Billionaire philanthropist Wallis Annenberg known for her work in the arts, sciences dies at 86
She was 86.
Annenberg died at home from complications related to lung cancer, the family said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.
"Wallis transitioned peacefully and comfortable this morning to her new adventure," the statement said. "Cancer may have beaten her body but it never got her spirit. We will hold her and her wisdom in our hearts forever."
Her children and co-directors of the Annenberg Foundation, Lauren Bon, Gregory Weingarten and Charles Weingarten, released a statement saying their mother's generosity will lift people up for "many generations to come."
"To the public, she was a dynamic force in philanthropy, to us, she was a mother, grandmother, friend, mentor, and a force of nature whose life and family remain committed to honoring public service," the statement said.
Her name adorns institutions across the Los Angeles area, including the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Science Center, the Wallis Annenberg GenSpace senior center and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the world's largest bridge for animals on the move, will open next year over an LA freeway.
Mayor Karen Bass said Annenberg's passing affects more than just LA. Bass said that her impact helped transform the city in "profound and lasting ways."
"Put simply — Los Angeles is stronger because of her," Bass said. "Her legacy of generosity will live on forever through the many lives changed by her service. My thoughts are with the Annenberg family during this difficult time."
During her 16-year tenure as president and chief executive of the Annenberg Foundation, the nonprofit organization has donated about $1.5 billion to thousands of organizations in Southern California, the Times reported.
Under Wallis Annenberg's leadership, the foundation expanded its philanthropic scope beyond media, arts and education to include animal welfare, environmental conservation and healthcare.
Gov. Gavin Newsom also released a statement saying she was a "visionary who believed not just in a better world but a kinder one."
He added that she was committed to helping people connect with each other and her work helepd fund medical research, economic development and environmental protection.
"California is better for all that she did, and for her enormous heart and unbelievable generosity," Newsom said. "Jen and I join all those mourning this remarkable woman, but know that her legacy is carried on by her family, the work she accomplished, and the people she empowered to create a better world."
Her father, Walter Annenberg, started the foundation after selling his publishing empire, including TV Guide and other publications, in 1989 to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Walter Annenberg died in 2002.
Wallis Annenberg was a longtime board member of LA's Museum of Contemporary Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA. In 2002, she gave $10 million to endow LACMA's director position.
"Wallis Annenberg blessed the Los Angeles community not only with her philanthropy, but also with her guidance about how to improve our community," said LACMA Chief Executive Michael Govan, who filled that endowed position in 2006.
Born in Philadelphia, she moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s after marrying neurosurgeon Seth Weingarten. The couple divorced in 1975.
Wallis Annenberg received the 2022 National Humanities Medal from President Joe Biden for her life in philanthropy.
She is survived by four children and five grandchildren.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The 8 Best Pantry Staples for Better Blood Sugar, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDNKey Points A well-stocked pantry makes preparing nutritious, blood sugar–friendly meals easier. Dietitians suggest filling your pantry with foods rich in fiber, healthy fats and protein. Blood sugar–balancing nuts, oats, sorghum and canned fish and beans are top any dietitian and they'll tell you that the secret to creating nutritious, healthy meals is a well-stocked pantry. But when you're living with diabetes, filling your pantry with the right foods has an added advantage: better blood sugar management. Of course, there are lots of healthy pantry staples to choose from. To find the best ones, we asked dietitians to share their go-to pantry essentials for quick, delicious, blood sugar–friendly meals. Here are their top picks. 1. Chia Seeds If you love chia pudding, we have happy news for you. Those little seeds are great for managing your blood sugar. Just 1 ounce of chia seeds provides an impressive 10 grams of blood sugar–leveling fiber. What makes the fiber in chia seeds so special? When you toss chia seeds in, say, some chia pudding or overnight oats, their fiber soaks up the liquid from the recipe's almond or soy milk and forms a slick gel. 'Sticky chia seed gel glides through the digestive tract, helping to slow the release of blood sugar into the bloodstream,' says Sheri Gaw, RDN, CDCES. 2. Canned Fish Canned fish aren't just budget-friendly and convenient. They're also a handy addition to blood sugar–balancing meals. Canned tuna, salmon, mackerel and sardines are all good sources of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Research has found that these beneficial fats may improve blood sugar control and heart health and reduce inflammation. Since having diabetes increases the risk of developing heart disease, keeping a few cans of fatty fish in your pantry is a double win for your health (the American Diabetes Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice weekly). If all that weren't enough, canned fish are also a convenient source of protein, another nutrient that helps balance blood sugar. 3. Almond Flour Just because you're living with diabetes doesn't mean you can't enjoy a slice of home-baked cake or a warm batch of muffins. If you love baking but don't love all the carbs that come along with it, give almond flour a try. This nutty flour can help cut carbs while pumping up blood sugar–stabilizing fiber and protein, says Megan Warnke, RDN, CDCES. Swap it in for all or part of the white or whole-wheat flour you'd usually use in muffins, pancakes, quiche crust or for breading chicken, she says. 4. Canned Legumes Canned legumes, like beans, chickpeas and lentils, are one of the few foods that give you a healthy dose of blood sugar–regulating protein and fiber. That may be why a systematic review study linked frequent legume consumption to lower fasting blood glucose and A1C in people with diabetes. Plus, legumes contain almost no saturated fat and are cholesterol-free, making them a boon for heart health, too. While all legumes are an excellent choice, Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, is particularly fond of lentils because they're so versatile. 'You can enjoy them in a variety of ways, including dips, soups, salads or wraps,' she says. 5. Cinnamon Don't overlook the spices in your pantry. They're filled with antioxidants, especially cinnamon. 'Cinnamon is an antioxidant-rich, naturally sweet, yet sugarless pantry staple that may help lower blood sugar levels,' says Gaw. Some studies have even shown that cinnamon supplements may lower fasting blood glucose and A1C. However, it's important to note that the amount of cinnamon used in these studies is far more than you'd typically eat. So, think of the cinnamon you add to your food as a little bonus. 6. Nuts Stocking your pantry with a variety of unsalted nuts means you'll always have healthy, low-carb snacks within reach. Just one small handful of nuts provides everything from plant-based protein and fiber to heart-friendly fats, plus a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. All of these work together to support healthier blood glucose. Nuts are so beneficial for blood sugar management that research has found that people who regularly eat nuts may be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. One reason may be their duo of fiber and protein, which slows down glucose absorption, promoting more stable blood sugar levels. In addition, nuts' healthy fats may also keep your heart health in check. While all nuts can be helpful, the research on walnuts and diabetes is particularly encouraging. For example, one study found that walnut eaters tended to have lower fasting glucose, triglycerides and blood pressure. 7. Oats Whole grains are rich in fiber, which slows carbohydrate digestion and absorption. However, if you want a whole grain that's been shown to help manage blood sugar and keep your heart healthy, oats check both boxes. Oats are rich in a unique fiber called beta-glucan that helps whisk cholesterol out of your body. In addition to protecting against heart disease and stroke, research has shown a link between frequent oat consumption and lower odds of developing type 2 diabetes. 8. Sorghum Looking to expand your whole-grain rotation? Give sorghum a try. 'Sorghum is a natural source of fiber, a key nutrient that research shows can contribute to a healthy body weight and weight management,' says Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LDN. That's not all. Sorghum is higher in slowly digested resistant starch than other whole grains, so it's less likely to spike your blood sugar. It's also gluten-free, which can be a big bonus for people living with both type 1 diabetes and celiac disease (these conditions often travel together). So, give sorghum a try! While you can always enjoy it as a side dish on its own, Manaker also recommends popping it, like popcorn, for a crunchy, satisfying snack or experimenting with ground sorghum flour in baked goods. Tips to Select Diabetes-Friendly Pantry Staples When you're food shopping, these dietitian-approved tips can help you choose even more pantry staples to help manage blood sugar. Keep Fiber in Mind: Fiber is your friend for keeping blood glucose on an even keel. 'Always take a peek at the fiber content on your nutrition labels,' says Warnke. Whether that's cereal, flour, rice, bread or pasta, comparing labels and brands can help you make the best choice. Beware of Added Sugars: You probably already know that soda, sweet tea, cookies and candy are loaded with added sugars. Added sugars can also hang out in less-obvious foods, like cereal, bread and pasta sauce. While you're scanning the nutrition label for fiber, check out added sugars. Choose Heart-Healthy Fats: Most of us eat too much saturated fat, yet not enough heart-healthy unsaturated fats. You can balance out the saturated fat in your meals by choosing foods rich in unsaturated fats, like nuts, seeds and olive oil, more often, says Gaw. Don't Overlook Canned Produce: Canned fruits and veggies can be packed with nutrition. Since they're pre-prepped, there's no peeling, slicing or dicing, so they're also huge time-savers. You just need to be a little savvy when choosing which ones to buy. 'Canned fruits and veggies are the most diabetes-friendly when they are packed in juice instead of syrup or contain no added salt,' says Gaw. Our Expert Take Creating blood sugar–friendly meals doesn't have to be time-consuming or overwhelming. The key to making nutritious meals come together quickly and easily is stocking your pantry with the right staples. For better blood sugar, dietitians recommend reaching for nuts, chia seeds, oats, sorghum, almond flour, cinnamon and canned fish and legumes. They're convenient, tasty and rich in blood sugar–stabilizing fiber, protein and healthy fats. So, add them to your shopping list today. Next time dinner rolls around, you'll be so glad you did! Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
FIRST ON CNN: Fighting early-stage Alzheimer's with intensive lifestyle changes works, study finds
As her memory faded from Alzheimer's disease in her late 50s, Tammy Maida began to lose track of her life. Car keys, eyeglasses and her purse disappeared multiple times a day. Key characters in novels she was reading were forgotten. Groceries were left in the garage. Keeping the books for the family's businesses became impossible. 'I honestly thought I was losing my mind, and the fear of losing my mind was frightening,' Maida told CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta in the 2024 CNN documentary 'The Last Alzheimer's Patient.' After 20 weeks in a randomized clinical trial designed to drastically change her diet, exercise, stress levels and social interactions, Maida's cognition improved. She was able to read and recall novels and correctly balance spreadsheets again. A blood test even found levels of amyloid, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, were retreating in her brain, according to the study published in June 2024. 'I'm coming back. It was really good — like I was prior to the disease being diagnosed,' Maida, now 68, told a researcher on the study. 'An older but better version of me.' Maida's cognition showed additional improvement, however, after she completed a total of 40 weeks of intensive lifestyle changes, said principal investigator Dr. Dean Ornish, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, and creator of the Ornish diet and lifestyle medicine program. Ornish gave a study update on Tuesday at the 2025 Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Toronto. While not everyone in the 26-person interventional group benefited, 46% showed improvement in three of four standardized tests, he said, including one that measures changes in memory, judgment and problem-solving as well as the ability to function at home, practice hobbies and practice personal hygiene. 'An additional 37.5% of people showed no decline in cognition during those 40 weeks,' Ornish said. 'Thus, over 83% of patients improved or maintained their cognition during the five-month program.' The new findings mirrored those of other studies on lifestyle interventions, he said, including the recent US POINTER study, the largest clinical trial in the United States to test moderate lifestyle interventions over two years in people who are at risk but do not yet have Alzheimer's disease. 'Our study complements these findings by showing, for the first time, that more intensive lifestyle changes may often stop or even begin to reverse the decline in cognition in many of those who already have Alzheimer's disease, and these improvements often continue over a longer period of time,' Ornish told CNN. And unlike available medications for Alzheimer's, he added, lifestyle changes have no side effects, such as bleeding and swelling in the brain that may occur with the newest class of drugs. EmblemHealth, a New York-based insurance company, announced Tuesday that it will be the first health insurer to cover the Ornish lifestyle medicine program for patients who have early-stage Alzheimer's disease. 'Eat well, move more, stress less and love more' The lifestyle intervention Ornish created — which he calls 'eat well, move more, stress less and love more' — has been tested before. In 1990, Ornish showed for the first time in a randomized clinical trial that coronary artery disease could often be reversed with nothing more than diet, exercise, stress reduction and social support. The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, declared in 2010 that Ornish's program for reversing heart disease was an 'intensive cardiac rehabilitation' and that it would be eligible for reimbursement under Medicare. Additional research has shown the same four-part program can lower blood sugars and heart disease risk in patients with diabetes, reduce prostate cancer cell growth, improve depression and even lengthen telomeres, the protective caps of chromosomes that are worn away by aging. During the Ornish intervention, one group of people consumed a strict vegan diet, did daily aerobic exercise, practiced stress reduction and engaged in online support groups. The rest of the participants were in a control group and were asked to not make any changes in their daily habits. Therapists led hour-long group sessions three times a week in which participants were encouraged to share their feelings and ask for support. Meditation, deep breathing, yoga and other ways to reduce stress took up another hour every day. The program also encouraged participants to prioritize good-quality sleep. Supplements were provided to everyone in the intervention group, including a daily multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acids with curcumin, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and B12, magnesium, a probiotic, and Lion's mane mushroom. In addition to online strength training led by a physical trainer, people in the intervention attended hour-long video classes on vegan nutrition hosted by a dietitian. Then, to ensure a vegan diet was followed, all meals and snacks for both participants and their partners were delivered to their homes. Complex carbs found in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, tofu, nuts and seeds made up most of the diet. Sugar, alcohol and refined carbs found in processed and ultraprocessed foods were taboo. While calories were unrestricted, protein and total fat made up only some 18% of the daily caloric intake — far less than the typical protein intake by the average American, Ornish said. Working harder pays off People in the intervention group who put the most effort into changing their lifestyle have the most improvement in their cognition, said Ornish, founder and president of the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute and coauthor of 'Undo It! How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases.' 'There was a statistically significant dose-response relationship between the degree of adherence to our lifestyle changes and the degree of improvement we saw on measures of cognition,' Ornish said. The 25 people in the study's original 20-week control group — who did not receive the intervention — had shown further cognitive decline during the program. They were later allowed to join the intervention for 40 weeks and significantly improved their cognitive scores during that time, Ornish said. It all makes sense, said co-senior study author Rudy Tanzi, an Alzheimer's researcher and professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School in Boston. 'If you picture a brain full of damage as a sink full of water, when you just turn off the tap, it takes a long time for that sink to slowly drain, right?' Tanzi told CNN in 2024. 'If you want the amyloid to go down in 20 weeks, as we found on one blood test, you're going to need a Roto-Rooter.' Additional blood testing may offer insights In the 2024 study, a blood test called plasma Aβ42/40 showed a significant improvement in the original intervention group. Aβ42/40 measures the level of amyloid in the blood, a key symptom of Alzheimer's. Tests that measure amyloid in different ways, however, did not show improvement, Dr. Suzanne Schindler, an associate professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis who specializes in blood biomarkers told CNN at the time. There was no significant change in a test for amyloid called p-tau 181, considered to be a superior measure of Alzheimer's risk, said Schindler, who was not involved in the study. Nor was there any change in glial fibrillary acidic protein, or GFAP, another blood biomarker that seems to correlate reasonably well with Alzheimer's disease. 'If one of these markers improves, you typically see all of them improve, so the fact they did not makes me wonder whether this effect is real,' Schindler said. 'If they were to repeat the study with a much larger population for a longer period of time, perhaps more change could be seen.' Over the complete 40-week program, however, a number of people in the intervention group did continue to improve their Aβ42/40 scores, according to the study update. 'Changes in amyloid — as measured as the plasma Aβ42/40 ratio — occur before changes in tau markers such as p-tau 218, so this is not surprising after only 40 weeks,' Ornish said. For Ornish, who has watched members of his family die from Alzheimer's disease, the study's results are important for one key reason — hope. 'So often when people get a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's, they are told by their doctors that there is no future, 'It's only going to get worse, get your affairs in order.' That's horrible news and is almost self-fulfilling,' Ornish said. 'Our new findings empower patients who have early-stage Alzheimer's disease with the knowledge that if they make and maintain these intensive lifestyle changes, there is a reasonably good chance that they may slow the progression of the disease and often even improve it,' he said. 'Our study needs to be replicated with larger, more diverse groups of patients to make it more generalizable,' Ornish said. 'But the findings we reported today are giving many people new hope and new choices — and the only side effects are good ones.' Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
I'm a mom and a dietitian — these are my top picks for the best kids' multivitamins
Feeding kids can feel like a full-time job. One day they're happily dipping carrot sticks into ranch dressing and the next they're surviving on snack pouches and air. Good nutrition in these early years is crucial for supporting your child's brain and physical development. It may even reduce their risk of chronic conditions later in life. While not every kid needs one, the best multivitamin for kids can help fill in the gaps and support your child's growing body. "I think of multivitamins as a little insurance policy for days when meals don't go as planned, because let's face it, that happens," says pediatric dietitian and lactation consultant Brittany Brown, adding, "While they can help fill small gaps, they're not a replacement for colorful fruits, veggies and family meals around the table." According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most healthy kids don't need a daily multivitamin. The best way to know if your child could benefit from one? Talk with your pediatrician. They can help you figure out if your child has any nutrient gaps, and may even recommend lab work to check for deficiencies. "Common signs of possible nutrient deficiencies in kids include things like pale skin, low energy, mood changes, constipation, brittle nails or hair, stunted growth or delays in development," says says Alicia Miller, a pediatric nutrition specialist. Miller adds that a multivitamin may also be necessary if your little one is super picky, has feeding challenges or follows a more limited diet, like a vegan or vegetarian diet. As a registered dietitian and a mom to two little ones, I get how challenging it can be to juggle work, kids' ever-changing food preferences and finding the time to plan, shop and cook healthy meals. I also know just how overwhelming the supplement aisle can be. That's why I personally reviewed 20 multivitamins for kids, narrowing it down to 12 top picks based on key criteria like nutritional quality, third-party testing, added sugar content and use of artificial additives, like dyes. Each supplement was evaluated through both my professional lens as a dietitian and my real-life perspective as a parent — and every one earned the seal of approval from my very honest 4-year-old taste tester. Keep reading to see which multis made the final cut and are worth talking to your pediatrician about. Table of contents Best overall multivitamin for kids More multivitamins for kids we like in 2025 Types of vitamins for kids Factors to consider when shopping for multivitamins for kids How we chose Other multivitamins for kids we tested FAQs Meet our experts A note on supplements The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Best overall multivitamin for kids (back to top) More multivitamins for kids we like in 2025 (back to top) Types of kids' multivitamins Text Gummy: Perhaps the most popular option, gummy vitamins have kid-appeal thanks to their sweet taste and chewy texture. They can be a good option for kids who dislike or have difficulty taking chewable vitamins. Other than safety concerns around overconsumption, the main drawbacks are these vitamins are often high in added sugar and aren't vegan-friendly. They also tend to contain few minerals, which may be a pro or con, depending on your child's needs. Chewable or dissolvable tablets: Chewable and dissolvable tablets are typically lower in added sugar than gummies and tend to have more comprehensive formulations. The downsides? They're often chalky and not always a hit with kids. Liquid: Liquid kids' multivitamins are typically either flavored and administered via a measuring spoon or cup, or unflavored and stirred into a cool food or beverage. They may be a better choice for younger kids or those who dislike taking other supplement forms. However, many liquid products have a shorter shelf-life and can have a strong taste or thick, syrupy texture that kids might not like. Powder: Powder multivitamins are similar to liquid ones in that they can be stirred into a cool food or beverage, making them handy for picky eaters or younger kids. However, depending on the powder, it may alter the taste of the food or beverage you add it to. These products also tend to be pricier and harder to find. Soft gel: For older kids and teens, a swallowable soft gel may be worth considering. Similar to an adult multivitamin, soft gel formulations are typically readily absorbed, free of added sugar and offer a comprehensive nutrient lineup. These products aren't suitable for younger kids who are unable to swallow pills. Organic: Some kids' multivitamins are made with vitamins and minerals sourced from organic, whole foods rather than synthetic ingredients. While there's no clear consensus on which is better, limited research suggests that whole food–derived nutrients may be easier for the body to digest and absorb. That said, these types of multivitamins are often more expensive. Whether they're the right choice for your family comes down to your personal preferences and budget. (back to top) Factors to consider when shopping for multivitamins for kids Once you and your pediatrician have determined that your child might benefit from a multivitamin, the next step is deciding which product to buy. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind while browsing the supplement aisle: Age-appropriate formulation: "Be sure the multivitamin is formulated for children, as their nutrient needs differ from those of adults. The doses are lower in a kid's multivitamin," says Hill. This is by far the most important factor to consider when shopping. Also, keep in mind that not all children's vitamins are appropriate for all ages. If you have a toddler, be especially careful to check the label and make sure the product is safe and suitable for their age group. Included nutrients: The nutrients to look for in a multivitamin really depend on your child's diet and whether they've been found to be low or deficient in specific areas. That said, there are a few key nutrients that are generally good to look for in a kids' multivitamin. "Calcium, vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 (especially for vegetarian or vegan children) and zinc are some important ones to consider," says Ellis. Nutrient amounts: Equally important as which nutrients are included in a multivitamin is how much of each is provided. With the exception of vitamin D, I generally recommend choosing multivitamins that contain less than 100% of the DV for most nutrients. Unless your child has a diagnosed deficiency, they likely don't need high doses — and in some cases, too much of certain nutrients can actually do more harm than good. Form: "When choosing a multivitamin for kids, one key factor to consider is the form. Young children may not be able to swallow tablets, so chewables, powders or liquids may be more appropriate. Gummy vitamins are quite popular, but it is important to use caution with these and store them out of reach as they look and taste like candy," says Ellis. Ultimately, the best form is the one your child can take safely. Sweeteners: Ideally, look for products with no more than 2 grams of added sugar per serving. Some products use natural sugar substitutes, like monk fruit, or artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, to add sweetness without added sugar. While generally well-tolerated, some artificial sweeteners can cause digestive side effects, like bloating, and kids may not always like the taste or aftertaste of sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia. Colors and flavors: When possible, opt for products that are naturally colored and sweetened using ingredients like fruit or vegetable juice. Allergies: If your child has a food allergy, it's important to choose a supplement that's free of the allergen and ideally made in an allergen-free facility. This helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination and gives you extra peace of mind. Third-party testing: To make sure your child's multivitamin actually contains the nutrients listed on the label — and is free from contaminants like heavy metals — look for products that are tested for purity and potency. Ideally, choose ones that are certified by trusted third-party organizations such as NSF or USP. Value: There are kids' multivitamins available at a range of prices. Choose a product that doesn't sacrifice on quality but still fits your budget. (back to top) How we chose To help you make an informed decision for your child, I drew from my experience as a mom and registered dietitian — along with insights from four pediatric dietitians. Combining expert guidance with years of reviewing supplements, I carefully evaluated 20 kids' multivitamins and personally tested 12 of them with the help of my own two little ones (a toddler and a preschooler). I considered everything from ingredient quality and nutrient content to taste, added sugar and how easy they are for kids to take. The result? A list of dietitian-approved multivitamins that kids will actually take. (back to top) Other multivitamins for kids we tested In my search for the best multivitamins for kids, six products didn't quite make the final cut, but that doesn't mean they're not worth considering. Depending on your child's specific needs or preferences, one of these runner-ups may still be a great fit. Here's a closer look at the other contenders: EllaOlla Kids' Essential Multivitamin: EllaOlla stands out from other vitamin brands with its line of toddler- and kid-friendly vitamin powders — a unique option for families looking to avoid gummies or pills. It was one of Ellis's top picks for its "good variety of key vitamins and minerals" and how easily it mixes into a range of foods. I was genuinely impressed by how truly tasteless and undetectable it was when I stirred it into my son's overnight oats. That said, there were a couple of drawbacks. Since my son rarely finishes an entire meal or drink in one sitting, I couldn't be sure how much of the nutrients he actually consumed. It's also on the pricier side, at $49 for 30 servings. Nordic Naturals Nordic Berries: Nordic Naturals is one of my go-to supplement brands, thanks to its use of third-party testing and commitment to transparency — it's one of the few companies that makes its testing results easily accessible online. Its Nordic Berries gummy is also one of the most comprehensive kids multivitamins I've come across. I especially appreciate that it includes choline, a nutrient that plays a key role in brain development and isn't found in many children's multis. My son loved the taste — he said it reminded him of orange juice — but one major drawback is the sugar content. With 8 grams of added sugar per 4-gummy serving, it's one of the highest-sugar options out there, which may be a deal breaker for some families. OLLY Kids Multi Gummy Worms: These gummy worm-shaped gummies were a close contender for our "best gummy" pick. These gummies are naturally flavored and colored, third-party tested for purity and potency, contain just 2 grams of added sugar and offer a good variety of vitamins and minerals. The biggest difference between it and SmartyPants is OLLY's kids' vitamin doesn't include omega-3s. However, for kids who eat fish regularly, these gummy worms may be a better pick. Flintstones Complete Chewable: Considered the OG kids' multivitamin by many parents, Flintstones Vitamins are still going strong and now come in both gummy and chewable options. Since I had already tested several gummies, I went with the Complete Chewable. The classic chalky texture from my own childhood is still there, though the taste was a bit more sour than I remembered. My son didn't seem to mind, but the flavor might be off-putting for some kids. Nutritionally, it's a comprehensive formula, with many vitamins present at 100% of the DV, making it a better fit for kids with very limited diets or those needing extra support. However, it does contain artificial ingredients, including food dyes, which may be a dealbreaker for some families. Li'l Critters Gummy Vites: It's clear why this multivitamin is so popular on Amazon: It's affordable, and the gummy bear shape and sweet taste is sure to be a hit with kids — though my toddler found them too sticky for his taste. As with many other gummy vitamins, it doesn't contain many minerals and isn't suitable for vegan diets. Unlike Nature Made Kids' multivitamin, Li'l Critters doesn't contain omega-3s and isn't third-party tested for purity and potency. Zarbee's Complete Kids Multivitamin Gummies + Immune Support: This honey-sweetened multivitamin is unique in that it contains black elderberry extract, which may help support your child's immune system and prevent or shorten the duration of respiratory illnesses, though more research is needed. Suitable for kids ages 2 to 12, it provides a good range of vitamins, though doesn't contain many minerals. It's free of artificial dyes, flavors and sweeteners and contains 1 gram of added sugar per gummy. It's also third-party tested for label accuracy. The biggest drawback is the taste, which my son said was too tart. (back to top) FAQs Are kids' multivitamins worth it? It depends. Most healthy kids who generally eat a balanced diet don't need to take a multivitamin daily. Instead, they might benefit from a multivitamin on days when their appetite is low or during periods of extreme pickiness. Some multivitamins contain smaller amounts of key nutrients and could be helpful for simply bridging gaps in your child's diet. That said, multivitamins can be helpful for ensuring adequate nutrient intake in kids who are at risk for nutrient inadequacies or deficiencies. "Some signs that suggest a child may benefit from a multivitamin include noticeable changes in energy or focus, ongoing fatigue, growth concerns or frequent illness. Additionally, if a child has a very limited diet or is consistently excluding entire food groups over a long period of time, a multivitamin may be helpful. If there are any concerns about nutrient gaps or growth, it's always best to consult with your child's healthcare provider to determine the root cause and appropriate supplementation," says Ellis. Can kids' multivitamins cause constipation? Yes, some nutrients, especially iron and calcium, can be constipating in some kids. If your child has fewer than three bowel movements in a week, it's best to talk with a pediatrician or registered dietitian to determine the root cause. Are kids multivitamin HSA/FSA eligible? Most over-the-counter kids' supplements are not HSA or FSA eligible, unless prescribed by a pediatrician. That said, eligibility requirements vary, so it's worth double checking with your HSA or FSA plan provider What is the best multivitamin for kids with ADHD? The best multivitamin for kids with ADHD depends on your child's diet. Research on supplements to help manage ADHD symptoms in kids is limited. That said, being low in certain nutrients, including vitamin D, zinc and iron may worsen or contribute to ADHD symptoms. Avoiding products that are high in added sugar or that contain artificial food dyes may also help, though larger, higher-quality studies are needed. Hiya may be a good option for kids with ADHD as it contains zinc and vitamin D, plus it's free of artificial dyes and added sugar. For an iron-containing supplement, Renzo's Picky Eater may be worth considering. Ultimately, it's best to talk with your pediatrician to determine the right supplement for your kid. (back to top) Meet our experts Brittany Brown, RD, CDE, a pediatric dietitian and lactation consultant in Nova Scotia, Canada Alicia Miller, MS, RD, LDN, maternal and pediatric nutrition specialist Yvette Hill, RDN, board-certified lactation consultant and pediatric food allergy specialist Ali Ellis, MS, RD, pediatric dietitian and founder of the Toddler Kitchen (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
