How to Read a Children's Supplement Label
The short answer: check the age range and dose, the amount of each nutrient per dose, the %NRV (remembering it's based on adults), the full ingredients list, and the claims. Anything promising to treat, cure or prevent an illness is a red flag.
1. Age range and daily dose
A children's product should say who it's for and give a dose for each age band. One dose for everyone aged 3 to 12 is a very wide range: a 12-year-old needs more than three times as much magnesium as a 3-year-old.
2. Amount per dose, not per gummy
The nutrition table shows the amount in one daily dose. Check whether that dose is one gummy, two gummies, one spray or a measured amount of liquid, so you know what your child is actually getting.
3. %NRV is based on adults
NRV stands for nutrient reference value. It's a single figure based on adult needs, used on every label so products can be compared. That means 100% NRV can be far more than a young child needs.
Take magnesium. The NRV is 375mg, but a child aged 1 to 3 needs about 85mg a day. So a dose with 35mg of magnesium shows just 9% NRV, yet gives a toddler 41% of what they need. Compare against your child's age, not the NRV. See how much magnesium kids need.
4. The mineral, not the compound
Minerals always come attached to something else, which is the form you see on the label: magnesium bisglycinate, citrate or oxide, for example. What matters is the amount of the mineral itself, sometimes called elemental magnesium. 500mg of magnesium bisglycinate contains only about 70mg of actual magnesium. A clear label states the magnesium per dose in the nutrition table. More in magnesium forms for kids compared.
5. The ingredients list
- Order matters. Ingredients are listed by weight, biggest first. If sugar or glucose syrup comes first, that's mainly what you're buying.
- Sweeteners such as sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol and sucralose. See sugar in children's supplements.
- Flavourings and colours. Six artificial colours (E102, E104, E110, E122, E124 and E129) must carry a warning that they may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.
- Allergens are highlighted, usually in bold.
6. The statements every supplement must carry
In the UK, food supplement labels must include:
- The words "food supplement"
- The recommended daily dose, and a warning not to exceed it
- A statement that supplements shouldn't replace a varied diet
- A statement to store the product out of reach of young children
If these are missing, be wary, especially when buying from online marketplaces.
7. The claims
Only authorised health claims are allowed on food supplements in the UK, and they use careful wording such as "magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system". Be wary of:
- Claims to treat, cure or prevent any illness, which food supplements aren't allowed to make
- Vague promises like "boosts brain power" or "calms kids instantly"
- Health claims for ingredients that have no authorised claims at all
More on the rules in what UK guidance says about magnesium for children.
8. Who made it
Look for a company name and UK address, a batch number and a best-before date. These tell you who's responsible and make it possible to trace a batch if something goes wrong.
How ours reads
Our magnesium for kids gives 35mg of magnesium in 2.5ml for ages 1 to 5 and 70mg in 5ml for ages 5 to 14, with no sugar, sweeteners, flavourings or colours.
Our magnesium
Liposomal Magnesium for Kids (Age 1+) is truly unflavoured, gentle on little tummies, and built for absorption. Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system.*
*Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Consult your healthcare provider before use if your child has a medical condition or takes medication.