Multivitamin facts for kids
A multivitamin is like a special pill, liquid, or powder that contains many different vitamins and minerals. These are tiny but super important things your human body needs to grow, stay healthy, and work properly. Think of them as building blocks and helpers for your body! You can find multivitamins in many forms, like tablets you swallow, chewy pastilles, or even liquids.
Multivitamins are often sold with minerals mixed in. In some places, like the United States, a multivitamin or mineral product is approved as a helpful addition to your diet. This means it contains three or more vitamins and minerals, but it doesn't include things like herbs, hormones, or medicines. The words "multivitamin" and "multimineral" are often used to mean the same thing, even though there isn't one strict scientific definition for them.
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What Are Multivitamins?
Multivitamins are a mix of different micronutrients. Micronutrients are vitamins and dietary minerals that your body needs in small amounts. They are different from "macronutrients" like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, which your body needs in larger amounts for energy.
Why Are Vitamins and Minerals Important?
Vitamins and minerals are essential for many processes in your body. For example:
- Vitamins help your body turn food into energy, build strong bones, and keep your immune system working well.
- Minerals are important for things like healthy teeth, strong muscles, and even sending messages in your brain.
Most people get all the vitamins and minerals they need from eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. However, sometimes people might take a multivitamin to make sure they are getting enough of these important nutrients.
Forms of Multivitamins
Multivitamins come in many different forms, making them easy to take for different people:
- Tablets: These are solid pills that you swallow.
- Capsules: These are often gelatin shells filled with powder or liquid.
- Pastilles: These are soft, chewy forms, often flavored, similar to gummy candies.
- Powders: You can mix these into water or other drinks.
- Liquids: These are often used for younger children or people who have trouble swallowing pills.
- Injections: These are given by a doctor, usually for people who can't absorb nutrients well through their digestive system.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, which is an international group that sets food standards for the United Nations, recognizes most forms of multivitamins as a type of food product.
Images for kids
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Centrum multivitamins, a popular brand.
See also
In Spanish: Suplemento vitamínico para niños
