There Are Better Barnacles Under the Sea Than Centrum Kids SpongeBob Squarepants Complete Multivitamins

Centrum advertises the Centrum Kids SpongeBob Squarepants Complete Chewable Multivitamin Supplement as a supplement that provides children with more vitamins and minerals to help support growth than other leading brands.

PERSONAL REVIEW:

When my middle son had his health physical for Kindergarten, we found out he is a little low on iron and our doctor recommended that he start taking a multi-vitamin with iron. This began our quest for a daily supplement that would appeal to a six year old.

We first considered the "gummy" alternatives and decided we didn't want our child to associate vitamins with candy as accidental overdoses can poison children under six. Although we monitor use and the caps come with protective seals, we still try to exercise as much caution as possible.

After the gummy vitamins were ruled out, I began to research chewable character vitamins next. The Centrum Kids SpongeBob Squarepants Complete Chewable Multivitamin Supplement looked to be a decent option. A reliable brand with a character my son liked, I figured they'd be a hit.

Instead, I struck out. The first day I asked my son to take the vitamin, he showed enthusiasm for the novelty of it and the characters imprinted on the vitamin, but the minute he tasted them, his face contorted into a show of distain, not joy.

I thought, "well, this is his first vitamin, he might need to get used to the taste." So, I continued the regimen for several days until it was obvious that even the thought of the taste of the vitamins made him cringe.

Could they really be that bad? Yes.

I tried one myself to prove to him that they were okay, and I couldn't be more wrong. The vitamins have a bitter, sour, chalky taste with only an elusive trace of fruity flavor. Yikk.

ALLERGY ALERT:

If you have allergies, this product contains aspartame.

AVERAGE COST:

Available pill form, the cost per bottle ranges from $5 to $8.

SUGGESTED USE:

Children 2 and 3 years of age, chew approximately ½ tablet daily with food. Children 4 years of age and older, chew 1 tablet daily with food. Not formulated for use in children less than 2 years of age.

This vitamin comes with a child resistant cap and contains a warning: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or PoisonControlCenter immediately.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

If you are looking for a children's chewable vitamin with a fun character and well-rounded list of vitamins and minerals, this is a good product to consider. If you are looking for a vitamin that has a good taste, this is not the best choice.