In the Philippines, ensuring that our children receive adequate nutrition is a big concern for many parents. With the rise of fast food restaurants, processed food and modern diets, multivitamins have become an increasingly popular solution to children's lack of essential vitamins and minerals. As some kids tend to be very picky or have eating problems, parents use multivitamins to nourish the deficiences of their young children. Although foods are always the best source of nutrients, dietary supplements provide children with the nutrients they need for optimal growth, development, and overall health that they cannot get from food alone.
As a mom myself, I want what's best for my school aged child. In this blog, I will be featuring some popular vitamins for kids in the Philippines. With so many products to choose from at the pharmacy, I figured out it will be helpful to know why my child needs them and what are the contents/ingredients in each bottle.
A Quick Look at The Best Nutrients for Kids
1. Vitamin B1
- This vitamin is for growth and development, heart, immune function, digestion, brain function and mood regulation of growing kids.
- Children who lack this vitamin shows fatigue, irritability, anorexia, lethargy, ataxia, muscle pain, paralysis and metabolic problems
2. Vitamin B6
- This is for brain development, Immune system function, energy production, hemoglobin formation, and growth and development
- Children who lack this vitamin experiences itchy, oily and flaky rash, tingling or burning sensation, sore, red and swollen lips and tongue, mood changes, fatigue, lethargy and numbness.
3. Vitamin B12
- This vitamin is for the formation of red blood cells, maintenance of healthy nervous system, DNA synthesis, protein metabolism, energy production and hair, nail and skin health
- Children who lack this vitamin shows weakness and fatigue, slow growth and development, pale or yellowish skin, swollen tongue or lips, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, and poor appetite
4. Vitamin A
- This vitamin is for strong teeth, bones and tissues, immune system support, vision health and organ function
- Children who lack this vitamin shows signs of infection, night blindness, dry eyes, stunted growth, dry skin and impaired immune function
5. Vitamin C
- Boosts immune system, promotes healthy growth and development, iron absorption and antioxidant properties
- Children who lack this vitamin may manifest signs of fatigue, gum and dental problems, hemorrhage in joints, muscles and organs, impaired wound healing, dry hair and skin, anemia and vision problems
6. Zinc
- This mineral is for growth and development, immune system function, brain function, digestive health, wound healing
- Children who are deficient of zinc experience skin changes, hair loss, frequent infection, diarrhea, reduced sense of smell and taste and lack of alertness
8. Iron
- This mineral is for brain development, red blood cell production, energy production, immune system function, cognitive development.
- May experience fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, headached and dizziness, hair loss, poor concentration and cold hands and feet
9. Folic Acid
- Usually taken during prenatal, folic acid prevent birth defects, support brain and spinal cord development, promotes healthy red blood cell, boosts energy
- Children who are often tired, lethargic, feeling faint, easily breathless, lack of energy and muscle weakness show manifestations of folic acid deficiency
Best Multivitamins for Kids Filled With Must-Have Nutrients in the Philippines
Most vitamins in the Philippines contain the best nutrients mentioned above. I have highlighted the most popular ones sold in pharmacies. Most of them can be bought online and delivered to your homes.
1. Cherifer
2. Appebon
4. Ceelin
5. Ferlin
6. Growee
7. Ped Zinc
8. Usanimals
9. Propan TLC
Are Vitamins for Kids Effective?
The role of vitamins for kids are based on the asuumption that they are not getting enough nutrients they should be getting daily. Food is the best source of nutrients for children. Being able to prepare them good and healthy meals will always be the best way to ensure health for our kids. Supplementing our kids with vitamins and minerals may be necessary if we have picky eaters, we do not have time to cook meals for them and if they don't eat enough despite being given right kinds of food. The more we give regular food and healthy snacks, the more they build good eating habits which will lessen their need for supplementation.
Importance of Giving Kids Vitamins
In today's world, the nutrients kids get from food alone is not enough of the nutrients they need daily. As a growing human being, they need all the help and support they can get for their physical and mental growth. Giving them power up supplements will also help fight illnesses that are always present in the environment.
How To Choose The Right Vitamins for our Kids
Choosing the right kind of vitamins can be a daunting task if you have a lot of options. For me, I choose one with more nutrients in it and with less artificial flavoring. After all, we don't want to outweigh the risk from the benefits of taking vitamins. I have created a table for easier reference on the 9 most popular vitamins for kids in the Philippines. It also includes the price based on their daily dosage for school age children aged 6-12.
Vitamins are important for our children's growth and development. We must ensure that our children are getting all the nutrients they need daily to aid them in their growth and to have a strong immune system as they transition growing up. The products above below only serve as the guide for you as to which brand will be effective for your child. But always remember and consult your doctor on the prescribed dosage to intake.
What’s in the formulation? |
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Cherifer |
Appebon |
Bewell C |
Ceelin |
Ferlin |
Growee |
Ped Zinc |
Usanimals |
Propan TLC |
PRICE/DAY |
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₱17.00 |
₱14.90 |
₱20.83 |
₱12.83 |
₱29.00 |
₱13.33 |
₱12.12 |
₱23.21 |
₱16.20 |
Vitamin B1 |
For growth and development, heart, immune function, digestion, brain function and mood regulation |
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Vitamin B2 |
For red blood cell and energy production, growth and development and eye health |
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Vitamin B3 |
For energy metabolism, nervous system, heart, growth and development, healthy skin and circulation |
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Vitamin B5 |
For energy production, healthy skin, brain function, red blood cell production, immune system and hormone regulation |
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Vitamin B6 |
For brain development, Immune system function, energy production, hemoglobin formation, and growth and development |
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Vitamin B12 |
For brain development and function, red blood cell formation, DNA Synthesis, Immune system function, and growth and development |
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Vitamin A |
Strong teeth, bones and tissues, immune system support, vision health and organ function |
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Vitamin C |
Boosts immune system, promotes healthy growth and development, iron absorption and antioxidant properties |
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Vitamin D3 |
Strong bones, heart health and immunity |
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Vitamin E |
Boosts the immune system and help body fight germs, keep blood vessels open enough to let blood flow freely |
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L-Lysine Hydrochloride |
Protein synthesis, collagen production, immune system function |
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Ascorbic Acid |
Boosts immune system, promotes healthy growth and development, iron absorption and antioxidant properties |
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Zinc |
Growth and development, immune system function, brain function, digestive health, wound healing |
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Iron |
Brain development, red blood cell production, energy production, immune system function, cognitive development |
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Niacinamide |
Skin health, acne prevention, protection against oxidative stress |
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CGF (Chlorella Growth Factor) |
For rapid cell production, antioxidant properties, enhanced RNA/DNA functions, improved mental clarity |
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Taurin |
Essential amino acid in times of illness or stress |
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Folic Acid |
Prevent birth defects, support brain and spinal cord development, promotes healthy red blood cell, boosts energy |
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Calcium |
Growth and development, peak bone mass, prevention of bone loss |
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Iodine |
Thyroid hormone production, brain development, growth and development |
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Magnesium |
Energy production, nerve function, bone health, digestion, immune system, sleep |
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Selenium |
Anti inflammatory and antioxidant |
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Copper |
formation of hemoglobin, and it facilitates absorption of iron in the intestine, formation of red blood cells, form energy, creation of skin pigments, helps improve strength of soft tissues |
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Manganese |
For growth and development especially brain development |
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Chromium |
For insulin regulation, protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, bone health |
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Molybdenum |
Protein metabolism, Antioxidant property, energy production, immune system support |
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Antioxidants |
Protect cells from damage from antioxidant |
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Lecithin |
Lower risk of cardiovascular disease, brain function |
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Inositol |
Help with anxiety, OCD and depression |
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Hydrolized Rice Protein |
Alternative to plant based protein, supports muscle growth and development, promotes healthy immune system |
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Biotin |
Produce energy, maintains nervous system, supports healthy skin, hair, and nails |
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