Do you frequently find yourself at war in the dining room? Maybe even having hour-long standoffs over a few mouthfuls of broccoli? You’re not alone! Many children are notoriously picky when it comes to food, especially with healthy foods that might not taste as pleasant as snacks and sweets. Picky eating may seem like harmless personal preferences at first, but it can quickly become a problem if children aren’t getting the nutrition they need from their regular diet. In these cases, it may be time to look into finding a vitamin for picky eaters to fill in those nutritional gaps, at least until your child’s tastes begin to mature.

From the best supplement for child growth to vitamins to boost appetite, there are a huge amount of options to choose from when it comes to children’s multivitamins. The multivitamin you choose may depend on a variety of factors, including your child’s lifestyle, their taste or texture preferences, and the health goals they need to achieve. In terms of texture, for example, some children may find it difficult or unpleasant to swallow pills. Chewable vitamins like gummies can be a viable alternative, although they often have a much higher sugar content. We recommend liquid vitamins as an excellent solution for picky eaters, as they can be hidden inside your child’s favorite drink and tend to avoid unnecessary fillers and high sugar content. Not to mention, liquids are much easier to swallow and absorb faster as well, guaranteeing that your child will be able to make the most of their dosage each time they take it.

In this article, we will examine some of the best vitamins for picky eaters of various ages that can accomplish a number of different health goals such as increasing weight gain and boosting the immune system. Read on to learn more about which ingredients to look for in a multivitamin as well as some basic nutritional needs for babies and toddlers. Keep in mind that it is always important to speak with your physician before starting yourself or your child on a new supplement, as they can ensure that it is the right fit for your lifestyle and wellness goals.

Best Vitamins To Gain Weight Fast

Picky eating is one of the most common factors that can lead to a child becoming underweight. After all, if a young body is not regularly taking in enough nutrients, it will not have the fuel it needs to be able to grow and develop on pace. Children are typically considered to be underweight when their weight is in the bottom 5th percentile compared to their height, age, and biological sex (1). Any parent who has concerns that their child may be underweight should speak with a physician or dietician, both of whom can help them create a plan to help their child achieve their goal weight.

If you’re curious what types of steps may be found in a plan detailing how to make a child gain weight fast, we can provide a few family nutrition tips to help you get started.

• Avoid excessive snacking. With too many snacks, children may fill up before they reach dinnertime. Since meals are typically more balanced, kids will gain more calories and nutritional value from waiting to eat at mealtime instead of snacking throughout the day.
• Incorporate healthy fats into their diet. Avocados, nut butters, and oils (olive, canola, and peanut) all contain unsaturated fats that can help your child maintain a healthy weight and even set them up for better heart health in the future (2).
• Try a multivitamin. Multivitamins represent an excellent way to pack extra nutrition into your child’s diet without the extra fuss at dinnertime. In fact, these supplements are great for the whole family, as they can fill in the gaps that form in any person’s diet, not just children.

The best vitamins for kids to gain weight or increase appetite should contain some of the following nutrients:

• B vitamins. These 8 vitamins are known for boosting metabolic function. A functioning metabolism is essential to the conversion of food into energy as well as proper intake of fats and protein.
• Vitamin D. This vitamin helps the body absorb other essential nutrients, such as calcium. Not to mention, deficiency in the sunshine vitamin may occasionally lead to weight loss (3).

Keep in mind that the best options for your child will depend on their age, lifestyle, and unique health needs. Children with chronic illnesses or dietary issues like food allergies or trouble with digestion may have specific adjustments made to their nutrition plan. After all, the best vitamins to gain weight for teenagers may not always be the same as the best vitamins for babies 6-12 months to gain weight. Continue reading to learn more about different nutritional needs across children’s age groups in later sections.

Best Vitamins For Immune System

In a world touched by a global pandemic, proper immune function is more important than ever, especially for children. While there are numerous ways to give your immune system a much needed boost, including staying hydrated and exercising regularly, a great kids immunity booster is a well-balanced diet. After all, the nutrients we get from food make up the fuel that powers the cells in our immune systems.

However, picky eaters may be particularly averse to foods containing high amounts of immune-boosting nutrients, as these foods are typically fruits and green, leafy vegetables. However, there are some kid-friendly drinks and foods to increase immunity in your child naturally by adding to their diet:

• Citrus fruits (oranges and tangerines). High in vitamin C and an easy, light snack that kids will enjoy peeling and eating on their own.
• Nuts and seeds. Whether it’s almonds, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds, there’s bound to be at least one of these crunchy, salty choices that your child will love to munch. High in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.
• Yogurt. Good for the gut, this tasty treat contains probiotics that help promote better digestion. Consider pairing with berries or other fruits for an extra punch of nutrition.

If you still feel that your child is not getting the nutritional intake they need, then you may want to consider a multivitamin. The best vitamins for kids’ immune systems should include some of the following nutrients:

• Vitamin E. Has powerful antioxidant qualities that resist the damage caused by free radicals. An essential part of the body’s overall immune response.
• Vitamin C. Provides support to cells in both subsets of the immune system. Can potentially reduce the duration of the common cold and help your body fight back against other invading germs.
• Zinc. Promotes the normal development of immune cells and stabilizes their functions. Similar to vitamin C, it helps the body fight back against bacteria and viruses.

Best Vitamins For Toddlers

Rather than recommend one specific multivitamin as the best toddler multivitamin, since nearly everyone’s preferences and individual health needs are very different, let’s instead take a moment to examine some of the most important ingredients to seek out in the best vitamins for toddlers:

• Vitamin A. Another nutrient with powerful antioxidant qualities. Necessary for healthy skin and vision as well as proper immune function. May also help protect the body from infections.
• Iron. Necessary for the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency can lead to overall fatigue in addition to the development anemia. May also support neurological development.
• Calcium. Needed for the growth of strong bones and maintenance of teeth. Also helps regulate muscle and nerve functions. 

Best Vitamins For Babies 6-12 Months

Similar to the list we made for toddlers, let’s again take a quick look at some essential ingredients you should aim to find in the best vitamins for babies 6-12 months old:

• Zinc. Needed for proper growth and development of both the body and the brain. Plays a key role in boosting the immune system, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
• Vitamin C. Another essential vitamin when it comes to immunity. May also be able to enhance the absorption of iron and help maintain healthy skin through the production of collagen.
• B vitamins. Each of the 8 B vitamins has its own distinct role in the body, all of which are important to the growth and development of young children. Vitamin B12 in particular supports brain development while aiding in the production of red blood cells.

Resources

1. “A Dietitian’s Best Advice If Your Child Is Underweight.” Cleveland Health Clinic, 30 September 2020, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dietitians-best-advice-child-underweight.
2. “Fats.” KidsHealth, May 2022, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fat.html.
3. “Best Vitamins To Increase Your Child’s Appetite.” nuzest, 13 October 2020, https://nuzest.sg/blogs/news/best-vitamins-to-increase-your-child-s-appetite.