If you’re like most parents, your kids are picky eaters. Whether they refuse to eat vegetables, avoid certain textures and tastes, or have only a handful of foods they’ll eat, maybe you’ve turned to vitamins in the hopes of filling in the nutritional gaps. But maybe you’ve thought about it and wondered, do kids need vitamins?  

Vitamins for kids are a big business in the U.S. and show no signs of slowing down. By 2025, the global gummy vitamin market is estimated to reach 10.6 billion. Not only are there tons of brands on store shelves, but in recent years, we’re seeing new subscription-based companies as well as influencers on social media pushing vitamins. Sifting through all the science and figuring out whether or not your kids need vitamins, and which types are the best and safe isn’t always easy. 

In this episode, I sat down with Krupa Playforth, M.D., FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician, founder of ThePediatricianMom.com, and a mom of 3. Dr. Playforth talks about nutritional deficiencies, explores whether or not kids need multivitamins and supplements in the first place—the answer may surprise you—and how to find the best, and safest brand for your kids. She also talks about vegan and vegetarian diets, kids who are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy, and the best way to deal with picky eating and encourage healthy eating habits. 

Welcome

2:56 Let’s talk about your story!

6:08 So many kids are sick lately and we’re seeing a lot of COVID-19, Flu, and RSV—what’s going on?

10:04 Should we be giving our kids vitamins to help combat some of these illnesses?

14:30 Most kids are picky eaters. How do you know if your kid has vitamin deficiencies?

16:40 Are there certain vitamin deficiencies that can lead to picky eating?

21:29 Do all kids need vitamins and supplements?

22:39 What about kids who are lactose intolerant or who avoid dairy?

24:16 Do kids who are picky eaters and have poor weight gain need vitamins?

25:42 For kids who are vegetarian or vegan, what should parents do?

27:45 Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA. How can parents find a quality brand of kids’ vitamins?

29:18 What are your best tips for encouraging healthy eating habits in picky-eating kids?

Dr. Playforth mentions Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

Dr. Playforth mentions that her kids drink Ripple Milk.

Julie mentions her daughter takes NovaFerrum Liquid Iron.

Dr. Playforth talks about ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and US Pharmacopeia (USP).

Dr. Playforth mentions the Ellyn Satter Institute.

Learn more about Dr. Playforth on ThePediatricianMom.com

Follow Dr. Playforth on Instagram or Facebook.

Kids Cook Real Food eCourse

The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener.

Thrive Market

Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift.