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Differences Between Poly Vi Sol and Tri Vi Sol

Some pediatricians recommend supplemental vitamins for infants. Two popular options include Enfamil's Tri-Vi-Sol drops and Poly-Vi-Sol drops. While both are designed to help infants meet their nutritional needs, they do not provide the same combination of vitamins and minerals. Both contain artificial flavors and caramel color. You should always check with your pediatrician first before giving any supplemental nutritional products to your infant.

  1. Vitamins A, C and D

    • Both Poly-Vi-Sol and Tri-Vi-Sol contain 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamins A, C and D for infants. As antioxidants, both vitamins A and C help protect cells against damage caused by free radicals formed from the natural metabolism of food and exposure to environmental toxins. In addition, vitamin A plays a primary role in vision, bone growth and the immune system. Vitamin C promotes healing and helps the body absorb iron. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and promotes proper function of the nerves, muscles and immune system.

    B Vitamins

    • Only Poly-Vi-Sol contains B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamins B6 and B12. Tri-Vi-Sol does not. This group of B vitamins helps the body's metabolic processes obtain energy from food. In addition, these vitamins also help generate red blood cells. Not consuming enough B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, can lead to anemia.

    Vitamin E

    • Poly-Vi-Sol also contains Vitamin E. Tri-Vi-Sol does not. Vitamin E, similar to vitamins A and C, acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body against cellular damage. Vitamin E also plays a role in certain metabolic processes and in the immune system. People with liver disease, cystic fibrosis and Crohn's disease may need extra vitamin E, but too much vitamin E may be harmful, particularly to those on blood thinners. Because the packaging may appear similar, especially to those sleep-deprived, bleary-eyed mothers of newborns, you should double-check with your pediatrician which vitamin supplement, if any, your child requires and read the package carefully.

    Iron

    • Tri-Vi-Sol contains 67 percent of the recommended daily amount of the iron your infant needs. Poly-Vi-Sol contains no added iron. However, ferrous sulfate, a form of iron, is present in Poly-Vi-Sol but only in sufficient quantities to act as a stabilizer for vitamin B12. Many breastfeeding infants do not get enough iron from their mother's milk. Iron helps produce red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia presents itself as unusual tiredness and shortness of breath as the blood cannot deliver sufficient oxygen to the body's organs. If anemia continues for extended periods of time, there is an increased risk of infection. In addition, low iron levels can lead to learning problems.

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