For picky eaters, doctors say a supplement can help to keep your child’s growth and development on track

There is no set age doctors recommend giving your kid a vitamin or mineral supplement. However as many children start to go through a picky eating phase around 2 years old, to ensure their bodies have the nutritional support they need to continue to develop at a healthy rate, this is often when a multivitamin is most necessary. The first three years of a child’s life is a time of both intense physical, psychological and emotional growth. It is indispensable that during this period children receive all of the essential vitamins and minerals needed to promote a healthy immune system, along with cell, bone, and brain development. 

When Should You Start Giving Your Child a Multivitamin?

If your toddler is beginning to refuse food, the best way to prevent them becoming deficient in any vitamins or minerals is to introduce a daily multivitamin to their diet. This ensures all nutritional needs are met without causing distress or arguments over unwanted meals. It will also give the parent or caregiver peace of mind knowing their child has all of the vitamins and minerals in their system to grow healthy and strong and fight off bugs and viruses. Iron is one of the most common deficiencies for this age group, which is why if your kid won’t eat meat or poultry, pediatricians recommend an iron supplement. In addition to fatigue, irritability, and low concentration, a lack of iron can significantly hinder growth and development. 

At What Age do Pediatricians Recommend that Children Start Taking Vitamins?

Fussy eating can begin at any age and is something most children grow out of eventually. It can even begin as late as adolescence. If there comes a time during your kids' childhood when they aren’t getting the correct nutrition through their diet, EllaOla has created a line of multivitamins for every age group. They have been developed with leading pediatric dietitians and nutritionists to ensure the formulas provide toddlers, children and teens with the most important vitamins and minerals for their stage of growth.