Kosher Vitamins for Children

Although many people believe that all vitamins are naturally kosher - after all, what could be in them - the truth is that many vitamins are not. Additives are often derived from animals or insects are often used in vitamins, and these vitamins are not considered kosher at all. Vitamins that contain gelatin, which is usually made from processed animal parts, are common. If you're looking for kosher children's vitamins, there are still several brands to choose from.

Freeda Vitalets

• Freeda is one of the most popular brands of kosher vitamins. The company prides itself on the fact that its products contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Freeda Vitalets are the vitamins for children. Although children under the age of four should take only one tablet a day, children ages four and up should take two tablets for maximum efficacy. These tablets come in four flavors: raspberry, orange, carob, and unflavored.

MaxiHealth Chewable Kiddivite

• MaxiHealth Chewable Kiddivites are strawberry-flavored chewable vitamin supplements. Although they include several vitamins that other supplements do not, such as biotin, bioflavanoids, antioxidants, and naturally occuring carotenes, they also contains several possible allergens. Children who are allergic or sensitive to soy or fish gelatin should not take this product. (Although gelatin is usually not considered kosher, this type of fish gelatin is approved for kosher use.) Children should take one Kiddivite daily for maximum effect.

Tri-Vi-Sol

• Infants or toddlers who are too young for chewable or swallowable supplements can take Tri-Vi-Sol, a product made by Enfamil. Although forumula-fed infants usually do not need additional vitamins, many doctors recommend that breast-fed infants take a supplement like Tri-Vi-Sol, even if they are only partially breast-fed. Toddlers who may be weaned should continue to take Tri-Vi-Sol. This supplement is iron-free, but you can also purchase a version that contains iron if necessary.