Myth-busting: Should All Children Take Multivitamins in Winter?

Why Vitamin D Matters So Much in Winter

In the UK, Public Health England, now the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, advises that:

• All children aged 1 to 4 years should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D all year round.
• Children aged 4 and above should take vitamin D during autumn and winter (October to March) when sunlight is too limited for the body to make enough naturally.

Vitamin D is vital for:

• Healthy bones and teeth
• Strong immune function
• Overall growth and development

With shorter days, cloudier skies, and more time spent indoors, it becomes almost impossible for young children to get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone in winter.

Do Children Need a Full Multivitamin?

Most children get the vitamins and minerals they need from a balanced, varied diet. However, some may benefit from a supplement containing vitamins A, C and D, particularly if they:

• are picky eaters
• have restricted diets
• have underlying health concerns affecting nutrition

Can Diet Alone Provide Enough Nutrients in Winter?

Vitamins are best absorbed from food, so focusing on healthy eating is the most effective way to support your child’s nutrition. Helpful habits include:

• eating a variety of plant foods (aim for around 30 different plant foods a week)
• eating a rainbow of colours, as different colours provide different nutrients and antioxidants
• choosing live yogurts – check the label for active cultures
  reducing processed foods
• eating oily fish twice per week (such as salmon, fresh tuna or sardines)

During winter, when children spend more time indoors and produce less vitamin D from sunlight, a supplement can act as a useful safety net. Vitamin D remains the key supplement recommended for all children in the UK during the colder months.

How to Choose a Safe and Suitable Supplement

With so many products on the shelves, it can be difficult to know which supplement is genuinely beneficial and which is unnecessary. When selecting one for your child, consider:

• Age appropriateness: Always choose supplements designed for your child’s age group.
• Clear labelling: Look for vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) at the recommended dose.
• Avoid high-dose formulas: More is not better and can be harmful.
• Check for added sugars: Some gummies contain unnecessary sweeteners.
• Allergen information: Important for children with food allergies or intolerances.

If you are unsure, your paediatrician or dietician can guide you toward safe, evidence-based choices tailored to your child’s health and diet.

Unsure What Your Child Really Needs? We Can Help

If you have concerns about your child’s nutrition or you are unsure whether supplementation is necessary, our team is here to support you. We now offer specialist nutritional assessments, where our paediatric dietician can provide personalised, evidence-based guidance tailored to your child’s needs.

Contact the ChildHealthy team with any questions or to book a nutritional assessment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and treatment recommendations.