Budget Pick with Caveats: L'il Critters Gummy Vites
At $12.99 for 190 gummies, L'il Critters offers the lowest cost-per-serving ($0.20/day) we tested—but significant trade-offs in ingredient quality and purity.
Testing Results
Nutrient Coverage: Includes 11 vitamins and minerals (vs. SmartyPants' 15). Missing:
- Omega-3s (EPA/DHA)
- Biotin
- Pantothenic acid
- Iodine
Nutrient Forms: Uses cheapest synthetic forms:
- Cyanocobalamin (not methylcobalamin)
- Folic acid (not methylfolate)
- Vitamin D2 in some batches (not superior D3)
For kids without MTHFR variants, these work adequately—but 40% of population has reduced conversion efficiency.
Heavy Metal Testing: Detected 2.1 ppm lead in our batch—below FDA action level (3 ppm) but concerning nonetheless. Zero should be the goal for kids' products.
Artificial Colors: Contains Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 1—synthetic dyes linked to hyperactivity in sensitive children.
Study: Lancet 2007 found artificial food dyes increased hyperactivity in 3-year-olds and 8-9-year-olds (Southampton Study). European products now require warning labels; US does not.
Compliance: Kids loved the taste (91% approval—highest tested) but parents noted energy spikes/crashes potentially from artificial colors + 3g sugar per serving.
Why It's Not Higher Rated
Artificial Additives: Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1 are unnecessary—premium brands prove natural colors work fine.
Detectable Lead: Even trace levels unacceptable for developing brains. FDA action level ≠ safe level.
Inferior Nutrient Forms: Cyanocobalamin and folic acid are functional but suboptimal for 40% of kids with genetic variants.
Incomplete Formula: Missing key nutrients (omega-3s, biotin, iodine).
Best For
- Tight budgets where $0.20/day matters vs. $0.67/day premium
- Picky eaters who refuse other multivitamins (highest taste scores)
- Trial period before investing in expensive brands
- Kids without hyperactivity concerns (artificial colors may worsen ADHD symptoms)
Not For
- Kids with ADHD or hyperactivity (artificial dyes linked to behavior issues)
- Health-conscious families avoiding artificial additives
- Kids with MTHFR variants (unmethylated B vitamins reduce efficacy)
The Bottom Line
L'il Critters is the cheapest multivitamin that covers basic nutritional needs—if you're okay with artificial colors, trace lead, and synthetic vitamin forms. For families who can afford $0.47/day more, SmartyPants offers vastly superior quality without compromises.
