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Q: What is an appropriate multivitamin for a 12-year-old?
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The Trusted Source
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Claire McCarthy, M.D.

Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".

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April 21, 2008
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A:

If your child eats plenty of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat, there's no need for a vitamin at all. It's better to get nutrients directly from food!

If, however, your child is a picky eater, a multivitamin may be a good idea. This is especially true for girls who have begun their periods (and are therefore losing iron every month).

As for which one to choose...at age 12, usually a multivitamin with iron designed for adults is best. I say "usually" because if the 12-year-old was particularly small, or had particular health problems, a different choice might be necessary. Checking with your health care provider may be your best bet.

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