Liquid Multivitamins vs. Chewable Multivitamins: Which are Better for Your Kids?

When it comes to vitamins for kids, there are two main types: liquid multivitamins and chewable multivitamins. Chewable multivitamins are the most recognizable and popular type of vitamin. They are small, colorful tablets or gummies that children can chew like candy. Liquid multivitamins are a newer phenomenon and they come in liquid form, which is designed to be swallowed or mixed in with food and drinks.

If you have kids, you may be wondering which type of vitamin is better for them. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of liquid multivitamins vs. chewable multivitamins, even for diabetics:

Chewable Multivitamins

You have probably seen chewable multivitamins on TV or in the store. They are small and colorful and they sometimes have cartoon characters on them. Most drug store chains and discount retailers also have their own versions of them.

Chewable multivitamins are easy for kids to take because they just need to chew them and they’re done. Plus, many kids enjoy the taste of chewable vitamins. This makes them easy to feed to your children, which can be a huge benefit if they tend to be picky eaters to reject vitamins.

The main downside of chewable multivitamins is that they typically do not have as many vitamins and minerals as liquid multivitamins. They are also not as bioavailable, which means that the body may not absorb all of the nutrients from them. Additionally, even though they taste good, some parents feel that turning a multivitamin into candy defeats the purpose of taking a vitamin in the first place.

Liquid Multivitamins

Liquid multivitamins come in a few different forms: as a drink, mixed in with food or drinks, or as a droplet that you put into your child’s mouth.

Liquid multivitamins are easier for kids to swallow than chewable multivitamins because they are not solids. This means that they will not pose as a choking hazard in the same way that chewable ones may.

Since they are easily dissolvable in food and drinks (some are even flavorless), they will easily go unnoticed by children who have a hard time with health supplements. This can make it more likely that they will get the nutrients they need from their vitamins.

Since they are in a liquid form, kid’s liquid multivitamins are also better for your child’s body. Most of the vitamins in a serving will be readily available for absorption, as opposed to the 30-50% maximum that is typically available from chewable multivitamins.

The main downside of liquid multivitamins is that they are often more expensive than chewable multivitamins. They can also be less common. You can certainly find them at specialty retailers and online, but they may not be as readily available as chewable multivitamins, which you may even be able to find at gas stations.

Tips for Choosing Multivitamins for Kids

When it comes to choosing multivitamins for your kids, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Make sure that the vitamins have been approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This will ensure that they are safe and appropriate for children.
• Choose chewable or liquid multivitamins that are appropriate for your child’s age and weight.
• Look for vitamins that have been fortified with vitamins and minerals that are commonly missed. Too often, multivitamins only focus on supplements like vitamin C, which are abundant in many common foods.

When it comes to deciding between chewable and liquid multivitamins, it ultimately comes down to what is best for your child. Chewable multivitamins are great for kids who have no trouble swallowing them and enjoy the taste. Liquid multivitamins are better for kids overall, though, despite being more expensive. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions about what type of multivitamin is right for your child.

For more information on liquid multivitamins for children, click here.