Children and Vitamins: Why They Refuse Them and How Parents Cope

Children who are excessively picky eaters often struggle not only with deficiencies in macro- and micronutrients, but also with accepting any kind of syrups, tablets, or drops, which can be highly frustrating for parents. We asked paediatrician MUDr. Paula Jackaninová how parents can break out of this cycle.

The issue of children refusing vitamins in the form of syrups, tablets, or drops is extremely common, but I encounter it most often in children who would actually benefit from them the most.

Picky eaters usually have strong preferences for certain types of food, a very limited range of accepted meals, eat small portions, prefer liquids over food, and refuse to try new foods. These are exactly the children for whom paediatricians often recommend multivitamin supplements to help improve appetite, support healthy development, and enhance overall wellbeing.”

Why do children often refuse vitamins in traditional forms such as syrups or tablets?

It is usually a combination of several factors:

• Taste and smell – bitter, metallic, or ‘artificial’ flavours quickly put children off
• Texture – syrups may feel overly sweet or sticky, while tablets can be difficult to swallow
• Negative past experiences
• Association with illness – ‘I take this when I’m ill’, which creates resistance

Is the problem more about taste, the form itself, or the whole routine of taking them?

Again, it is a combination of all of these factors. Younger children are mostly affected by taste and form.

Older children, however, are also strongly influenced by routine and a sense of control — ‘I don’t want to because I have to.’ Once taking vitamins turns into an obligatory, repeated ‘battle’, a child may begin rejecting even something they would otherwise tolerate.

How should parents respond when a child refuses vitamins long-term?

Parents should always try to create a positive association with taking vitamins and lead by example themselves. Instead of pressure, the following approaches tend to work better:

• trying a different form (gummy vitamins are often very well tolerated)
• involving the child in the choice (‘Which one would you like?’)
• incorporating vitamins into a consistent routine (for example after breakfast, rather than randomly)
• explaining simply why they are important, without using fear tactics

Does it make sense to force children to take vitamins, or can it have the opposite effect?

In most cases, no. Pressure often leads to even stronger resistance, damages trust (‘I have to do something I don’t want to do’), and may deepen the problem further.

Exceptions may include situations where a supplement is medically recommended, such as in the case of a specific deficiency. Even then, it is better to look for a form the child can manage rather than forcing it.

In your opinion, does the form of the vitamin — for example gummies — play a major role in whether a child will take them regularly?

Yes, often a decisive one. Chewable vitamins feel more like a treat than medicine, eliminate swallowing difficulties, and usually offer a more pleasant taste and texture. This significantly improves consistency of use.”

From a paediatric perspective, is it beneficial when a vitamin tastes good and is perceived more as a ‘reward’ than an obligation, such as Lerni Gummies?

It is certainly an advantage because it improves cooperation and supports regular use. However, it is always important to explain to children that vitamins are not sweets — they are taken for a good reason and, like medicine, should only be consumed in the recommended amount.

What has been your personal experience with Lerni Gummies and your own children?

My older daughter has always been distrustful of syrups and drops, and even administering medication for medical reasons was often challenging. I’m pleased that the growing range of multivitamins now includes a product that contains no added sugar, artificial colourings, or preservatives, and that my daughter has no issue taking.

Because, in truth, nearly every family can find a reason to support their child with vitamins.