It Came to Our View: Why Indian Kids' Multivitamins Lack Iron and Calcium By Fazlullah for RAHAMATABAD.COM Introduction It came to our view that many Indian parents trust multivitamins to provide complete nutrition for their children. However, a shocking reality is hidden behind these products—most Indian kids' multivitamins lack Iron and Calcium, two essential nutrients for proper growth and development. This raises concerns about children’s health, misleading marketing, and affordability of proper nutrition in India. --- The Importance of Iron and Calcium for Kids 1. Iron: The Foundation of Healthy Blood Iron is a key mineral needed for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Without iron, children suffer from: ✔ Fatigue and weakness – Iron deficiency leads to anemia, making kids feel tired all the time. ✔ Poor concentration and memory – The brain needs iron for proper function. ✔ Weakened immunity – Low iron levels make kids more vulnerable to infections. India has one of the highest rates of anemia in children, yet most Indian multivitamins fail to include iron, leaving kids at risk. 2. Calcium: The Key to Strong Bones Calcium is crucial for: ✔ Bone and teeth development – Kids need high calcium intake for strong bones. ✔ Preventing stunted growth – Without enough calcium, children may not reach their full height. ✔ Muscle function and heart health – Calcium supports muscle contraction and heart function. With growing dependence on processed foods and sugary drinks, children in India are at higher risk of calcium deficiency, yet most multivitamins do not include it. --- Why Do Indian Brands Skip Iron and Calcium in Kids' Multivitamins? 1. Cost-Saving Tactics ✔ Iron and calcium are expensive ingredients, and skipping them reduces production costs. ✔ Companies focus on cheaper vitamins like Vitamin C and B-complex, making their products seem beneficial while missing key nutrients. 2. Misleading Marketing ✔ Advertisements highlight "energy-boosting" vitamins, ignoring the real needs of children. ✔ Many brands claim their products are "complete nutrition", but they lack Iron and Calcium. 3. Weak Regulations and Consumer Awareness ✔ Indian regulations do not strictly enforce Iron and Calcium inclusion. ✔ Many parents do not check labels, assuming all multivitamins contain essential nutrients. --- How Can Parents Protect Their Children? 1. Check the Ingredient List Before Buying ✔ Always ensure the product contains Iron (Fe), Calcium (Ca), and Vitamin D. ✔ Avoid brands that only focus on Vitamin C and energy boosters. 2. Choose Multivitamins That Provide Complete Nutrition Some better options include: ✔ Wellteen Him/Her (Vitabiotics) – Includes Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin D. ✔ GNC Milestones Teen Multivitamin – A well-balanced supplement. ✔ Supradyn Kids or Revital H – A better alternative to Indian brands. 3. Increase Natural Sources of Iron and Calcium in Diet If supplements fail to provide these nutrients, ensure children consume: ✔ Iron-rich foods: Dates, jaggery, leafy greens, pomegranate, eggs. ✔ Calcium-rich foods: Ragi, sesame seeds, almonds, dairy products. --- Final Thoughts It came to our view that Indian brands are misleading parents by selling incomplete multivitamins, leaving children at risk of anemia, weak bones, and stunted growth. ✔ Parents must be aware of these marketing tactics and choose the right supplements. ✔ The government must regulate kids’ supplements more strictly to ensure essential nutrients are included. ✔ Checking ingredient labels and including natural sources of Iron and Calcium can help prevent deficiencies. By making informed choices, we can demand better nutrition and ensure our children grow up healthy and strong.