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The Best Multivitamins for Teens: Approved by Experts | Fortune

By Christina Snyder

The Best Multivitamins for Teens: Approved by Experts | Fortune

Contains two grams of added sugar Not vegan-friendly Some vitamins exceed 100% RDV, may not suit all needs

Olly Teen Girl Multi is our pick for the best overall multivitamin for teens thanks to its blend of essential nutrients designed to support teenagers' active lifestyles, along with benefits for immune health, energy, skin, hair, and nails. While advertised for teen girls, the formula delivers a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for all teens -- the nutrient profile is suitable for anyone during these pivotal years of growth.

Our tester Pete gave this product a 5 out of 5 for his first impression. These multivitamins come in a small box-shaped container. "The container is easy to open, and it has a large opening through which you can easily grab the gummies," Pete says. He also thinks it would be relatively easy to pack and travel with, too.

Pete rated both the ease of understanding the instructions and swallowability as 5 out of 5. "The gummies are soft and easy to chew. They are slightly smaller in size than a penny, and about one centimeter thick," he says. The serving size per day is two gummies.

There are two flavors in each bottle of these multivitamins: strawberry and watermelon. These two flavors are slightly different shades of red. "The berry flavor is a dark crimson red, and the watermelon flavor is a lighter red, slightly darker than actual watermelon," Pete says. "There is a sugary coating on the outside, and the product is sweet," he adds, rating the taste a 3 out of 5. This added sugar element may not be ideal for everyone, in which case we recommend Transparent Labs Multivitamin.

Our tester didn't experience any side effects or aftertaste when testing these gummies -- he found them enjoyable, so we think they'll become an easy part of your teen's daily routine.

Transparent Labs Multivitamin earns our top spot for best organic multivitamin for teens because it includes organic, clean, and plant-based ingredients. Its formula stands out for supplying highly bioavailable vitamins and minerals -- sourced directly from whole foods -- ensuring teens get effective, everyday support for immune health, vision, energy, and bone strength. The product is completely vegan and free from synthetic additives, which makes it an excellent pick for teens with specific dietary preferences or sensitivities.

After testing these multivitamins, Kate gave her first impression a 5 out of 5 rating. "The packaging is pretty plain; it's a classic white bottle with Transparent Labs branding and then clear, bold writing," she said. She also observed that the bottle is larger than others she has tried, making it less convenient to carry around -- in other words, it probably won't be convenient to carry in a backpack. The simple twist-off cap posed no problems for opening or closing.

Kate thought the instructions were very straightforward and gave them another 5 out of 5. "The directions are clearly displayed on the back, and easy to read," Kate explained, adding, "You take four capsules with your first meal of the day." She found this approach easy, and thinks it will work well for teens with busy school schedules. Just take the capsules with breakfast and leave the bottle at home.

For swallowability, she rated this multivitamin a 3 out of 5. "These are decent sized capsules," she said. "Taking four at once was a lot, so I took them in two different attempts with two pills each." She noted the pills are creamy/milky yellow and that they're not the most appealing in color or size compared to other brands she's tested. If your teen tends to dislike pills, we recommend Nutricost's Multivitamin gummies instead.

She noted that Transparent Labs Multivitamin does have a distinct scent that some folks may wish to be aware of before purchasing: "There isn't much of a taste, but the smell is a bit overwhelming. There isn't a taste with taking the actual pills, and no aftertaste, which may be surprising because of the smell."

Kate didn't experience any side effects, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category.

Nutricost Multivitamin gummies are our top pick for Best Gummy Multivitamin for Teens because the brand combines affordability, essential nutrients, and a pleasant flavor. The mixed berry taste helps encourage consistent daily use, while the formula includes zinc, iodine, and a range of key vitamins for growing bodies. This supplement makes it easier for teens who might dislike pills to get their nutrition in a fun and approachable way -- without stretching the family budget.

The gummies are packaged in a large, clear plastic jar that's practical for home use but not the best option for travel. Compared to other choices on the list, these gummies stand out for being much more affordable, with each serving costing only 26 cents.

Pete loved the clear and simple label, though he mentioned the jar was a bit bulky, giving his first impression a 5 out of 5. The instructions were simple to follow: "As a dietary supplement, take two gummies daily," a direction Pete found easy to understand and rated 5 out of 5.

Much like Olly's gummies, these are also berry flavored. He described the gummies as having a mixed berry taste and looking "light brown in color and in the shape of a berry, about the size of a penny." He also said the gummies were "easy to chew and swallow," scoring another 5 for swallowability.

The flavor matched the label -- sweet, mixed berry, and not too strong. But, whereas Olly's gummies have a sugar coating, these do not. For reference, there's not necessarily a better or worse option, it just comes down to personal preference. While taking this supplement, Pete didn't experience any side effects and called the product "a well-rounded multivitamin supplement that's affordable and tastes great."

This option is a good fit for families looking for an affordable, great-tasting multivitamin in gummy form. We loved this product so much, we even made it one of our best multivitamins for men, too.

Nature Made Kids First Multi + Omega-3 is our selection for the best multivitamin with omega-3 for teens because it has age-adaptable nutrition that can grow with stages of your child's life. With a special blend of key vitamins and both EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, this supplement supports daily wellness, brain health, and immune function.

What sets Nature Made apart is the dual serving sizes: one gummy daily for kids ages 4-13, and two gummies daily for teens ages 14-18, making it easy for families to adjust as nutritional needs change through the teen years. This flexible serving approach ensures consistent support as teens grow, without needing to switch supplements.

Pete awarded his first impression a 5 out of 5, saying, "The packaging works well for a supplement designed for kids. There is a cartoon character on the front of the label and the listed flavors are kid-friendly. The bottle would be easy to travel with, and it opens and closes easily using the standard push down and turn to open system."

He gave the instructions a 5 out of 5 for being clear and easy to follow. Pete described the gummies as "soft and easy to chew," adding that they tasted "lemony and sweet, similar in flavor to a yellow Starburst," and noted there was no unwanted aftertaste.

After trying this product, Pete rated swallowability a perfect 5 as well. He experienced no negative side effects. While he appreciated the omega-3 content, he did mention the low dosage and absence of calcium or iron. It's best to chat with your kid's doctor on whether you should find a supplement for these nutrients, too.

This teen multivitamin would be a solid choice for parents with picky eaters who need a basic, kid-friendly multivitamin -- especially for those who may not get enough fatty fish in their regular diet.

We tested and evaluated multivitamins and scored them on a scale of 1-5 for factors such as first impressions, easy-to-follow directions, swallowability, side effects, and value. We chose multivitamins that specifically support the dietary needs of growing teens. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you.

We work with a certified nutrition coach during testing in order to find the most effective and safe multivitamin formulas. We looked for products that met the recommended daily value (RDV) for as many vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients as possible.

Serving sizes for multivitamins can vary from one capsule up to eight per serving. We gave preference to multivitamins with a serving size that involves less capsules where possible, or available as gummies, which are typically more pleasant to take.

We understand that teens can be picky where flavor is concerned. Where possible, we looked for multivitamin products that were pleasant to consume. Some capsules have a flavored essence, and gummies have flavors that tend to be enjoyable to take. We also paid attention to our testers' feedback on any aftertaste, especially with multivitamins that include fish oil.

We select multivitamins that undergo third-party testing to ensure safety, purity, and accurate labeling, as well as to screen for harmful contaminants. This independent testing is especially important for athletes to avoid banned substances in their protein powder or creatine supplements, since these products aren't regulated by the FDA.

When considering value, we place a higher value on brands that source their ingredients in America and have certifications, such as Informed Choice or USDA-certified organic.

We tested and evaluated multivitamins and scored them on a scale of 1-5 for factors such as first impressions, easy-to-follow directions, swallowability, taste, side effects, and value. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you.

During our testing process, we work with a certified nutrition coach to help identify multivitamin formulas that are both safe and effective for young adults. We prioritize products that deliver the recommended daily value (RDV) for as many essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as possible.

Nevertheless, it's always wise to talk with your teen's doctor before introducing multivitamins into their routine. Above all, we strongly encourage growing teens to focus on getting most of their nutrients from a varied and balanced diet of whole foods.

Multivitamins are available as gummies, capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids -- so pick the type that matches your kid's preferences and routine. Whether they prefer gummies, traditional pills, or drinks, the most important thing is choosing a form you'll take daily for the best results.

We work with a certified nutrition coach during testing to find the most effective and safe multivitamin formulas. We looked for products that met the recommended daily value (RDV) for as many vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients as possible, especially for growing teens.

Again, we recommend chatting with your pediatrician to pinpoint the best formula for your growing child.

Multivitamins are typically taken every day, and can be pricey, so you may want to consider your budget when selecting a multivitamin for your teen. Cleaner formulations, meaning those without artificial sweeteners or additives, may cost more because of their higher quality and ingredient sourcing.

Third-party testing independently verifies the safety, purity, and label accuracy of multivitamins since the FDA doesn't regulate supplements. This process helps protect you from mislabeling, contamination, and banned substances, building trust and ensuring you can use products with confidence. Independent testing is essential for confirming product quality and safeguarding your health.

Although real, whole foods should be the main source of nutrients for growing teens, a multivitamin can be a helpful backup to fill any gaps and keep your kids at their best. Here are benefits of multivitamins for teens:

Most teens can meet their vitamin and mineral needs through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. However, 2023 research shows that many teens' diets fall short in certain nutrients, especially during periods of rapid growth. Common deficiencies in this age group include vitamin D, iron (particularly for menstruating teens), calcium, and sometimes vitamin C or folate. Iron can also be a concern, especially for teens with heavy menstrual cycles or those who avoid animal products.

While a multivitamin can help fill these gaps, it's not a substitute for healthy eating. Teens should focus on getting most, if not all, of their nutrients from food, using supplements only when recommended by a doctor.

When choosing a multivitamin for teens, it's important to be selective -- some ingredients and formulations can do more harm than good. Here's what to watch out for:

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