Do Pediatric Multivitamins Contain Vitamin D?
Yes, most pediatric multivitamins contain vitamin D, but the amount varies significantly by product, and many do not provide the recommended 400 IU daily dose that all infants and children need. You cannot assume a multivitamin provides adequate vitamin D without checking the specific product label 1.
Critical Product Variability
- Some pediatric multivitamin preparations contain vitamin D while others do not contain any vitamin D at all (for example, Cernevit™ contains no vitamin K, highlighting that formulations vary widely in their vitamin content) 2.
- The vitamin D content in available pediatric multivitamin products ranges dramatically, and you must verify the exact amount in each specific formulation before relying on it for supplementation 2.
- Even when vitamin D is present, the dose may be insufficient to meet the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of 400 IU daily for all infants and children 1, 3.
Standard Supplementation Requirements
Regardless of multivitamin use, all infants require 400 IU of vitamin D daily starting at hospital discharge, whether breastfed or formula-fed, to prevent vitamin D deficiency and rickets 1, 3.
- Breastfed infants need 400 IU/day throughout the breastfeeding period because breast milk alone does not provide adequate vitamin D 1.
- Formula-fed infants need 400 IU/day until they consistently consume at least 28 ounces (840 mL) of vitamin D-fortified formula daily 1.
- Children and adolescents ages 1-18 years require 600 IU/day from all sources (diet plus supplements) 3.
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not assume that giving a child a "multivitamin" provides adequate vitamin D supplementation. You must:
- Check the product label for the exact vitamin D content 2
- Calculate whether the dose meets age-appropriate requirements (400 IU for infants, 600 IU for children 1-18 years) 1, 3
- Add a separate vitamin D supplement if the multivitamin is insufficient 1
Special Populations
- Preterm infants require 200-400 IU/day initially, with some requiring up to 800-1,000 IU/day for extremely preterm infants 1.
- Preterm infants on parenteral nutrition need 200-1,000 IU/day (or 80-400 IU/kg/day) 1, 3.
Formulation Preference
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is strongly preferred over ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) due to higher bioavailability and efficacy 1, 3.