In another study, multivitamins with iron were not effective in preventing iron deficiency or anemia in nine-month-old infants. However, effective prevention and treatment of maternal anemia during pregnancy and giving multivitamins with or without additional iron during infancy may prove to be important approaches to the prevention of iron deficiency among high-risk children.

Does Your Child Need Multivitamins?
Furthermore, Jay L. Hoecker, M.D. says that “multivitamins aren’t necessary for most children who are growing normally.” He adds that while many young children can be picky eaters, it doesn’t necessarily follow that these children are suffering from nutritional deficiencies because many common foods are fortified with important nutrients including iron.
Talk with your child’s doctor if you’re concerned about whether they are getting the recommended level of vitamins and minerals. A multivitamin may be helpful for the child in the following situations:
- There is a delay in physical and developmental growth (failure to thrive).
- Certain chronic diseases or food allergies are in the child.
- The child has a restrictive diet, such as a strict vegan diet.
If the child’s doctor recommends a multivitamin, choose one that is designed for your child’s age group. In addition, make sure it does not provide more than 100% of the daily value of vitamins and minerals. Finally, keep multivitamins out of the child’s reach. Emphasize that these are not candy.
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