Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. As a result, Dr. Lerner can only advise use based on the claims on the labels of supplements, and cannot assure that the labels are correct. Dr. Lerner DOES NOT receive any financial or other compensation due to the purchase of any product below.

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Should your child start supplementation, I recommend you follow up with your child's pediatrician/pediatric endocrinologist for guidance, to check levels of any nutrient being supplemented on an ongoing basis.

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Biotin: D-Biotin is the supplement recommended for those either at risk of biotin deficiency, or those with thinning hair who may benefit from supplementation.

 

Dr. Lerner has reviewed biotin here:

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There are not typically side effects, even with high dose supplementation, but a typical children's multivitamin contains 12 mcg, with doses up to 10,000 mcg used in studies for hair and nail regrowth.

Biotin supplements should be halted 7 days prior to any planned blood tests, and if urgent bloodwork is drawn, be sure to inform your physician how much you are taking.

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Blue Bonnet: Capsule 5000 mcg allergen free, vegan.

Natrol: Fast Dissolve 5000 mcg allergen free, vegetarian. Contains Xylitol.

Vitafusion: Gummy 2500 mcg per gummy, 5000 mcg "per serving". Chewable, berry flavor. Contains gelatin and coconut oil.

Many others. Please note that this is often found in B-Complex supplements in lower amounts.

 

Calcium:  I recommend both calcium citrate, for its easier absorption, as well as calcium carbonate, for its better taste.

 

Dr. Lerner has reviewed the need for children to have adequate calcium here, and for a guide of calcium-rich foods:  

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Children typically need between 2-4 servings of calcium-rich foods daily for optimal skeletal and dental health.  If they're not particularly eating foods containing calcium then having Calcium Citrate 500 mg daily, or Calcium Carbonate 750 mg daily are a reasonable support.

Pure Encapsulations: Calcium citrate 150 mg per capsule, 300 mg per serving of two capsules (no Vitamin D)

Citrical Petites: Calcium citrate 200 mg per caplet (and 250 IU Vitamin D3). They are small and easy to swallow.

Tums (Extra strength, Smoothies): Calcium Carbonate 750 mg per chewable tablet, (no Vitamin D)

Viactiv: Calcium Carbonate 650 mg per individually wrapped chew (and Vitamin D3 500 IU).

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Vitamin D3: I recommend Vitamin D3 since it has been demonstrated in studies to be more potent than Vitamin D2 in forming and repairing bone.

 

Dr. Lerner has reviewed the importance of Vitamin D for skeletal health here:

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The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D3 is 400 IU until 12 months of age, and then 600 IU until 70 years of age. Thereafter, the RDA is 800 IU. That said, when supplementation is discussed due to deficiency, 1000-2000 IU daily are usually recommended. 

Ddrops Baby: for babies, 400 IU per drop (contains coconut oil)

Ddrops Liquid: 2000 IU per drop (contains coconut oil)

Blue Bonnet chewable tablets:  2000 IU (sourced from lanolin/wool)

Vitafusion chews: 2000 IU (contain gelatin and coconut)

Pure Encapsulations: 2000 IU per capsule (vegan)

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Zinc: Zinc gluconate and citrate taste the best and are available from a few companies without added "immune support" ingredients that are not appropriate for long-term supplementation without evaluating them separately.

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If zinc has been recommended to you, typical dosing is10 mg for mild insufficiency, or up to 23 mg daily for significant insufficiency. Zinc picolinate or other chelated form is recommended for better absorption of zinc in a capsule form.

 

Pure Encapsulations: 15 mg Zinc Picolinate

Maxi-Health 10 mg Zinc Citrate lozenge

Blue Bonnet 15 mg Zinc Gluconate/Zinc Citrate lozenge