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

Our assessment

The evidence shows that this children's multi-vitamin and mineral supplement provides calcium, a mineral essential for your child's bone health. However, the data does not provide the specific amount of calcium or other ingredients in this product, so we must evaluate it based on the general risks and benefits of calcium supplementation for children. You should know the facts before giving this to your child.

How it works

Think of calcium as a building block for your child's growing body. It supports bone density and mineral deposition through a process called bone mineralization, and it also helps with muscle relaxation and nerve signaling [NIH ODS]. This makes it critical for both strong bones and normal body movement.

Safety profile

FDA has received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for this product are not available. For calcium, some research suggests that high intakes might increase the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. 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]. Additionally, calcium can reduce the absorption of several medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and phenytoin [NIH ODS]. Data on interactions with other ingredients in this product is not available.

Our recommendation

Start by checking the product label for the exact amount of calcium per serving, as the data provided does not include this number. For children, it is critical to follow age-appropriate dosing and avoid exceeding the recommended daily allowance. If your child takes any prescription medications, consult their pediatrician before starting this supplement due to potential absorption issues [NIH ODS]. Choose a product where the calcium content is clearly listed on the label for safe use.

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