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

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this children's multivitamin contains calcium, a mineral essential for growth, but the benefits depend on your child's existing diet. Data on the exact amounts of each nutrient in this specific formula is not available from the provided data, so we cannot confirm precise dosages. For most children, a balanced diet provides sufficient nutrients, and a multivitamin should only fill specific gaps [NIH ODS].

How it works

Calcium acts as a master regulator for your child's developing body. It supports bone mineralization, which is critical for building strong bones and teeth, and it also plays a role in neuromuscular relaxation, helping muscles relax and nerves signal properly after activity [NIH ODS]. This makes it foundational for growing children who are active and need a solid skeletal structure.

Safety profile

Safety data is critical here. The FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific reports for this product are not available in the provided data. Regarding calcium, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer later in life [NIH ODS]. High levels of calcium in the blood and urine can 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]. Do not exceed the recommended dose on the label.

Our recommendation

Start by evaluating your child's daily calcium intake from food sources like milk, yogurt, and cheese. If you choose to use this supplement, follow the label's age-specific dosing strictly. Give the supplement with food to improve absorption, and be aware that calcium can reduce the absorption of certain medications like antibiotics and thyroid medication [NIH ODS]. If your child takes any prescription medication, consult their pediatrician first. For most children, a food-first approach is best, with supplements used only to fill verified gaps.

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