The Definitive Guide on Who Should Take Multivitamin Drops

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one-third of all adults and a quarter of adolescents in the U.S. take multivitamins, but the liquid format targets more specific needs. Understanding who should take multivitamin drops is crucial for effective supplementation, especially for those with unique absorption challenges or life stages.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the key demographic groups and medical conditions that warrant the use of multivitamin drops, highlighting their advantages over other supplement forms.

Key Points

Infants and Toddlers: Drops are an ideal supplement source for babies, especially those who are breastfed, to provide crucial vitamin D and other nutrients.
Picky Eaters: For children with limited diets, multivitamin drops can effectively fill nutritional gaps and help ensure proper growth and development.
Malabsorption Conditions: Individuals with digestive issues or post-surgical patients benefit from the high bioavailability and rapid absorption of liquid drops.
Better Absorption: The liquid format often allows for faster and more efficient absorption of nutrients compared to traditional pills or tablets.
Easy Dosage Control: Multivitamin drops offer highly customizable dosing, which is particularly useful for infants and for addressing specific deficiencies.
Targeted Use: Drops are most beneficial for targeted groups with specific needs rather than a universal solution for all healthy adults.

Who Needs Multivitamin Drops? Addressing Specific Nutritional Needs

While a balanced diet is always the best source of nutrients, some individuals face challenges that prevent them from absorbing or consuming adequate vitamins and minerals. Multivitamin drops offer a highly absorbable and customizable solution for these specific populations. Their liquid formulation is often easier for the body to process and for individuals with difficulty swallowing to take. Below, we delve into the key groups who can benefit most from this form of supplementation.

Infants and Toddlers

For infants and young children, multivitamin drops are often the most practical way to ensure they receive essential nutrients during a period of rapid development. The NHS recommends that all children aged 6 months to 5 years take daily vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C, and D.

Exclusively or Partially Breastfed Infants: Breast milk contains only a small amount of vitamin D, making supplementation necessary to support bone and tooth development. In some cases, a vitamin B12 supplement may also be needed if the mother's B12 status is inadequate, such as in vegan diets.
Formula-Fed Infants: If a formula-fed infant is consuming less than 1 litre (about 1 quart) of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk per day, a vitamin D supplement is also recommended.
Infants Transitioning to Solid Foods: Around 4-6 months, as infants start transitioning to solids, a multivitamin with iron may be beneficial, as recommended by some healthcare providers, to ensure they get a full range of vitamins and minerals.

Individuals with Nutrient Deficiencies

Multivitamin drops can be a targeted solution for people with diagnosed vitamin deficiencies resulting from poor nutrition, illness, or other factors. A healthcare provider's guidance is essential to determine the correct dosage and formulation.

Older Adults: As people age, their ability to absorb certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, can decrease due to reduced stomach acidity. A daily multivitamin drop can help ensure adequate intake, especially if a poor appetite or limited diet is also a factor.
Vegans and Vegetarians: Plant-based diets can sometimes be low in vitamin B12 (found primarily in animal products), as well as iron, zinc, and other key nutrients. Multivitamin drops can fill these dietary gaps effectively.
Pregnant Women: Prenatal multivitamin drops are specifically formulated to provide higher levels of essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and iodine, which are crucial for the baby's healthy development.

Picky Eaters and Restricted Diets

For both children and adults with restrictive or selective diets, drops offer a convenient way to ensure they are not missing out on vital nutrients that support growth, energy, and immunity. The liquid form can often be mixed into food or beverages, making it a low-stress option.

Children: Many children are fussy eaters, leading to low intake of important vitamins like A and D. Drops can help safeguard their intake without the battle of swallowing pills or gummies loaded with sugar.
Limited Variety Diets: Individuals who limit their food intake for weight loss or other reasons may consume less than 1,600 calories per day, potentially leading to nutrient shortfalls. Multivitamin drops can provide a safety net for these situations.

Malabsorption Issues

For those with medical conditions that hinder the absorption of nutrients from food, multivitamin drops are often recommended because they bypass some of the digestive system's barriers. This includes individuals with:

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or cystic fibrosis can lead to nutrient malabsorption.
Post-Surgery Patients: Those who have undergone gastric bypass or other digestive tract surgeries may not be able to digest and absorb nutrients properly. Liquid supplements, especially with emulsified fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), can significantly enhance bioavailability.
Chronic Diarrhea: Persistent digestive issues can prevent the body from holding onto nutrients long enough to absorb them effectively.

Multivitamin Drops vs. Pills: A Comparison

The choice between liquid drops and traditional pills depends on several factors, including absorption efficiency, ease of consumption, and cost. Below is a comparison to help you decide which is right for your needs.


Feature	Multivitamin Drops	Multivitamin Pills/Tablets
Absorption Rate	Generally faster and more efficient, as nutrients are pre-dissolved.	Slower; requires digestion and breakdown of tablets.
Bioavailability	Potentially higher, meaning more nutrients reach the bloodstream.	Can be lower due to potential incomplete breakdown of the pill.
Ease of Use	Excellent for infants, young children, older adults, or anyone with difficulty swallowing.	Can be challenging for some individuals; size can be a factor.
Dosage Control	Customizable; easy to adjust the dose with a dropper.	Fixed dosage per pill; less flexible for specific needs.
Additives	Typically contain fewer fillers, binders, and coatings.	Often contain additives necessary for production.
Stability & Shelf-Life	Often shorter shelf life; may require refrigeration.	Longer shelf life; very stable and convenient for storage.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, multivitamin drops serve a distinct and important purpose for specific populations, particularly infants, young children, and individuals with diagnosed absorption issues or specific deficiencies. Their higher bioavailability, customizable dosing, and ease of ingestion make them a superior choice for these groups. However, drops are not a replacement for a healthy diet, and for the general population without specific deficiencies or absorption problems, a balanced intake of nutrients from whole foods remains the ideal path. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine if multivitamin drops are appropriate for your or your child's nutritional needs and to avoid excessive intake.

An excellent resource for learning more about multivitamin and mineral supplements is the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, they are not necessary for all infants. Exclusively breastfed infants need drops with vitamin D, as breast milk lacks sufficient amounts. Partially breastfed or formula-fed infants may need supplements if they don't consume enough vitamin D-fortified formula or milk.

Multivitamin drops can be given directly into the baby's mouth using the provided dropper. For older infants, they can also be mixed into a small amount of liquid or food, such as juice or applesauce.

Yes, for children with poor appetite or picky eating habits, multivitamin drops can help fill nutritional gaps. They act as a safeguard to ensure the child receives essential vitamins and minerals for growth and development.

Evidence suggests that liquid vitamins may be absorbed faster and more efficiently than pills because they are pre-dissolved and don't require the body to break them down before absorption.

Individuals with conditions like celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic diarrhea, or those who have had gastric bypass surgery may benefit from drops. Liquid formulations, especially emulsified ones for fat-soluble vitamins, can be more readily absorbed.

Yes, adults can take multivitamin drops. This is particularly beneficial for older adults with potential B12 absorption issues, vegans, and those who have difficulty swallowing pills.

When taken at the recommended dose, side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as stomach upset or diarrhea. However, excessive intake can be harmful, so following dosage instructions is crucial.