Pharmacist Shares Tips on Choosing the Best Multivitamins for Your Kids - April 2025

Multivitamins are a commonly talked about topic in the world of childhood nutrition and nutrition in general. The fact of the matter is, they may indeed be necessary in some cases. To learn more on this, we sat down with Nazatul Amira Hamzah, a certified pharmacist with over 10 years of experience in both hospital and community settings. She currently holds the position of Pharmacist and Key Account Manager at Primabumi Sdn. Bhd. Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd Here's a pharmacist's advice that every parent needs to know about when to give their children multivitamins and choosing the right one. What are multivitamins, and why are they important? Multivitamins are health supplements that combine a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals. Different products may contain different kinds of vitamins and minerals with varying amounts of each nutrient. Multivitamins help your child's healthy function and growth by preventing vitamin or mineral deficiency. What are the key nutrients that I should look for in a children's multivitamin? You should look for multivitamins that offer the critical nutrients to support children's growth and development. This includes vitamins such as A, C, D, E, and K, as well as B vitamins (such as B6, B12, and folate). Other nutrients include calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA). How can I determine if their child needs a multivitamin supplement? Parents may consider multivitamin supplementation if their kids: have a limited dietary intake of essential nutrients are fussy eaters have certain medical conditions follow restrictive diets, including vegetarian and vegan Are there specific age groups or developmental stages where multivitamin supplementation is particularly important for children? Supplementing with multivitamins may be especially beneficial during times of rapid growth and development, such as infancy, early childhood, and adolescence. However, your child may need different amounts of nutrients during these different phases. For example, adolescents (10–19 years old) require more calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium as compared to infants and toddlers to support their rapid development of bones and muscles. What factors should I consider when selecting a multivitamin for my child? When selecting multivitamins for your child, consider the following factors: age and nutritional requirements taste preferences dietary restrictions supplement form (gummy, chewable tablets, or liquid) recommended dosage How can parents ensure that the multivitamin they choose is safe and of high quality? The NPRA (National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency) in Malaysia requires registration of all health supplements prior to their marketing. Every registered drug has an 8-digit registration number. These numbers start with MAL, for example: MAL19976399X. You can check if the health supplement is genuine and not a counterfeit product by looking it up on the NPRA official website based on the product registration number (MAL number). Please keep in mind that NPRA registration ensures that the product has passed certain safety tests. This makes them safe for public consumption if taken as directed by the manufacturer. However, an NPRA does not guarantee product efficacy. That is, whether or not one will obtain the benefits that the product claims to offer. Additionally, you should select multivitamin supplements from reputable brands that undergo third-party testing for quality and purity. To make sure the product satisfies safety requirements, look for certifications like Good Mnaufacturing Practice (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). Are there any additives or ingredients commonly found in children's multivitamins that I should avoid? You're strongly advised to read the list of ingredients carefully. Avoid multivitamins that contain artificial colours, flavourings, sweeteners, or unnecessary additives. Choose products that have natural ingredients and minimal fillers. Fillers are basically any inactive substances used to make a product bigger or easier to handle. These are generally easier to digest and carry fewer risks for allergies and harmful effects. You should exercise extreme caution if your child suffers from phenylketonuria, a rare but potentially serious genetic disorder. People with phenylketonuria are unable to break down the amino acid phenylalanine, which then accumulates in their blood and brain, causing brain damage. You must avoid giving your child foods or products that contain aspartame or are high in protein. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is widely used in various products, including medicines and health supplements. What are some common misconceptions about children's multivitamins? Here are a few misconceptions about children's multivitamins that you should be aware of: Multivitamins can be a substitute for a healthy diet: Multivitamins are great for helping fill your child’s various nutrient gaps. However, they must not replace a balanced diet. Your child still needs a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy products, and other foods. Multivitamins can help treat certain medical illnesses: Despite supporting normal body functions, multivitamins do not aim to treat any diseases. Moreover, there are no clinical studies to support this claim. My child can take a little more than the recommended daily dosage because supplements are 'healthy': You must avoid overdosing your child. Excessive amounts of vitamins and minerals may lead to toxicity and impact your child’s health. Is it necessary to consult a healthcare professional before giving my child a multivitamin? You should consult a pediatrician, dietitian, or pharmacist before giving your child a multivitamin or any health supplements. This is especially important if they have underlying health conditions or are on medications. You should ask about your child’s specific nutrient needs, potential interactions, and appropriate dosages for your child's age and health status. Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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