanced diet she may not need a vitamin. If you want to give her one anyway, I would look at a health food store where they might sell a more natural children's vitamin.

I don't do vitamins but maybe you can find something at Whole Foods or a natural food store?