Q: Why are some of the daily value percentages under 100%, while some are over? Wouldn’t I want my child to receive 100% of everything?
A: This is a great question! Fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A, D & E, are vitamins that are stored in the body, in contrast to water-soluble vitamins (like B vitamins), which are expelled when consumed in excess. Since the body stores fat-soluble vitamins, excess amounts can build up and create toxicity. A varied and healthy diet should provide the body with a good portion of these vitamins, but we know that doesn’t always happen, especially if your child is a picky eater or if there are dietary restrictions involved. We have formulated this gummy multivitamin to account for these factors as best we could. We recommend consulting with your child’s physician or healthcare professional to make certain this product is appropriate for your child’s nutrient needs!
Q: Do you have any tips on kids and vitamins?
A: Yes, we have a few! First and foremost: be sure to consult with your child’s physician or healthcare professional prior to use to make sure this product is suitable for your child. This is particularly true if your child is experiencing any health challenges, is taking any medications or if your child is under the age of twelve.
As much as we pride ourselves on making great tasting vitamins, we do want to advise that you keep these gummy vitamins out of reach of your children. They are not candy and they should not be treated as such. It is possible to get too much of a good thing! If you are concerned that your child may have taken too many gummies, please call the Poison Control hotline: 1 (800) 222-1222 (available 24/7).
Lastly, fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A, D & E, can only be absorbed with food. We recommend giving your child their daily gummies after a meal.
Q: My child has MTHFR gene variant(s). Is this product safe for my child(ren)?
A: Navigating B-vitamins and MTHFR can be tricky! While there is a considerable amount of information coming out on genetic variations and how they affect our biochemistry and health, the MTHFR deficiency is not yet fully understood, including how various B-vitamins affect any given individual. Elevated homocysteine levels, often caused by the MTHFR gene variants, is associated with deficiencies in B9 (Folate), B6 and B12.
The primary concern for those with MTHFR gene variant(s) is Folate (vitamin B9). People with MTHFR gene variant(s) need to avoid synthetic forms of folate (B9), like Folic Acid. There seems to be some evidence that Folinic Acid is safe for those with the less severe MTHFR gene variants, while preliminary studies show that those with more severe MTHFR variants may require 5-MTHR (Methylated Folate) supplementation and/or treatment with betaine (trimethylglycine) to aid in metabolizing homocysteine.
We have six products in our line of supplements that contain some form of folate: all three of our Morning Multivitamins, our Kid’s Multivitamin Gummies, Biotin Gummies and our B-Complex Spray. These Kids Multivitamin Gummies contain Methylated Folate (as Calcium L-5-methyl-THF). Methylated folate is considered safest for those with MTHFR, especially for people who have multiple MTHFR variants.
The remaining products in our line of supplements do not have B9. However, we do have a number of products which contain other B-vitamins. We created a spreadsheet to help our customers review all our products with B-vitamins and their forms, so you can make the best choices for your health. Please reach out to our customer care team for access to this spreadsheet. Generally, the vitamer of B6 that is recommended for those with MTHFR variants is Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P) and the vitamer of B12 that is recommended for those with MTHFR variants is Methylcobalamin. Please consult with your healthcare professional to determine what is best for you.
In general, when starting any new health and wellness supplement, you should check with your physician or healthcare professional to make sure the supplement is suitable for you and your health. This is especially true when there is the added complexity of the MTHFR gene variants. We encourage you to partner with your child’s pediatrician or healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.
Please do not hesitate to let us know of any additional questions you may have or if you need further assistance.