I t’s not just what vitamins a supplement contains, it’s also about how well they can be absorbed and used by the body.

When you read a multivitamin label to check what nutrients it contains, you also need to look for the source of each vitamin. Naturally derived vitamins have a far better absorption rate than synthetic nutrients. This is especially important for children as it affects how quickly and effectively their bodies can use each nutrient. 

What does bioavailability mean in simple terms? 

Bioavailability is how much of a vitamin or mineral can be absorbed and metabolized by the body. Nutrients from natural sources, such as broccoli, shiitake, and spinach can be absorbed much faster than lab-made vitamins, making them the ideal choice for children. This means once consumed the nutrients of a high-quality multivitamin get to work immediately. 

What vitamins are most bioavailable? 

Methylated B vitamins are more bioavailable, as they are already in their active form, effectively making them ready-to-use by the body. This also enhances their retention capabilities, which boosts everything from energy, mood, and cognitive function. 

How bioavailable are gummy vitamins? 

When it comes to kids supplements, powder vitamins reign supreme for bioavailability. Gummies are filled with sugars, sweeteners, colors and additives, and often use synthetic vitamins, whereas unflavored powder vitamins contain naturally-sourced nutrients without any harmful fillers.

What’s the healthiest multivitamin for children? 

EllaOla is top multivitamin for kids due to the superior quality of its nutrients, purity of formula, and ease of use. Instead of a one size fits all approach to kids supplements, EllaOla worked alongside leading pediatric dietitians to create three separate multivitamins for each stage of childhood—-toddlers, kids, and teens.

The unflavored powder format also means that their vitamins are completely free from sugars, sweeteners, colorants, or additives. EllaOla has even received the prestigious Purity Award from the Clean Label Project after extensive third-party testing deemed their formulas to be free from over 200 toxins and contaminants.