Walk into any pharmacy and the children's vitamin aisle is packed: Flintstones, Centrum Kids, Tri-Vi-Sol drops, gummies, chewables, liquids, and (for some children) special clinical multivitamins prescribed by a dietitian. It's hard to know which ones your child actually needs.
The honest answer: most healthy children eating a balanced diet don't need a multivitamin at all. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't routinely recommend one for typically-developing children with adequate intake. But there are specific situations — and specific nutrients — where supplementation does matter.
This article is adapted from the Texas Children's Hospital Pediatric Nutrition Reference Manual (Appendix B: Infant, Child and Adult Vitamin/Mineral Supplements), reorganised and explained for parents. It covers the AAP's specific supplementation guidance, the most common over-the-counter children's vitamins, and the specialty products dietitians prescribe for medical conditions.
🩺
Talk to your pediatrician before starting a multivitamin. "More vitamins" is not the same as "better health." Iron and the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) can build up to toxic levels — they aren't simply flushed out like vitamin C and the B vitamins. Your pediatrician can tell you whether your child needs supplementation based on diet history, growth, and any medical conditions.
Who actually needs a multivitamin?
Pediatric supplementation is targeted, not universal. Common situations where it's warranted:
🤱
Exclusively or partially breastfed infants — for vitamin D (every day from a few days old) and iron (from 4–6 months until iron-rich solids are well established).
🥦
Picky eaters or restricted diets — children who consistently refuse fruits, vegetables, dairy, or animal protein may benefit. A vegan child often needs B12 + iron + omega-3 supplementation.
🏥
Children with chronic medical conditions — cystic fibrosis (special fat-soluble vitamins), chronic kidney disease (renal-specific vitamins), short bowel syndrome, IBD, or post-surgical malabsorption.
📉
Children with growth concerns or weight loss — particularly when calorie boosting is also recommended (see our
Adding Healthy Calories article).
🍽️
Children on tube feeding or specialty formulas — concentrated multivitamins like Nano VM are often added to ensure micronutrient adequacy.
☀️
Children with limited sun exposure or darker skin — vitamin D deficiency is common, particularly in winter months at northern latitudes. The AAP recommends 600 IU/day for children 1–18 yr.
The AAP's specific supplementation rules
Even for healthy children, the AAP recommends two specific supplements at specific ages:
Breastfed infant (any %)
From a few days of age
Vitamin D
400 IU/day until drinking ≥1 L/day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk
Formula-fed infant taking < 32 fl oz/day
Vitamin D
400 IU/day to make up the gap
Breastfed infant 4–6 mo
Until iron-rich solids established
Iron
1 mg/kg/day until iron-rich foods provide enough
Children 1–18 yr (general)
Vitamin D
600 IU/day if dietary intake is insufficient
For a breastfed infant on a tight budget, a basic vitamin D-only drop (e.g. Carlson Baby D Drops at 400 IU per single drop) plus an iron supplement at 4 months is more cost-effective than a full multivitamin. A pediatric multivitamin is a convenience, not a clinical requirement, for most healthy babies.
Common over-the-counter children's multivitamins
These are the products most commonly found on US pharmacy shelves. Pick one that matches your child's age, your dietary preferences (sugar-free, gummy vs chewable), and your pediatrician's recommendation.
For infants (drops)
Tri-Vi-Sol
Enfamil / Mead Johnson
A 750 IU · D 400 IU · C 35 mg
(no E, no K)
None
Sugar-free. The current go-to for breastfed infants who need vit D + immune support without iron.
Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron
Enfamil / Mead Johnson
A 750 IU · D 400 IU · E 5 IU · C 35 mg + B-complex
10 mg
⚠️ Discontinued in the US (Jan 2026). Existing stock may still be on shelves; talk to your pediatrician about alternatives.
For children (chewables / tablets, ages ~2–18)
Centrum Kids Chewable
Haleon (formerly Pfizer/GSK)
D 400 IU · Fe 8 mg
Most balanced — A, D, E, K, C, full B-complex, iron, magnesium, calcium 108 mg, zinc 15 mg, copper. Contains aspartame (phenylalanine) — not for children with PKU.
Flintstones Complete
Bayer
D 600 IU · Fe 18 mg
Highest iron of the OTC chewables. Contains sucrose and sorbitol. Choose if your child has documented iron-deficiency risk; avoid if they're already on a high-iron diet.
Flintstones Plus Immunity Support
Bayer
D 600 IU · Fe none
Higher vitamin C (130 mg) and biotin. No iron — pair with iron-rich foods if needed. Useful for kids whose appetite is low during winter respiratory-illness season.
Centrum Flavor Burst Kids Chew
Haleon
D 200 IU · Fe none
Lower-dose option. Useful when a child is also drinking vitamin D-fortified milk.
⚠️
Iron is the #1 cause of pediatric poisoning deaths in the US. Iron-containing multivitamins (especially Flintstones Complete at 18 mg per chewable) must be stored out of reach and out of sight of young children. "Childproof" caps slow but do not stop a determined toddler. If you suspect an overdose, call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
Specialty multivitamins — used under clinical supervision
These products aren't sold in regular pharmacies; they're prescribed or recommended by a pediatric dietitian, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist, or nephrologist for specific medical conditions. We list them here so parents understand the names they may see on prescription orders.
For tube-fed and high-need children: Nano VM
Nano VM (Solace Nutrition) is a powdered concentrated multivitamin designed to be added to tube feeds or beverages. Comes in age-banded formulations (1–3 yr, 4–8 yr, 9–18 yr, and t/f for transition). At 2 unpacked level scoops it provides roughly 40–60% of the DRI for most micronutrients in a single serving — useful when a child can't tolerate enough volume of food.
For cystic fibrosis: fat-soluble vitamin formulas
Children with CF malabsorb vitamins A, D, E, and K because of pancreatic insufficiency. Special CF multivitamins use water-miscible formulations to improve absorption:
DEKAs Plus Liquid
Callion Pharma
D 750 IU · E 50 IU · K 500 mcg
1 mL liquid for infants/young children. Contains sucralose.
DEKAs Plus Chewable
D 2,000 IU · E 100 IU · K 1,000 mcg
1 chewable. Contains sucralose and sorbitol.
DEKAs Plus Softgel
D 3,000 IU · E 150 IU · K 1,000 mcg
1 softgel. For older children/teens.
AquADEK Pediatric Liquid
D 400 IU · E 50 IU · K 400 mcg
1 mL. Lower-D version for younger CF children.
AquADEK Chewable
D 1,200 IU · E 100 IU · K 700 mcg
2 tablets. Standard CF dose for school-age children.
ChoiceFul Chewable / Softgel
D 800–1,000 IU · E 170–180 IU · K 600–700 mcg
Newer CF multivitamin. Available as chewable and softgel.
MVW Complete Formulation
(Liquid / Chewable / Softgel / D3000 / D5000)
D 1,500–5,000 IU (variant-dependent)
D5000 softgel for documented severe vitamin D deficiency under specialist supervision.
📋
CF vitamin dosing is highly individualised. Dose depends on age, vitamin D level (25-OH vitamin D), pancreatic enzyme adequacy, sun exposure, and disease severity. Don't switch products without your CF dietitian's input — different brands have different vitamin K and beta-carotene profiles.
For chronic kidney disease (renal-specific vitamins)
Children on dialysis or with advanced CKD lose water-soluble vitamins through dialysis and are often prescribed renal-specific multivitamins that omit fat-soluble vitamins (which can accumulate in CKD) and provide higher B-complex doses:
Dialyvite 800
800 mcg · 10 mg · 6 mcg
1 tablet or 5 mL liquid. Contains sucrose. Used for hemodialysis patients.
Nephronex Liquid
900 mcg · 10 mg · 10 mcg
5 mL liquid. Higher B12.
Nephrocaps
1,000 mcg · 10 mg · 6 mcg
1 capsule. Higher folate; useful for children with high homocysteine.
Nephro-vite RX
1,000 mcg · 10 mg · 6 mcg
1 tablet. Standard CKD multivitamin.
How to read a children's vitamin label
The Supplement Facts panel lists nutrients with two numbers — the absolute amount (e.g. "400 IU vitamin D") and the % Daily Value (%DV). For children's products, the %DV is calculated against an adult reference, so a "100% DV" label on a kids' chewable doesn't mean "100% of what your child needs" — it means 100% of an adult's intake. Look at the absolute amount and compare to your pediatrician's recommended daily intake for your child's age.
📏
Vitamin D — most kids' multis provide 200–600 IU. AAP recommends 400 IU for infants <1 yr, 600 IU for 1–18 yr.
🩸
Iron — present at 8–18 mg in iron-containing chewables. Don't combine with separate iron supplements.
🟠
Vitamin A — labelled as IU or mcg RAE. Some products use beta-carotene (BC), which is safer at higher doses than retinol.
🟢
Vitamin K — important for CF and on warfarin therapy. Most regular kids' chewables have 10–55 mcg; CF formulations provide 400–1,000 mcg.
🥛
Calcium — most kids' multis only provide 100–200 mg, far less than the 700–1,300 mg/day RDA. Don't rely on a multivitamin for calcium — use dairy, fortified plant milks, or a separate calcium supplement.
🍬
Sweeteners — see the next section. Important if your child has PKU, lactose intolerance, sucrose sensitivity, or you're avoiding artificial sweeteners.
What's in the "non-vitamin" ingredients?
Children's chewables and gummies use various sweeteners and flavour agents. The TCH formulary table groups them by content; reproduced here for parents who need to avoid specific ingredients (medical reasons or family preference):
Lactose
Avoid in lactose intolerance / galactosaemia
Centrum Kids
Sucrose (table sugar)
Cariogenic; calories without nutrition
Centrum Kids, Flintstones Complete, Flintstones + Immunity Support, Centrum Flavor Burst, Centrum Liquid, Dialyvite 800, AquADEK chewables, ChoiceFul chewable, DEKAs Plus chewable, MVW chewable
Sucralose (Splenda)
Artificial sweetener; safe per FDA but some families avoid
Flintstones Complete, Flintstones + Immunity Support, AquADEK liquid & chewables, ChoiceFul chewable & softgel, DEKAs Plus liquid, chewable, MVW range
Sorbitol
Sugar alcohol — can cause loose stools at higher doses
Flintstones Complete, AquADEK chewables, DEKAs Plus chewable & softgel
Aspartame (phenylalanine)
⚠️ Avoid in PKU (phenylketonuria)
Centrum Kids
Sugar-free
Best option for cariogenic concerns & diabetic kids
Tri-Vi-Sol, Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron (when available), all NanoVM products
Safety — what to know before you start
🚨 Iron overdose is the leading cause of pediatric poisoning fatalities. 18 mg of iron in a single Flintstones Complete is enough to make a small toddler very sick if 5–10 are eaten at once. Lock containers away — childproof caps are not childproof.
🚫 Don't double-up. If your child is on a separate iron supplement or vitamin D drop, choose a multivitamin that doesn't duplicate that nutrient. Check with your pediatrician.
🚫 Vitamin A and D can be toxic at high doses. Long-term over-supplementation causes liver and kidney damage, raised calcium levels, and bone problems. Don't exceed recommended dose without medical supervision.
⚠️ Gummy vitamins act like candy. They taste good and children often want more. Treat them like medicine, not a snack.
📞 Suspected overdose? Call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 (US). They will tell you whether to monitor at home or go to the ER.
🔄 Don't combine pediatric and adult multivitamins. Adult products have higher doses of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals not appropriate for children.
When to call your pediatrician about vitamins
🔴 You're considering starting a multivitamin and aren't sure your child needs one
🔴 Your child has a chronic condition (CF, CKD, IBD, malabsorption, post-surgical) — they often need specialty formulations
🔴 Your child is on a vegan, vegetarian, or restricted diet
🔴 Your child is exclusively breastfed and you haven't started vitamin D drops
🔴 Your child has poor weight gain, fatigue, pallor, or other signs of deficiency
🔴 You suspect your child took too many vitamins (always call Poison Control first: 1-800-222-1222)
🔴 You're confused by which product to choose — your pediatrician can match a product to your child's specific needs
📊 Complete Vitamin & Mineral Content
Reproduced from the Texas Children's Hospital Pediatric Nutrition Reference Manual (Appendix B). Values are per dose as indicated. — means the nutrient is not in the product (or not published on the label). For exact, current values verify against the product label.
Infant liquid drops — per 1 mL
| Nutrient (unit) |
Poly-Vi-Sol w/ Iron (discontinued Jan 2026) |
Tri-Vi-Sol |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 750 | 750 |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 400 | 400 |
| Vitamin E (IU) | 5 | — |
| Vitamin K (mcg) | — | — |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 35 | 35 |
| Thiamin B1 (mg) | 0.5 | — |
| Riboflavin B2 (mg) | 0.6 | — |
| Niacin B3 (mg) | 8 | — |
| Pyridoxine B6 (mg) | 0.4 | — |
| Cobalamin B12 (mcg) | 2 | — |
| Iron (mg) | 10 | — |
Nano VM (Solace Nutrition) — per 2 unpacked level scoops
For tube-fed and high-need children. Each age band targets 40–50% of the DRI when given as the standard dose: 1–3 yr at ¾ scoop = 30–50% DRI; 4–8 yr at 1 scoop; 9–13 yr at 1½ scoops; 14–18 yr at 2 scoops.
| Nutrient (unit) |
1–3 yr |
4–8 yr |
9–18 yr |
Nano VM t/f |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 1,000 | 1,332 | 1,000 | 1,167 |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 600 | 600 | 300 | 300 |
| Vitamin E (IU) | 9 | 10 | 5.5 | 10.2 |
| Vitamin K (mcg) | 30 | 55 | 30 | 37.5 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 15 | 25 | 22.5 | 32.5 |
| Thiamin B1 (mg) | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.45 | 0.5 |
| Riboflavin B2 (mg) | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.45 | 0.5 |
| Niacin B3 (mg) | 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 |
| Pyridoxine B6 (mg) | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 |
| Cobalamin B12 (mcg) | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 1.2 |
| Folic acid B9 (mcg) | 150 | 200 | 150 | 200 |
| Pantothenic acid B5 (mg) | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2.5 |
| Biotin B7 (mcg) | 8 | 12 | 10 | 12.5 |
| Iron (mg) | 7 | 10 | 4 | 5.5 |
| Magnesium (mg) | 65 | 110 | 120 | 175 |
| Calcium (mg) | 700 | 1,000 | 650 | 650 |
| Zinc (mg) | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4.5 |
| Copper (mg) | 0.34 | 0.44 | 0.35 | 0.45 |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 460 | 500 | 490 | 499 |
| Potassium (mg) | 575 | 775 | 792 | 1,170 |
| Iodine (mcg) | 90 | 90 | 60 | 75 |
| Manganese (mg) | 1.2 | 1.5 | 0.95 | 0.8 |
| Chromium (mcg) | 11 | 15 | 12.5 | 12 |
| Molybdenum (mcg) | 17 | 22 | 17 | 21.5 |
| Selenium (mcg) | 20 | 30 | 20 | 27.5 |
Children's chewables / tablets — per 1 tablet or chewable
| Nutrient (unit) |
Centrum Kids Chewable |
Flintstones Complete |
Flintstones + Immunity |
Centrum Flavor Burst Kids |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 1,500 (53% BC) | 3,000 (33% BC) | 1,300 | 500 |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 400 | 600 | 600 | 200 |
| Vitamin E (IU) | 30 | 30 | 30 | 10 |
| Vitamin K (mcg) | 10 | 55 | — | — |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 60 | 60 | 130 | 15 |
| Thiamin B1 (mg) | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0.75 | — |
| Riboflavin B2 (mg) | 1.7 | 1.7 | 0.85 | — |
| Niacin B3 (mg) | 20 | 15 | 10 | — |
| Pyridoxine B6 (mg) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Cobalamin B12 (mcg) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2.5 |
| Folic acid B9 (mcg) | 400 | 400 | 200 | 100 |
| Pantothenic acid B5 (mg) | 10 | 10 | 5 | 2.5 |
| Biotin B7 (mcg) | 45 | 40 | 150 | 37.5 |
| Iron (mg) | 8 | 18 | — | — |
| Magnesium (mg) | 40 | — | — | — |
| Calcium (mg) | 108 | 100 | — | — |
| Zinc (mg) | 15 | 12 | 8 | 1.3 |
| Copper (mg) | 2 | 2 | — | — |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 50 | — | — | — |
| Iodine (mcg) | 150 | 150 | 150 | 20 |
| Manganese (mg) | — | 1 | — | — |
| Chromium (mcg) | — | 20 | — | — |
| Molybdenum (mcg) | — | 20 | — | — |
BC = beta-carotene (the % of Vitamin A supplied as beta-carotene rather than retinol). Beta-carotene is the safer form at higher doses because the body only converts as much as it needs.
Adult supplements — per single dose
| Nutrient (unit) |
Centrum Liquid (15 mL) |
Centrum Adult Tablet (1 tablet) |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 1,300 | 3,500 (29% BC) |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 400 | 1,000 |
| Vitamin E (IU) | 30 | 30 |
| Vitamin K (mcg) | — | 25 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 60 | 60 |
| Thiamin B1 (mg) | 1.1 | 1.5 |
| Riboflavin B2 (mg) | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Niacin B3 (mg) | 20 | 20 |
| Pyridoxine B6 (mg) | 2 | 2 |
| Cobalamin B12 (mcg) | 6 | 6 |
| Folic acid B9 (mcg) | — | 400 |
| Pantothenic acid B5 (mg) | 10 | 10 |
| Biotin B7 (mcg) | 300 | 30 |
| Iron (mg) | 9 | 18 |
| Magnesium (mg) | — | 50 |
| Calcium (mg) | — | 200 |
| Zinc (mg) | 3 | 11 |
| Copper (mg) | — | 0.5 |
| Phosphorus (mg) | — | 20 |
| Iodine (mcg) | — | 150 |
| Manganese (mg) | — | 2 |
| Chromium (mcg) | — | 25 |
| Molybdenum (mcg) | — | 25 |
| Sodium (mg) | 15 | — |
Renal-specific vitamins — per dose
Designed for children on dialysis or with advanced CKD. Omits fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals that accumulate in CKD; provides higher B-complex doses to replace what's lost in dialysate.
| Nutrient (unit) |
Dialyvite 800
(1 tab or 5 mL liquid) |
Nephronex Liquid
(5 mL) |
Nephrocaps
(1 capsule) |
Nephro-vite RX
(1 tablet) |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 60 | 60 | 100 | 60 |
| Thiamin B1 (mg) | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Riboflavin B2 (mg) | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Niacin B3 (mg) | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Pyridoxine B6 (mg) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Cobalamin B12 (mcg) | 6 | 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Folic acid B9 (mcg) | 800 | 900 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Pantothenic acid B5 (mg) | 10 | 10 | 5 | 10 |
| Biotin B7 (mcg) | 300 | 30 | 150 | 300 |
Dialyvite 800 additionally contains iodine 150 mcg, manganese 2.3 mg, chromium 35 mcg, molybdenum 45 mcg, selenium 55 mcg, nickel 5 mcg, tin 10 mcg, silicon 2 mg, vanadium 10 mcg, plus potassium 80 mg and chloride 72 mg.
CF fat-soluble vitamins — Liquids (per 1 mL)
| Nutrient (unit) |
AquADEK Pediatric Liquid |
DEKAs Plus Liquid |
MVW Liquid |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 5,751 (87% BC) | 5,751 (87% BC) | 9,254 (75% BC) |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 400 | 750 | 1,500 |
| Vitamin E (IU) | 50 | 50 | 100 |
| Vitamin K (mcg) | 400 | 500 | 1,000 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 45 | 45 | 90 |
| Thiamin B1 (mg) | 0.6 | 0.6 | 1 |
| Riboflavin B2 (mg) | 0.6 | 0.6 | 1.2 |
| Niacin B3 (mg) | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| Pyridoxine B6 (mg) | 0.6 | 0.6 | 1.2 |
| Cobalamin B12 (mcg) | — | — | 8 |
| Pantothenic acid B5 (mg) | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Biotin B7 (mcg) | 15 | 15 | 30 |
| Zinc (mg) | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| Selenium (mcg) | 10 | 10 | — |
| Sodium (mg) | 10 | — | — |
| CoQ10 (mg) | 2 | 2 | — |
CF fat-soluble vitamins — Chewables & Softgels (per 1 tablet/softgel, except AquADEK Chewable = 2 tablets)
| Nutrient (unit) |
AquADEK Chewable (2 tabs) |
DEKAs Plus Chewable |
DEKAs Plus Softgel |
ChoiceFul Chewable |
ChoiceFul Softgel |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 18,167 (92% BC) | 18,167 (92% BC) | 18,167 (92% BC) | 13,000 (88% BC) | 14,000 (88% BC) |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 1,200 | 2,000 | 3,000 | 800 | 1,000 |
| Vitamin E (IU) | 100 | 100 | 150 | 180 | 170 |
| Vitamin K (mcg) | 700 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 600 | 700 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 70 | 70 | 75 | 60 | 60 |
| Thiamin B1 (mg) | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1 |
| Riboflavin B2 (mg) | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.5 |
| Niacin B3 (mg) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 18 |
| Pyridoxine B6 (mg) | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
| Cobalamin B12 (mcg) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 6 | 5 |
| Folic acid B9 (mcg) | 200 | 200 | 200 | 180 | 180 |
| Pantothenic acid B5 (mg) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Biotin B7 (mcg) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 80 | 80 |
| Zinc (mg) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 15 | 15 |
| Selenium (mcg) | 75 | 75 | 75 | — | — |
| Sodium (mg) | 10 | 10 | — | — | — |
| CoQ10 (mg) | 10 | 10 | 10 | — | — |
CF fat-soluble vitamins — MVW range (per 1 tablet/softgel)
The MVW range is one product family with progressively higher vitamin D doses (1,500 → 3,000 → 5,000 IU) for children with documented vitamin D deficiency or higher requirements. Choice between variants is made by the CF specialist based on 25-OH vitamin D levels and sun exposure.
| Nutrient (unit) |
MVW Chewable |
MVW Softgel |
MVW D3000 Softgel |
MVW D5000 Softgel |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 16,000 (88% BC) | 16,000 (88% BC) | 16,000 (88% BC) | 16,000 (88% BC) |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 1,500 | 1,500 | 3,000 | 5,000 |
| Vitamin E (IU) | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Vitamin K (mcg) | 1,000 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Thiamin B1 (mg) | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Riboflavin B2 (mg) | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| Niacin B3 (mg) | 10 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Pyridoxine B6 (mg) | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.9 |
| Cobalamin B12 (mcg) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Folic acid B9 (mcg) | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Pantothenic acid B5 (mg) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Biotin B7 (mcg) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Zinc (mg) | 15 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
📋
Reading the tables: "—" means the nutrient is either not present in the product or not declared on the label. "BC" = beta-carotene (the fraction of Vitamin A supplied as beta-carotene rather than retinol). Cells with multiple sub-units (e.g. "5,751 IU (87% BC)") give both the total Vitamin A and the share that's beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is the safer form for higher doses because the body regulates how much retinol it produces from it.
⚠️
Verify before clinical use. These values reproduce the TCH Pediatric Nutrition Reference Manual (Appendix B) as published. Manufacturers reformulate periodically — for any clinical decision (especially CF, CKD, or metabolic supplementation), confirm against the current product label and your specialist's protocol.
The Bottom Line
🥗
Most healthy children with a balanced diet don't need a multivitamin. Food first, supplements only when there's a real reason.
🤱
Breastfed infants need vitamin D 400 IU/day from a few days old until taking ≥1 L/day of fortified milk/formula. Add iron at 4–6 months until iron-rich solids are established.
💊
For older kids needing OTC supplementation: Tri-Vi-Sol drops for vitamin D + immune (no iron), Centrum Kids Chewable for balanced nutrient profile, Flintstones Complete if higher iron is needed.
⚠️
Poly-Vi-Sol is discontinued in the US (Jan 2026). Talk to your pediatrician about alternatives if you've been using it.
🏥
Specialty formulations (Nano VM, DEKAs Plus / AquADEK / ChoiceFul / MVW for CF, renal vitamins for CKD) are prescribed — don't substitute without your specialist's input.
🔒
Iron-containing vitamins are a poisoning risk. Lock them away. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
📋
Read the label. %DV is adult-referenced; check absolute amounts and avoid PKU-relevant sweeteners (aspartame in Centrum Kids) where applicable.
References & Sources
- Texas Children's Hospital. Pediatric Nutrition Reference Manual, Appendix B: Infant, Child and Adult Vitamin/Mineral Supplements. (Source document; recommendations adapted for parent audience.)
- Wagner CL, Greer FR; American Academy of Pediatrics. Prevention of rickets and vitamin D deficiency in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2008;122(5):1142–1152. (Vitamin D 400 IU recommendation for breastfed infants.)
- Baker RD, Greer FR; AAP Committee on Nutrition. Diagnosis and prevention of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in infants and young children (0–3 years of age). Pediatrics. 2010;126(5):1040–1050.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Iron-Containing Supplements and Drugs: Label Warning Statements and Unit-Dose Packaging Requirements. 21 CFR §101.17(e).
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Vitamins. Available at: cff.org/managing-cf/vitamins
- Sankararaman S, Hendrix SJ, Schindler T. Update on the management of vitamins and minerals in cystic fibrosis. Nutr Clin Pract. 2022;37(5):1074–1087.
- Drugs.com. Poly-Vi-Sol. Updated January 2026. (Discontinuation note.) Available at: drugs.com/cdi/poly-vi-sol.html
- American Association of Poison Control Centers. National Poison Help Line. 1-800-222-1222. poison.org
SJ
Dr. Shahid Javaid
Board-Certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist & Founder, SJ Formula Hub
Dr. Javaid is a pediatric gastroenterologist with clinical expertise in infant nutrition, cow's milk protein allergy, and gastrointestinal feeding disorders. SJ Formula Hub was created to give parents and clinicians a reliable, evidence-based resource for navigating infant and child nutrition decisions.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician before starting any vitamin or mineral supplement, especially in children with chronic conditions, restricted diets, or growth concerns. Product specifications change without notice — always verify against the current label. The Texas Children's Hospital formulary table is a clinical reference; specific products and doses may have changed since publication.