Q: What are the Health Canada approved uses for this product?
A: This product is approved by Health Canada (NPN 80097102) for the following uses: helps normal growth and development; helps in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth; and multivitamin and multimineral supplement. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Q: What ages is this product suitable for and what is the correct dose for each age group?
A: This product is formulated for children ages 4 to 13. Children ages 4 to 8 take 1 scoop (2.5g) once per day with food. Adolescents ages 9 to 13 take 2 scoops (5g) once per day with food. Always take with food. Take a few hours before or after taking other medications or natural health products. Do not exceed the recommended dose for the child's age group. Consult a healthcare professional before use if your child has a medical condition or is taking medications.
Q: Why does this formula use beta carotene instead of Vitamin A (retinol)?
A: This is an important formulation choice for a children's supplement. Beta carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid that the body converts to retinol (Vitamin A) as needed. The key advantage of beta carotene over preformed Vitamin A (retinol) for children is safety. Preformed Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that can accumulate in the body and reach toxic levels if consumed in excess over time. Vitamin A toxicity (hypervitaminosis A) is a recognized risk with high dose retinol supplementation, particularly in children. Beta carotene does not carry this risk because the body regulates its conversion to retinol based on need: when Vitamin A status is adequate, the conversion of beta carotene to retinol slows down, preventing accumulation. This self regulating mechanism makes beta carotene the safer choice for a daily children's multivitamin. Beta carotene is also the natural plant derived form of provitamin A, making it appropriate for a vegan formula.
Q: Why is Vitamin D3 used rather than Vitamin D2?
A: This formula uses Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), the same form of Vitamin D that the human body produces in the skin in response to UVB sunlight exposure. Research consistently shows that Vitamin D3 is more effective at raising and maintaining serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels than Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), making it the preferred form for supplementation. Each scoop provides 8 mcg (320 IU) of Vitamin D3, supporting the development and maintenance of bones and teeth as approved by Health Canada (NPN 80097102).
Q: Does this formula contain all 8 B vitamins?
A: Yes. This formula includes all 8 B vitamins per scoop: Vitamin B1 (thiamine, 1mg), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin, 1mg), Vitamin B3 (niacin, 7.5mg), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid, 2.5mg), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, 1mg), Vitamin B9 (folic acid, 200mcg), Vitamin B12 (cobalamin, 2mcg), and Biotin (12.5mcg). The inclusion of Vitamin B12 is particularly significant for children following vegan or plant based diets, as Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal derived foods and is the nutrient most commonly deficient in vegan children. A daily multivitamin that includes B12 is an important nutritional safeguard for children on plant based diets.
Q: Why are both Calcium and Magnesium included and what is the significance of the 2:1 ratio? A: Calcium (75mg per scoop) and Magnesium (37.5mg per scoop) are included together in a 2:1 ratio because these two minerals work together in bone health. Calcium is the primary mineral in bone tissue and is essential for the development and maintenance of bones and teeth throughout childhood and adolescence. Magnesium is required for the proper absorption and metabolism of calcium, for the activation of Vitamin D (which in turn supports calcium absorption), and for bone mineralization. Approximately 60% of the body's magnesium is stored in bone. Without adequate magnesium, calcium cannot be properly utilized for bone formation. The 2:1 calcium to magnesium ratio is the traditional ratio used in bone support formulas to provide both minerals in proportions that support their complementary roles.
Q: Why are both Zinc and Copper included in the formula?
A: Zinc (5mg per scoop) and Copper (500mcg per scoop) are included together because of an important mineral interaction. Zinc supplementation at higher doses can interfere with copper absorption by competing for the same intestinal transporter (metallothionein). If zinc is supplemented without copper, copper depletion can occur over time. By including copper alongside zinc, this formula maintains the balance between these two essential minerals. Zinc is involved in immune function, growth, wound healing, and the activity of over 300 enzymes. Copper is required for iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and neurological function. Both are essential for normal growth and development in children.
Q: Is this product truly sugar free and what is it sweetened with?
A: Yes, this product is completely sugar free. It contains no sucrose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup, or any other sugar. It is sweetened exclusively with stevia leaf extract, a natural plant derived sweetener from Stevia rebaudiana. Stevia provides sweetness without contributing sugar or calories, does not raise blood glucose levels, and does not contribute to dental caries (tooth decay), making it an appropriate sweetener for a children's supplement. The formula also contains no artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or acesulfame potassium.
Q: How do I use this powder and what can I mix it into?
A: Measure the appropriate scoop for your child's age group (1 scoop for ages 4 to 8, 2 scoops for ages 9 to 13) and mix into water, juice, a smoothie, yogurt, oatmeal, or another food or beverage your child enjoys. Always take with food. The powder dissolves readily in liquids and can also be stirred into soft foods. Take a few hours before or after giving other medications or natural health products to avoid potential interactions.
Q: How many servings does the 100g container provide?
A: At 1 scoop (2.5g) per day for children ages 4 to 8, the 100g container provides approximately 40 servings, which is approximately a 40 day supply. At 2 scoops (5g) per day for adolescents ages 9 to 13, the container provides approximately 20 servings, which is approximately a 20 day supply.
Q: Is this product suitable for children following a vegan or plant based diet?
A: Yes, this formula is specifically well suited for children on vegan or plant based diets for several reasons. The formula is 100% vegan with no animal derived ingredients. It includes Vitamin B12 (2mcg per scoop), the nutrient most commonly deficient in vegan children since B12 is found almost exclusively in animal derived foods. It uses beta carotene (plant derived provitamin A) rather than retinol (which is typically animal derived). Vitamin D3 in this formula is derived from a vegan source. The formula is free from gluten, soy, and dairy. For vegan children, a daily multivitamin that includes B12 is an important nutritional safeguard, and this formula provides comprehensive coverage of the nutrients most relevant to plant based diets.
Q: Is there any known adverse reaction I should be aware of?
A: Yes. People sensitive to nicotinic acid (Vitamin B3) may experience flushing of the skin that is generally mild and transient. This is a known and common reaction to niacin (nicotinic acid) supplementation and is not an allergic reaction. It typically involves a temporary redness and warmth of the skin, particularly on the face and upper body, that resolves on its own within 30 to 60 minutes. If your child experiences this reaction, it is generally not a cause for concern, but consult a healthcare professional if you have questions.
Q: Is this product free from common allergens?
A: Yes. This product is free from gluten, soy, and dairy. It is also non GMO and contains no artificial colours, artificial flavours, or artificial sweeteners. The non medicinal ingredients are stevia leaf extract, tapioca, and citric acid, all of which are plant derived. Consult a healthcare professional if your child has known allergies or sensitivities before use.
