What Supplements I Give My Kids—and Why

SupplementsJaune

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Taking Supplements

What Supplements I Give My Kids and Why 

Let’s be real—it’s hard to raise healthy, well-balanced eaters. For the longest time, I assumed my kids' picky eating was just part of being on the spectrum. Turns out… it might’ve also been me. Yep. I wasn’t exactly nailing the whole “food exposure” routine. 

That’s a whole other post (don’t worry, it’s coming), but long story short: I wish I had offered more variety alongside their regular meals and done it more consistently—like at least once every other week—even if they refused it ten times in a row. Sometimes just seeing or smelling the food repeatedly helps kids feel more curious and less threatened by it. Eventually, they might even try it—kids are weird like that. 

These days, getting them to taste new foods isn’t a huge struggle anymore, and I owe a lot of that to the amazing feeding team we worked with. If you’re struggling, I highly recommend getting support. Not because you can’t do it—but because: 

1. We already fight too many battles. Mealtime doesn’t need to be another war zone. 

2. Feeding therapists are professionals. They don’t flinch at angry faces, thrown broccoli, or full-blown meltdowns. 

3. Most importantly, they aren’t emotionally attached—so they don’t lose their will to live every time their lovingly prepared meal gets rejected. 

4. 
   

Okay, with all that said—let’s talk about the supplements I give my kids and why! 

The Supplements We Use 

ChildLife Vitamins

1. Multivitamin: ChildLife Essentials Liquid Multivitamin & Mineral 

This is our go-to multivitamin. It's not too heavy on the iron, which I didn’t even realize was a big concern until Artsy’s GI looked at the label and went, “Wow, this is actually really good—yeah, stick with this one.” Apparently, too much iron is a common issue in kids' vitamins, and this one keeps it balanced.  

Bonus: Artsy’s vitamin D levels were totally normal despite not drinking much dairy. Her doctor was impressed. I acted cool, but inside I was like, “YES, SUPPLEMENT MOM WIN.”  

Downside? This stuff tastes like the old-school medicine we all grew up dreading. Artsy and Jacki take it like champs, but Sonny? He’s a runner. Like full-body flinch and escape artist energy.  

So, I’ve resorted to stealth mode: I mix a small amount into a spoonful of Oui yogurt (yes, the dairy one… shhh). We do buy the non-dairy which has a better taste than the latter however the dairy version is thick enough to hide the taste, and I give it to him in a tiny medicine cup so it’s all done in one go. I actually mix all his meds in there—one and done, baby!  

What the experts say: 

ChildLife Essentials' Multivitamin & Mineral is formulated to provide essential nutrients that support children's growth and development. — ChildLife 

What other parents say: 

One parent noted, "After taking the CHILDLIFE ESSENTIALS, Kids Liquid Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement, he seemed to far better health wise."  —Amazon Reviews

Another shared, "With its liquid form, it's easy for them to take, and I've noticed an improvement in their energy levels and overall well-being." —Amazon Reviews

2. Probiotic: FLORA Toddler's Probiotic

   
   

   

   Probiotic. I like this one because it dissolves in water, without a taste!

   
   

We use FLORA Toddler's Probiotic—and I swear by this brand. I noticed a difference in myself when I took it (pre-kids), so I figured it was worth trying with the kids.  

With Jacki, I saw her digestion become more consistent. Artsy just seemed… happier. Calmer. Less gut discomfort, I think. Sonny? He’s kind of always been balanced, but I still give it to him, especially after antibiotics or anything that might mess with his gut flora.  

Gut health is a big deal in the autism community, and honestly, it matters for all kids (and grown-ups). So I treat this as part of our regular wellness routine—not just a “when something’s wrong” kind of thing.  

What the experts say: 

Udo's Choice Children's Blend Probiotic contains 7 child-specific bacterial strains at an appropriate strength, designed specifically to reflect healthy childhood microflora. —landyschemist 

The product helps support healthy microflora in the small and large intestine, maintain proper digestion, and support the immune system. —Vitacost Review

What other parents say: 

One parent shared, "I use these for both my kids and notice the benefits. First, their digestive systems are great! They eat healthy anyway but I know these help." —Influenster 

Another noted, "Great probiotic for kids. They help fight off the less friendly types and boost your immunity against infections."  —Influenster 

3. Vitamin D: The Sunshine Supplement (Now in Gummy Form!)

Artsy's vitamin D levels are holding steady—probably thanks to her multivitamin and her suspiciously adult-like taste for tuna. But recently, I’ve started giving all the kids a vitamin D gummy. Yep, we’ve moved into the world of chewy, sunshine-packed goodness. Honestly, if it’s in gummy form, they’re way more excited to take it—no chasing, no disguising in yogurt. It’s practically a reward. 

We’re using the Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 Gummies, and while it’s too soon to tell if we’ll see big changes, here’s why I made the switch: 

Emerging research suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. For example: 

A 2021 review noted that maternal vitamin D deficiency may influence fetal brain development and could play a role in the risk of ASD. —(PMC – NIH)

Another large population-based study found that newborns with low vitamin D levels were 33% more likely to be diagnosed with autism by age 6. —The Transmitter

Now, I’m not saying vitamin D is a magical autism shield, but given how common deficiency is—especially in pregnancy—and how easy it is to fix, I figure: why not? 

So while I can’t go back in time and give past-me a gummy (and believe me, that lady could’ve used one), I can make sure these kids get their daily sunshine in a way that doesn’t require bribery, stealth, or a PhD in yogurt chemistry.

*Just as a disclaimer, if you live in a sunny place most of of the year and your child spends most of their days outdoors during the day where they are absorbing sunlight, you may not need it, but in the winter you may want to reconsider. I am not a doctor however if it is a concern of yours, you can ask for work up  with you doctor just to ensure your child is getting what they need. 

4.  Omega-3s: Fish Oil and Feelings 

   
   

   

   Omega-3

   
   

We use another Nordic Naturals product for Omega-3s, Nordic Naturals Omega 3sa cross the board. At one point, we had the lemon-flavored version—and shockingly, it was tolerable. (Not delicious, let’s not get carried away—but tolerable. And if you've ever smelled regular fish oil, you know that's saying a lot.) 

The kids have been taking it for about two years off and on now. In the early days, I genuinely noticed a difference(I was also giving it to them faithfully)—they seemed calmer and more focused during our homeschool sessions. These days, though, it’s harder to tell. Maybe that’s because the chaos has settled a bit, or maybe because I’ve forgotten what things were like before. Either way, I credit those early improvements to the Omega-3s, even if I don’t always see them in action now. 

We stick with it because Omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA) are well-known for supporting brain development, cognitive function, and emotional regulation—all things we want for our neurodiverse crew. 

And don’t just take my word for it: 

According to Harvard Health, Omega-3s are crucial for brain health and have been studied for their potential to support focus, reduce inflammation, and even improve mood disorders in children and adults alike —(Harvard Health). 

A review in Nutrients journal found that children with ASD often have lower blood levels of Omega-3s, and that supplementation may help improve behavior and reduce hyperactivity and social withdrawal —(Nutrients, 2017). 

And hey, I took fish oil growing up too. You know what they say: “Fish is brain food.” And if chewing on a lemony blob of oil keeps us a little sharper and a little calmer, then I’m all in. 

5. Magnesium: Now in Gummy Form—Because Fizzy Drinks Were Getting Old

I recently added Natural Vitality's Calm Magnesium Gummies to our supplement lineup, and while the results aren’t earth-shattering, there have definitely been some noticeable changes—especially with Artsy and Jacki. Sonny? Not so much. But to be fair, the boy runs on solar power and adrenaline, and he might be getting some magnesium from his food here and there. 

We switched to the gummy version of magnesium because, let’s be honest, the fizzy Calm powder had lost its novelty and started to feel a bit like a science project gone flat. Gummies, on the other hand? Instant win. They're easy, tasty, and don’t require a measuring spoon or a kitchen cleanup afterward. Parenting hack: achieved. 

Since the switch, I’ve noticed a few sweet shifts: 

• Jacki seems a little less… bouncy. She’s more focused during homeschool and doesn’t need quite as many gentle nudges to stay on task. 

• Artsy is calmer during our lessons and has actually reduced her verbal looping (her usual: “Can I see Jesse? Can I see Jesse? I want to see Jesse!”). Sometimes, she doesn’t do it at all—which is kind of a big deal. 

Now, Sonny operates longer than Thomas Train, haunting my day dreams singing what I think is a made-up song by Jacki—“There’s no stopping me now!”—and honestly, I believe him. Magnesium gummies or not, the kid is powered by pure momentum. 

But here's why I stick with it: 

Experts have found  that children with autism are more likely to have magnesium deficiencies, and supplementation may help with behaviors like irritability, hyperactivity, and inattention: 

A 2020 study published in Nutrients found that a combination of magnesium and vitamin B6 was associated with improved communication, social interaction, and reduced anxiety in children with ASD —(PMC – NIH). 

Another study noted that serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in children with autism, reinforcing the need to monitor and support mineral levels for cognitive and behavioral health —(PubMed). 

So while magnesium isn’t a miracle worker, in our house, it’s earned its gummy spot on the roster. Less looping, more focus, and fewer “remind her ten times” kind of days? I’ll take it. 

vitamins

6. Vitamin Bs: The Brain's Best Buddies  

Let’s talk about the B-team—specifically B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin). These two are the unsung heroes in our household, and they come conveniently packed in our ChildLife multivitamin.  

Now, why the focus on B9 and B12? Well, research suggests that some children on the autism spectrum may have issues with their blood-brain barrier (BBB)—think of it as the brain's security system. When this barrier is compromised, it can allow unwanted substances to sneak into the brain, potentially leading to inflammation and other issues.  

Here's where B9 and B12 come into play:  

• Folate (B9): Some children with autism have autoantibodies that interfere with folate transport across the BBB. Supplementing with folic acid, a form of folate, has shown improvements in communication and behavior in these cases. Frontiers

• Vitamin B12: B12 is crucial for neurological function and DNA synthesis. Studies have indicated that B12 supplementation can lead to improvements in behavior, communication, and social skills in children with autism. PMC 

  
  

So, while B9 and B12 might not be magic bullets, they play a significant role in supporting brain health, especially in children on the spectrum. 

The BBB: Because its worth mentioning

Now, a quick side note: the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is fascinating. It’s kind of like the brain’s exclusive VIP section, keeping out the riffraff (a.k.a. toxins, pathogens, and inflammation-causing troublemakers). When it’s not working properly, it’s been linked to changes in things like sleep patterns, seizure activity, and overall brain function. More and more research is pointing to the BBB as a potential piece of the puzzle in understanding the root causes of ASD.

Of course, I’m not a doctor—just a mom with a Google history that could make a med student sweat. ASD is incredibly complex, and while research is growing fast, not everything out there is proven. That’s why I always ask myself a few key questions before giving my kids something new:

• Does this make sense for my child specifically?

• Have I seen anything that suggests it might help them?

• Does this supplement do something useful beyond claiming to “fix” autism?

Because let’s be real—"fixing autism" isn’t a reason in itself to try a supplement. That line of thinking isn’t just misleading—it can be harmful. Many of our kids have sensitive systems, and loading them up with things their bodies aren’t used to could do more harm than good. So it’s important to be thoughtful, go slow, and stay in tune with your child’s individual responses.

In terms of the BBB specifically, I’ve read studies about how early illness or inflammation in infancy might contribute to barrier issues. And honestly? That tracks with parts of my own kids’ stories, which is why I keep this info in my back pocket. I don’t go out of my way to add extra B vitamins since they’re already in our daily multivitamin—but if they weren’t, this is one I’d definitely be paying closer attention to.

How We Actually Get Them to Take It (Without Losing Our Minds) 

When it comes to giving the kids their supplements, timing is everything. In our house, mornings and evenings work best—mostly because those are the only times I can remember to do it consistently without a calendar notification, a sticky note, and divine intervention. 

For Artsy, she gets her vitamins after breakfast. Why? Because that multivitamin packs a punch—and I know from personal experience it can mess with your stomach on an empty one. If it makes my adult insides feel like a washing machine on spin cycle, I can only imagine what it does to a little belly. 

Sonny gets his with yogurt. It’s his reward system: “First your meds, then your breakfast.” The yogurt helps everything go down smoother, especially since some of the vitamins taste like regret and 1980s cough syrup. But with the yogurt trick? He’s a happy camper. 

Artsy is a champ. No complaints, no bribes, no chase scenes through the living room—just a quick swig and done. 

Now Jacki... she’s on her own vitamin journey. I’ve told her to set reminders on her device, and when I do the morning vitamin roll call, I shout a friendly, “Hey Jacki! Time for the V squad!” from across the house. She’s old enough now that I want her to take responsibility for her own self-care—and honestly, she does a great job. She’s basically the CEO of her own wellness routine. 

Final Thoughts 

Just a friendly reminder—I’m not a doctor, I just play one in my kitchen while mixing meds into yogurt. Before starting any supplements, it’s always best to check with your child’s pediatrician. They can help tailor things to your child’s specific needs, and make sure there’s no funny business with dosing or interactions. 

Remember, every child is different. What works for my crew might not work for yours—and that’s okay! We’re all figuring this out one gummy at a time. 

If you’ve found something that helps your little one, I’d love to hear about it. Drop your go-to supplements, routines, or sneaky parent hacks in the comments—because we’re all just trying to keep our kids healthy without losing our minds in the vitamin aisle.