Nature's Plus Source of Life Animal Parade Children's Chewable Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Supplement Natural Cherry Flavor

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this children’s multivitamin contains calcium, a mineral essential for growth. However, you should know that the data on calcium supplementation includes important safety considerations. Based on the available information, we can only assess the calcium component because data for other ingredients is not available.

How it works

Calcium supports your child’s bone mineralization and density, helping to build a strong skeleton. It also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation and nerve signaling, which are critical for normal muscle function [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

Data not available for this specific product. For calcium supplements generally, the FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all products. High calcium intakes may increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Very high levels in the blood and urine can cause poor muscle tone, poor kidney function, low phosphate levels, constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, frequent urination, abnormal heart rhythms, and a high risk of death from heart disease [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Our assessment: You should consult your child’s pediatrician before starting this supplement. The calcium content may be beneficial, but without complete ingredient data, we cannot fully evaluate this product. If your child takes any medications, discuss potential calcium interactions with their doctor [NIH ODS].

Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:

• Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
• Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
• % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
• Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
• Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.

Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide