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 growing bones and teeth. However, you should understand both the benefits and the specific risks associated with calcium supplementation before giving it to your child. Data on the full ingredient list is not available, so our assessment focuses on the calcium content [NIH ODS].

How it works

Calcium acts as a master regulator for your child’s body. It supports bone mineralization, helping to build strong, dense bones, and it plays a critical role in neuromuscular relaxation, which allows muscles to relax and nerves to signal properly after activity [NIH ODS]. Think of calcium as the key building block that keeps your child’s skeleton strong and their muscles working smoothly.

Safety profile

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

Our recommendation

Start by checking the label for the exact calcium dose per serving. You should ensure your child’s total daily calcium intake from food and supplements does not exceed recommended levels. If your child takes any prescription medications, especially antibiotics or thyroid medication, consult your pediatrician or pharmacist before using this supplement to avoid absorption issues [NIH ODS]. Choose a reliable brand and follow the dosing instructions carefully.

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