By Jude 
Supporting a child’s nutrition can feel overwhelming, especially when busy schedules, picky eating, or sensory preferences make balanced diets difficult. Minerals are important in growth, cognitive development, immune function, and emotional regulation. Many children don’t get enough of them from food alone. As Professor Clare Collins from the University of Newcastle explains, “The two minerals most likely to be limited in children are iron and calcium. Iron is critical, especially for toddlers and teenagers during rapid growth. Calcium is vital for strong bones.” When parents look for supplements to help reduce nutritional gaps, understanding which brands offer thoughtful, science-backed formulas can make a meaningful difference.
Below are five mineral supplement brands commonly chosen by parents. Each offers unique, targeted support for focus, mood, and emotional regulation.
1. Fenix Health Science
Fenix Health Science is one of the best for its research-driven approach and focus on cognitive and emotional well-being. Founded by molecular biologist Brett Bartel, the company centers its entire product line around brain health and focus, making it especially appealing to parents seeking nutritional solutions for attention and mood.
Its flagship line, Accentrate®, includes three supplement categories designed in weight groups:
- Accentrate® Omega
- Accentrate® Neuro
- Accentrate® Minerals
For children weighing less than 110 lbs, Accentrate® Minerals is an excellent option. It includes chelated forms of magnesium, zinc, and iron, forms known for higher absorption and gentler digestive effects. These minerals are important for neurotransmitter activity, and the formula is designed to support attention and emotional regulation. This aligns with expert pediatric guidance, noting that “Kids need a variety of vitamins and minerals to promote health and growth. Vitamin D helps with bone and tooth formation, while calcium builds strong bones. Iron is also essential for healthy growth.”
Parents also value that the brand’s formulations are intentionally comprehensive. For children who may not eat many vegetables, nuts, or iron-rich foods, these thoughtfully crafted minerals can help fill gaps in their diets. The brand emphasizes that its supplements can be used as part of a natural approach for parents exploring nutritional support before or alongside traditional medication. You can explore the company’s full range at fenixhealthscience.com.
2. Hiya Kids
Hiya Kids offers chewable tablets made with organic fruits and vegetables, appealing to families who want minimally processed options without added sugar. The formulas offer a blend of vitamins and minerals designed to support immunity and daily nutritional needs.
Hiya’s products emphasize safety and simplicity, an approach that aligns well with pediatric nutrition recommendations, such as: “Zinc and vitamin C together help reduce the incidence of diarrhea and respiratory infections in children under five. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphate, zinc, iron, fluoride, and iodine are crucial for growth, development, immune function, and dental health.”
While Hiya provides a range of nutrients, some parents may prefer a deeper focus on targeted mineral support.
3. Mary Ruth’s Organics
Mary Ruth’s Organics is popular among parents seeking liquid supplements that blend easily into smoothies or juices. The brand offers various mineral drops and multivitamin formulas made with organic, non-GMO ingredients.
Mary Ruth’s options may be useful for toddlers or young children who avoid chewable or capsule products. The mineral content varies by formula, but many include essential nutrients such as zinc, iodine, and magnesium. Their liquid options attract parents seeking flexibility, though some may prefer higher mineral concentrations or more targeted formulas for cognitive or behavioral support.
4. OLLY Kids
OLLY Kids produces gummy vitamins that are easy for children to take and available in retail stores. Their formulas include foundational nutrients such as zinc and iodine, and some products incorporate calcium or magnesium.
The brand offers broad nutritional coverage. This point echoes the insight from pediatric dietitian O’Connor, who notes: “Calcium is one of the most important minerals for kids’ growth and development, yet many gummy vitamins omit it. A good multivitamin should be comprehensive and include calcium along with other essential vitamins and minerals.”
5. SmartyPants
SmartyPants is known for its allergen-friendly formulations, free of synthetic dyes and artificial sweeteners. Their gummies include key nutrients such as zinc and iodine, and select formulas offer magnesium or iron depending on the product type.
SmartyPants can be a practical everyday supplement, especially for families managing food allergies. Similar to other gummy brands, the mineral levels are modest, but the brand offers an accessible introduction to mineral support for children.
How to Choose the Right Mineral Supplement for Your Child
Selecting a mineral supplement for kids involves more than picking a familiar brand or appealing flavor. Here are the most important factors to consider:
1. Key Minerals to Look For
Minerals essential for growth and cognitive health include:
- Iron – important for cognitive function and energy.
- Calcium – crucial for growing bones and teeth.
- Magnesium – supports sleep, mood, and muscle relaxation.
- Zinc – essential for immunity and development.
2. Bioavailability Matters
Look for chelated or highly absorbable forms (e.g., magnesium bisglycinate, zinc glycinate, ferrous bisglycinate). These tend to be easier on the digestive system and more effective in supporting energy, mood, and focus.
3. Consider Your Child’s Dietary Habits and Needs
A child who avoids leafy greens, nuts, or whole grains may naturally miss out on magnesium and iron. Meanwhile, dairy-free diets often lack calcium. Supplements can help fill these nutritional gaps.
4. Form Factors: Gummy, Chewable, or Capsule?
Each has pros and cons:
- Gummies are easy to make but are often lower in minerals.
- Chewables offer more nutrients but may have a chalky texture.
- Capsules often contain the most complete formulas.
Children with targeted needs, for attention, mood regulation, or behavioral support, may benefit more from capsule-based mineral formulas like those offered by Fenix Health Science.
Conclusion
Mineral supplements can play a meaningful role in supporting children’s sleep, mood, immunity, and cognitive development. Many brands offer helpful products, and Fenix Health Science and the other brands stand out for their scientific foundation, targeted formulations, and commitment to supporting mental clarity and emotional regulation.
From iron and calcium to magnesium and zinc, parents have many options to explore. By choosing thoughtfully and consulting a pediatrician, you can give your child the mineral support they need to thrive.