From gummies to sprays – we test three vitamin supplements for fussy kids
WANT to give your fussy kids vitamins to make up for them refusing fruit and veg? You're not alone.
About 16 per cent of youngsters take supplements.
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But a new report shows some gummies contain more sugar than kids' favourite Haribo sweets.
Today I look at ways to get vitamins into your children without dosing them up on sugar too . . .
Gummies
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BASSETTS makes various kids' vitamins.
Its Soft & Chewy Multivitamin gummies in summer berries flavour are for ages 12 to 18 – perfect for those that may not be eating their five a day.
They contain nutrients to support teenagers' health, including vitamins C and D to aid the immune system, and B2 and B12 to help reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Although these don't contain sugar they do have sweeteners – maltitol, sorbitol and sucralose – which are said to be safe for children.
These aren't for vegetarians as they contain gelatine which comes from cows but they taste great with a berry flavour.
Powder
JUNIOR REVIVE is a supplement that contains 12 vitamins and six minerals.
It has four fruit and vegetable powders, beta glucans (a fibre that can stimulate the immune system), live friendly bacteria (for gut health) and choline (a nutrient similar to B vitamins).
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All these support a child's immunity, energy and mental performance.
This is designed for children over four and up to 12 and comes in little sachets.
You simply add one sachet to 100ml of water or into a smoothie, yoghurt or juice. I love the fact this is unflavoured and is a great all-rounder.
Because it has no flavour there are no sweeteners either. I love this.
From £14.92 for a box of 20 or 75p a sachet.
Spray
ORAL sprays feature tiny droplets that absorb quickly into your mouth and then directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.
BetterYou Multivitamin kids' oral spray has 14 essential vitamins and is free from sugar, gluten artificial colours and additives. It contains the full spectrum of B vitamins, including folic acid, combined with vitamin A, vitamin C, K1 and vitamin D.
Suitable for youngsters aged over one year.
Despite having no sugar this 'chocolate and marshmallow' flavour (which my kid loved) is very, very sweet.
This is due to the sweetener xylitol which is generally considered safe for children when used in moderation and comes from plant fibres.
The 25ml bottle contains a 32-day supply and you need to have four sprays a day.
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