Vitamins and Supplements for Toddlers

Walk down the vitamin aisle and you'll find a rainbow of gummy vitamins marketed for toddlers. But does your little one actually need them? The answer is nuanced—most healthy toddlers eating a varied diet don't need supplements, but there are exceptions.

This guide helps you understand when supplements might be helpful and how to approach the question thoughtfully.

The Bottom Line First

Here's what the evidence says: AAP

For most toddlers:

• A varied diet provides adequate nutrition
• Routine multivitamins aren't necessary
• Food is the best source of nutrients
• Supplements don't replace healthy eating

Exceptions that may need supplements:

• Picky eaters with very limited diets
• Children on restricted diets (dairy-free, vegan)
• Children with certain medical conditions
• Vitamin D in some cases

Always consult your pediatrician before starting any supplement.

Vitamin D: The One to Know About

Vitamin D is the most commonly needed supplement: AAP

Why it matters:

• Essential for bone health
• Supports immune function
• Many children don't get enough
• Hard to get from food alone

Who needs supplementation:

• Breastfed babies (until weaning to D-fortified milk)
• Children who don't drink fortified milk
• Children with limited sun exposure
• Children with darker skin (less vitamin D synthesis)
• Children in northern climates

Recommendations:

• 400-600 IU daily for toddlers
• Found in fortified milk and foods
• May need supplement if dietary intake is low

Food sources:

• Fortified milk and dairy
• Fortified cereals
• Fatty fish
• Eggs (small amounts)

Iron: Worth Monitoring

Iron deficiency is common in toddlers: AAP

Why toddlers are at risk:

• Rapid growth requires iron
• Picky eating limits iron intake
• Too much milk replaces iron-rich foods
• Iron from birth stores depleted

Signs of deficiency:

• Fatigue, pallor
• Poor appetite
• Slow growth
• Irritability

Who might need supplementation:

• Children with low iron levels (blood test)
• Very picky eaters
• Children who drink excessive milk
• Former preterm infants

Better approach than supplements:

• Iron-rich foods: meat, beans, fortified cereals
• Vitamin C with iron (improves absorption)
• Limit milk to 16-24 oz daily

Caution:
Iron supplements can be dangerous in excess. Only supplement if recommended by your pediatrician based on testing.

Other Nutrients to Consider

Calcium: AAP

• Needed for bone and tooth development
• Found in dairy, fortified non-dairy milk, leafy greens
• Most toddlers get enough from diet
• Supplement if dairy-free without adequate alternatives

Zinc:

• Supports immune function and growth
• Found in meat, beans, nuts, dairy
• Deficiency uncommon in varied diet
• May be low in strict vegetarian diets

Omega-3 fatty acids:

• Support brain development
• Found in fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseed
• Limited evidence for supplementation benefit in healthy children
• Fish once or twice weekly provides plenty

B12:

• Essential for neurological function
• Found in animal products
• Supplementation needed for vegan diets
• Deficiency can cause serious problems

When to Consider a Multivitamin

A multivitamin might be reasonable if: AAP

Dietary limitations:

• Extremely picky eater with very limited variety
• Following a restricted diet (vegan, dairy-free, multiple allergies)
• Poor appetite due to illness or medication
• Failure to thrive or growth concerns

Practical considerations:

• Reasonable insurance for picky eaters
• Not a substitute for trying to improve diet
• Won't harm healthy children (at appropriate doses)
• Expensive if not needed

What to look for:

• Age-appropriate formulation
• No more than 100% daily value of most nutrients
• Third-party tested for quality
• Iron-free (unless deficiency is known)

What About Gummy Vitamins?

Gummies are popular but have considerations: AAP

Pros:

• Kids will actually take them
• Taste good
• Easier than pills

Cons:

• Often contain added sugar
• May not have iron (affects texture)
• Easy to take too many (taste like candy)
• Sticky on teeth

If you choose gummies:

• Store out of reach
• Enforce "just one" rule
• Brush teeth after
• Check sugar content

Supplements to Skip

Most toddlers don't need and shouldn't take: AAP

Not recommended for healthy toddlers:

• Herbal supplements
• Immune boosters
• Energy supplements
• Protein powders
• "Superfood" supplements

Why to avoid:

• Not regulated like drugs
• May interact with medications
• Dosing not tested in children
• Expensive and unnecessary
• May contain contaminants

Food First Philosophy

Before reaching for supplements, optimize diet: AAP

Strategies for balanced nutrition:

• Offer variety at every meal
• Include protein, fruit/veg, grain at each meal
• Don't give up on rejected foods (offer 10-15 times)
• Model healthy eating
• Make mealtimes pleasant

Iron-rich foods:

• Lean meats
• Beans and lentils
• Fortified cereals
• Eggs
• Spinach and leafy greens

Calcium-rich foods:

• Milk and dairy products
• Fortified plant milks
• Yogurt and cheese
• Fortified orange juice
• Broccoli

Tips for picky eaters:

• Small portions, many options
• No pressure to eat
• Consistent mealtimes
• Family meals together
• Limit snacks before meals

Talking to Your Pediatrician

When to discuss supplements: AAP

Bring it up if:

• Concern about very limited diet
• Following restricted diet
• Child seems fatigued or pale
• Growth concerns
• You're considering starting supplements

What your pediatrician can do:

• Assess dietary intake
• Order blood tests if needed
• Recommend specific supplements
• Monitor for deficiencies
• Advise on appropriate dosing

Come prepared with:

• What your child typically eats
• What supplements you're considering
• Any concerns about energy or health

Safety Considerations

Supplements require caution: AAP

Important safety points:

• More is not better
• Toxicity is possible (especially iron, vitamin A, D)
• Store supplements like medications (locked away)
• Follow dosing precisely
• Buy from reputable brands

Signs of toxicity:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Constipation (with iron)
• Unusual symptoms

If overdose suspected:

• Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Seek emergency care for iron overdose
• Don't induce vomiting unless directed

The Bottom Line

For toddler supplements: AAP

Most healthy toddlers don't need:

• Routine multivitamins
• Most individual supplements
• Herbal or specialty products

May need:

• Vitamin D if not getting from fortified foods
• Iron if deficiency is diagnosed
• Specific supplements for restricted diets
• Whatever your pediatrician recommends

Best approach:

• Focus on varied, balanced diet
• Talk to your pediatrician before supplementing
• Use supplements as backup, not replacement
• Keep supplements locked away

Clara can help you think through your toddler's nutritional needs—just ask!