Whether you’re vegan, Muslim, or have a gelatin allergy, there are many reasons why you may want to go for gelatin-free vitamins for your little ones.
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As kids grow, they need the right amounts of vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal health. Most children get the right amount of nutrients from a balanced diet. However, in some cases, you may need to supplement their diets with vitamins or minerals, much like pregnant moms and adults.
Here, you will learn about the nutrients your childrens’ vitamins should contain and which ones are leading in the market. Do you want to see how these vitamins compare side by side? Check out the free Resource Library to snag your gelatin-free kids’ vitamins’ comparison chart. If you’re not already subscribed to the blog, fill out the form below for your free access.
Let’ get started.
What nutrients should a vitamin contain?
Kids and teenagers have different nutritional needs from adults, so the vitamins you take might not be exactly what you give to your little ones as well. Here are some of the most important nutrients vitamins for kids should contain:
Calcium
This is an essential building block of growing bones and teeth. Your little one needs to get sufficient calcium so that they have plenty of reserves when faced with issues like bone loss in their later years.
Who needs it and how much?
- Ages 1-3: 700 milligrams
- Ages 4-8: 1000 milligrams
- Ages 9-18: 1,300 milligrams
Foods that contain it
- Dairy products
- Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale
- Fortified foods
- Salmon
B12 and other B Vitamins
These vitamins are vital sources of energy for kids. They are important for metabolism as well as a healthy heart and nervous system. B12 is one of the most important B vitamins, and a daily intake is necessary for good health.
Who needs it and how much?
Here are the recommended daily intakes measured in micrograms
- Babies: about 0.5 micrograms
- Toddlers: 0.9 micrograms
- Ages 4-8: 1.2 micrograms
- Ages 9-13: 1.8 micrograms
- Teens: 2.4 micrograms
Foods that contain it
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Fortified foods (check food labels for the content of cyanocobalamin, which is the active form of vitamin B12)
Vitamin D
Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body. These nutrients are necessary to keep teeth, muscles, and bones healthy. Vitamin D also facilitates normal immune system function.
Who needs it and how much?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies and children require at least 400 IU of vitamin D daily.
Foods that contain it
- Eggs (the yolk in particular)
- Fortified milk
- Fortified cereals
- Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel
Vitamin E
Vitamin E supplements may support immune function, prevent coronary heart disease, promote eye health, and prevent inflammation.
Who needs it and how much?
Below are the recommended daily intakes of vitamin E for children:
- Ages 1-3: 9 IU
- Ages 4-8: 10.4 IU
- Ages 9-13: 16.4 IU
- Teens: 22 IU
Foods that contain it
- Vegetable oils such as safflower and sunflower oils
- Nuts and seeds (hazelnuts, almond, and sunflower seeds)
Iron
Iron is a mineral that promotes growth and development in the body. It helps to oxygenate the blood and boost the immune system, among other functions.
Who needs it and how much?
Children require between 7-10 milligrams of iron a day.
Foods that contain it
- Red meats
- Dark leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, and collard greens)
- Beans
Top Rated Gelatin-Free Vitamins for Kids
1. Hiya Vitamins
Hiya vitamins are formulated by pediatricians and take pride in their zero sugar policy. Hiya vitamins have 15 essential vitamins and minerals, which include vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. The vitamins are sweetened with monk fruit so your kids will still love taking them. Unlike most childrens’ vitamins, Hiya vitamins are in tablet form, which reduces the chances of cavities – something all moms welcome! You can easily subscribe to their monthly plan, which offers discounts, and easily cancel as well, no questions asked.
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n style=”font-size: 18pt;”>2. Best Nest Wellness
n style=”font-size: 18pt;”>2. Best Nest Wellness
These vitamins are made with exclusively vegan organic superfoods, prebiotics, live enzymes, and methylated vitamins and minerals to boost children’s brain health. Best Nest Wellness vitamins are flavored with natural pineapple-coconut extract and sweetened with stevia. The once-daily formula is convenient, plus they can also be mixed in easily with liquids. While these vitamins generally have great reviews, some customers raised issues with the relatively low dosage of most of the ingredients when compared with other high-quality methylated children’s vitamins.
3. First Day
First Day vitamins are natural, scientifically formulated vitamins for kids between the ages of 3-13. The company uses one of the most absorbable forms of vitamins from around the world to make it easier for children’s bodies to process the nutrients. The First Day vitamins also contain 50-80% less sugar than other children’s vitamins, but they are still quite tasty as they are infused with citrus, papaya, kiwi, and berries. Some of the ingredients inside their gummies include Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin K2. First Day vitamins are vegan, gluten-free, and free of artificial flavors or colors. On the downside, First Day vitamins only contain 9 nutrients, which means that they are missing essential nutrients such as iron.
4.
Yumi is an established company known for its organic, freshly prepared meal services for children. They have also made their name with Biteamins – their proprietary vitamin formula that is specifically made to supplement common nutritional deficiencies in children ages 2+. Vitamins are loaded with 21 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin C, thiamin, and riboflavin, to mention a few. Yumi’s Biteamins don’t contain fillers, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, artificial colors, dairy, or gluten.
The taste of Biteamins is naturally sweet, with notable cherry notes. According to reviews by verified customers, your kids may be put off by the subtle vitamin taste, especially if they are picky, but it’s not particularly overpowering.
5. Nordic Naturals
Nordic Naturals provide ten of the most essential nutrients, including zinc and vitamins A, B, C, E, and D3. You can rely on each multivitamin to deliver the daily vitamins and minerals kids need in a certified vegetarian, dairy-, gelatin-, and gluten-free gummy. They are ideal for children two years and older. These vitamins mainly have stellar reviews from verified customers, but some raised concerns about the fact that the dose is 4 per day.
6. Renzo’s Picky Eater Vitamins
Renzo’s vitamins are formulated with 18 essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A, C, D3, E, K, B12, iron, zinc, selenium, and iodine. They are vegan, zero sugar, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of artificial sweeteners or flavors. Some kids may have trouble taking these vitamins as they are not particularly sweet.
7. Garden of Life Organic Kids Gummy Vitamins
These gummy vitamins are made for children 4 years and older, and they contain vitamins A, C, D, E, folate, biotin, Iodine, and zinc, to mention a few. Each gumdrop-like vitamin is made with pectin from organic apples and organic orange peel, with no artificial flavors or colors to worry about. They are not particularly tasty, so you might have to trick your little one to get them to eat them. The texture can also take some getting used to.
8. Shifaa Nutritions
These Halal kids multivitamin gummy bears are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, D, biotin, choline, and inositol. They are made with natural assorted fruit flavors and are easy to chew, soft textured, and non-sticky on teeth. They are free of artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. The flavor of these vitamins is slightly less sweet and more citrusy, which may not appeal to some kids.
What does the American Association of Pediatrics say about vitamins?
According to the American Association of Pediatrics, healthy children who receive a normal, well-balanced diet don’t need vitamin supplementation over and above the recommended dietary allowances. However, when they do need it, the AAP outlines the recommended doses along with what is most important. Be sure to talk with your pediatrician before giving vitamin supplements to your little one.
Conclusion for gelatin free vitamins for kids
As you can see, there is a wide variety of vegan and gelatin-free vitamins for kids in the market today. This can make it a bit difficult to choose the right one for your child. A great way to know what’s right for you is to try a few different brands (including some of the ones listed here) until you find one that’s best for you and your little one. Just remember to check with your doctor first before introducing vitamins to your kids!
What vitamins do you use for your kids?
This post is all about gelatin-free vitamins for kids
