You hear all this noise about the importance of giving your kids a multivitamin. So, you promptly hit up the nearest store and head over to the supplement aisle.

Woah … there are a lot of options.

You grab the name brand you’ve at least heard of before and leave with a smile on your face.

Your kids are about to get healthier!

But then you start second guessing yourself.

Will they take it? Will it actually get them healthier? Did I pick the right one? Am I wasting my money? Should I return it?

Watch today’s video to find out if you should be giving your kids a multivitamin.

Not feeling the video vibe today? No worries, scroll down to read all about it.

Should You Give Your Kids a Multivitamin?

Please note – this is a very controversial topic. My view comes from my education, research, experience and the method I have successfully used with clients.

You do not need to agree with me, but we will keep this a positive environment.

1. Why would you need to take a supplement?

Supplements are meant to supplement a healthy diet, not an unhealthy diet. And there are many times when a therapeutic dose of a particular vitamin or mineral is needed.

1. If you are lacking certain foods in your diet

For instance, if there is poor mineral content in the soil, if there are not enough variety of foods available locally, or if you are being affected by the season (lack of vitamin D in the winter).

2. For health reasons

Think calcium for osteoporosis, iron for anemia, fish oil for high blood fats.

3. To balance out a deficiency

If you took a blood test and there was a deficiency found.

2. What are multivitamins?

Multivitamins are what I like to refer to as the “jack of all trades, master of none”.

They contain a mish mash of vitamins and minerals, that are not directed at your specific needs, which works to get you as close to possible to the Daily Required Amount (DRA) of each micronutrient.

The problem with this method is it gives you some of what you need and lots of what you don’t need. You can supplement a deficiency with therapeutic doses of the particular micronutrient you are deficient in – but if you also take micronutrients you don’t need, you risk side effects from toxicity.

3. What should you do instead?

If you think your child may have a deficiency, talk to your Naturopath or Nutritionist, get their blood tested and use therapeutic doses to bring them back up to level (which should only be given by a professional!).

BONUS: How to pick a good quality supplement:

1. Know the brands

Do your research by finding trusted brands and e-mailing them to ask questions. Be an informed consumer!

2. Know the ingredients

Watch out for artificial colours, preservatives, sugar, and artificial flavourings.

3. Know the forms of supplements

Typically you want vitamins  in natural form and minerals “chelated” – bound to an amino acid to make it more absorbable.

4. Know your dose

Do not just check the back of a bottle and guess at how much you need. Find out what the right dose is for you!

5. Know that you pay premium for premium quality

Pretty much … you get what you pay for. Pay well and your body will benefit, buy cheap and you’ll get no return for your hard earned moola.

6. Know who to ask

Not sure if the supplement you have is okay? Book a consultation and let’s chat.