FAQ/COMMON CUSTOMER QUESTIONS

What is SmartyPants?

SmartyPants is a California-based company started by concerned parents and entrepreneurs who want to help their children live happy, healthy lives. SmartyPants focuses on brain health because a healthy child's brain is key to overall development, motor skills, learning, cognitive development, emotional development, memory & focus, and social well-being. SmartyPants believes, based on the latest medical science, that helping a child's brain develop is a combination of many factors, which we call the 3 Pillars of Brain Health nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle. SmartyPants empowers parents by providing information, tips, tools, and shareable content focused on the 3 Pillars that help parents raise healthy brains. And because nutrition is a key to having a healthy brain, SmartyPants offers the only all-in-one multivitamin gummy with the 100% recommended daily value of vitamin D and includes DHA to help parents with their picky eaters.

What is Brain health and can I really do anything to help my child's brain?

Yes, you can! As a parent, there is a great deal you can do to help your child's brain grow into a healthy, happy brain. Good brain health is key to a child's overall development, motor skills, learning, emotional and social well-being. If you make sure your child's brain gets proper nourishment and their bodies get the proper amount of exercise, and you spend time together as a family exploring the world then you are helping your child's brain.

What are the 3 Pillars of Brain Health?

The 3 Pillars of Brain Health represent a holistic, medically-based approach to brain development. The central idea is that there is no one thing that will help a child's brain optimally develop, but that doesn't mean that helping your child have a healthy brain has to be hard! Children need a combination of proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle management (such as getting enough sleep, varied mental stimulation, and healthy relationships.) You can learn more by visiting our Brain Food and Brain Play guides.

How are SmartyPants made?

SmartyPants are made in California from the highest quality ingredients, and according to Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP) safety standards. Our products are manufactured by Santa Cruz Nutritionals, a leading maker of gummies. We do not cut corners in sourcing or manufacturing our products because we believe in our mission of helping parents raise healthy brains. We make our vitamins and supplements safe for kids because our own kids take them! We do not use any artificial dyes or flavors. We ONLY use NATURAL colors and flavors from natural sources and organic cane sugar (artificial dyes have been linked to behavior issues in children, among other things). We source our Omega 3, DHA, and EPA from sustainable small fish sources that are eco-friendly and do not have the same sort of heavy metal mercury or PCB issues that larger fish sources, such as salmon and tuna, often do.

You can learn more about sustainable fish sources, heavy metal mercury, and PCB's by visiting our Tuna and Salmon pages in our BrainFood guide.

Where are SmartyPants Gummy Multi-Vitamins made and where do your ingredients come from?

SmartyPants is made in California at Santa Cruz Nutritionals and is free of the following allergens (click to see label). SmartyPants only uses the highest quality, GMP-certified ingredients to ensure purity and product safety. We use eco-friendly, tuna free, small-fish oil for our Omega 3, DHA, and EPA sources. And we use certified organic cane sugar as a sweetener.

Are SmartyPants safe?

Yes, SmartyPants are safe for your children. Our own children take SmartyPants so we would never want to give them- or any child- something unsafe. We only use the highest quality ingredients and intentionally do not include iron in our vitamins, as iron is a nutrient that can be lethal in children when taken in large doses. Our SmartyPants Gummy Multi-Vitamins exceed the already stringent safety standards established by Proposition 65 in the state of California which are the strictest in the USA. We are committed to children's health. We understand the concerns that parents have so we ran FDA compliance test using arms-length third-party labs to verify that our vitamins are safe and contaminant-free. We passed with flying colors. You can read more about our safety standards and partners here.

Does my child really need a multi-vitamin?

If your child eats a well-balanced diet on a more or less daily basis then your child is probably getting most of the nutrients they need from live food sources. However, if your child is not eating a substantial amount of wild, cold-water fish or flaxseed, and drinking 32 oz. of milk daily you may want to consider supplementing your child's diet with vitamin D, Omega 3, DHA, and EPA.

Some facts to think about when considering supplementing your child's diet: 92% of Americans are nutrient deficient in one or more nutrients which can lead to long-term mental and physical issues. Kids are especially vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies due in large part to poor diets (see the USDA Healthy Eating Index for more details on the troubling state of children's diets). Ideally, we would get all our nutrients from whole foods but, due to declining nutrient densities in most foods due to factory farming techniques, that is nearly impossible for most people. Consequently, the American Medical Association recommends a daily multivitamin for overall disease prevention. The University of Calgary links micronutrient deficiencies to mood and suggest supplementation as a way remedy mood disorders. So, in short, we at SmartyPants believe your children should get as many nutrients as possible by eating whole foods but that smart supplementation with quality vitamins may be advisable. We personally eat very healthy diets and also give our kids SmartyPants Gummy Multi-Vitamins to round out their nutrient intake.

Always consult your doctor before giving your child any supplements. We encourage you to print and share our label and share it with your Doctor to see how we measure up against other vitamins. Sign up for a free sample to see how your kids like the taste.

Do they need to take 4 gummies per day? Isn't that a lot of sugar?

To get the full nutrient load, we recommend you supplement your child's diet with 4 gummies per day. See "Do my kids really need a multi-vitamin?" when considering supplementation.

Regarding sugar, we debated a lot internally about how to sweeten our SmartyPants Gummy Multi-Vitamins and, on the advice of several prominent pediatricians, decided to use organic sugar (see following "Why Does SmartyPants use Organic Sugar?" below for details). We used as little as possible and a serving of SmartyPants Gummy Multi-Vitamins contains only 5 grams of sugar, making it incredibly nutrient dense when compared calorie for calorie. In comparison, an 8oz glass of pasteurized orange juice contains about 22 grams of sugar. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends no more than 32oz of sugar per day for a 2000 calorie/day diet. So, we recommend that you limit your child's sugar intake and make sure that when they are eating sugar, there are also nutrients with it.

Why does SmartyPants use organic sugar?

As parents, we know how challenging it can be to get a child to eat a healthy, well-balanced meal. Kids' taste buds are more sensitive than adults ones so many flavors taste bitter or unpalatable to kids, making kids notoriously picky eaters. Yet, we still want our kids to get all the nutrients they need. We knew that if we did not make our gummy vitamins taste good kids would simply not eat them, resulting in the parents having wasted money and the kids still not getting their vitamins. So, on the advice of leading pediatricians, we decided to sweeten our gummy with organic cane sugar because other synthetic sweeteners can have unknown, long-term health impacts. You can see here what kids have to say about the taste of our vitamins vs. other leading vitamins and fish oils.

Why does SmartyPants use DHA from small fish? Why is that oil more eco-friendly?

SmartyPants only uses the highest quality small-fish oil to get our Omega 3, DHA, and EPA. We use small fish because they are a better source of Omega 3's than vegetarian sources, which are harder for your body to process and lack EPA. Large fish sources can be both environmentally impactful to harvest and are more prone to being contaminated with heavy metal mercury or PCB. Our small fish sources are sustainably harvested and processed according to GMP standards.

Why does Smarty Pants contain a large dosage of vitamin B12?

SmartyPants contains 75mcg/ per serving of the most absorbable form of B12 called Methylcobalamin.

THE METHYL FORM of B12 is the preferred form for improved absorption. Methylcobalamin support the body's detoxification pathway called methylation and works together with folic acid in the synthesis of DNA and red blood cells.

B12 deficiency is an invisible epidemic especially with a picky eater. The Framingham study recently showed that over 40% of Americans of all ages, whether vegetarian or not have suboptimum levels of B12. Almost everyone is a risk for B12 deficiency. Traditionally B12 is used to treat pernicious anemia. B12 is also known as the energy vitamin, and it is critical for myelin formation, the protective insulation which surrounds nerve endings and helps the proper nerve conduction.

Without adequate B12 intake symptoms such as poor memory, mental fogginess, loss of motivation, muscle weakness, poor coordination can occur.

We have created the most nutritionally advanced Gummy vitamin with safety and efficacy in mind. Our moderately higher dosing is to insure adequate absorption of this essential vitamin.

It is the goal of Smarty Pants to provide the body and brain with the best micronutrients that are most bio-available.

There is no determined toxicity associated with higher intake of B12. There are no upper limits on B12 intake set by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Sciences.

In 2005 a clinician researcher named James Neubrander MD found remarkable effects from the usage of Methyl B12 in the treatment of autistic children.

He noted better speech, improved attention, and also better sleep patterns. The dosaging he used was significantly higher (64.5mcg/kg/wt) and the vitamin was injected intramuscularly, every 3rd day for several years without toxicity. A 6 year boy is approx 21kg and would take 21kg x 64.5mcg as a single dosing. This is a single dose shot of 1,354.5 mcg of MethylB12.

What is GMP?

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Processes. GMP is a voluntary quality standard that exceeds government safety requirements in manufacturing supplements. SmartyPants is committed to GMP quality and practices.

What are Brain Nutrients?

Brain nutrients are the key nutrients needed by the brain and body to help a child's brain develop optimally. Visit and share our Brain Nutrient Guide to learn more and help other parents get the information they need.

Is food a good source of all brain nutrients?

Most brain nutrients can be gotten thru a well-balanced diet high in veggies, preferably organic and heirloom stocks, and wild fish. You can read our BrainFood guide to find recipes using these nutrients. Whenever possible, SmartyPants recommends that children get their nutrients from whole food sources. Some brain and body nutrients are both difficult to get in food (vitamin D and Omega 3) and are chronically low in kids. To help ensure that children are getting all the nutrients they need many parents choose to give their child a vitamin to supplement their diet (see "Does my Child Need a Multi-Vitamin Supplement?" above). NOTE: giving a child a vitamin supplement is NOT an alternative to a healthy diet. Whenever possible, try to give your child healthy, organic whole foods and supplement as needed or recommended by your pediatrician.

What else can I do to help my child's brain?

As a parent, the best thing you can do to help your child's brain optimally develop is to teach them good nutritional habits, encourage them to actively play outside, and provide a loving home environment where they feel safe and get enough sleep. Those are the basics. SmartyPants can help you with information, tools, tips, and products to make your quest for your child's brain health a bit easier and a lot more fun.

How much does SmartyPants cost?

Our best value is a month's supply for $22.95, which includes 4 veggie dye based tattoos for your child and an arm band from Vitamin Angels in recognition that for every bottle you buy, we make sure 2 kids, most in need, get nutrients for a year. Learn more about our Gummy Multi-Vitamin and see purchase options.

How does SmartyPants compare to other kids' vitamins?

SmartyPants is the only all-in-one gummy multivitamin for kids that includes both 100% of the RDI for vitamin D as well as Omega 3, DHA, and EPA. Click here to see a video of how kids think we measure up and here to see our label.

SmartyPants is committed to children's health worldwide and, through our partnership with Vitamin Angels, we donate enough micronutrients to supply 2 children, most in need, for a year. See our Kid Counter to see how many kids we have helped. We use organic and eco-friendly ingredients and also donate a percentage of proceeds to Charity:water.

Who created SmartyPants and why?

SmartyPants was created by concerned parents and entrepreneurs in Los Angeles who are committed to their kids health and well-being. We focused on brain health because the brain is key to emotional and social well-being, cognitive development, learning, and motor skills. Also, we took a whole-body view of brain health so that both parents and kids can learn to help their brains and bodies be healthy.

What is Vitamin Angels?

Vitamin Angels is our 5 star-rated non-profit partner whose mission is to deliver vital micronutrients to children in the US and abroad. In 2009, Vitamin Angels delivered micronutrients to 10 million children. The goal of our partnership with Vitamin Angels is to deliver nutrients to 100 million children over time. The elimination of micronutrient deficiencies was just identified as the highest leverage opportunity to improve overall child health around the world by the prestigious Copenhagan Institute. Click here to see how your purchase of SmartyPants helps.

Why does SmartyPants ship monthly?

SmartyPants ships monthly for your convenience. We know how many things parents have to juggle so our convenient monthly shipments are designed to lessen the number of things you need to manage. We also sell thru select health care providers.

Can I easily cancel my monthly shipments of SmartyPants?

Yes, you can cancel at any time. If you cancel after your ship date for the current month, we will cancel your order for the following month.

Do you offer a 100% Money-back Guaranteee?

Yes, if you are not satisfied with SmartyPants, please return your unused portion and we will refund your money.

Does SmartyPants help with ADD and ADHD?

Many researchers believe that Omega 3's can have a positive impact on mitigating ADD and ADHD in children and adults but we make no claims that our vitamins will mitigate these conditions. Please see our Nutrient Guide and Blog for more information.

Can I give this product to my child if he/she is under four years of age?

We recommend your child be at least three years old, however SmartyPants are safe for children who can safely chew and swallow.

Can Parents take SmartyPants too?

Yes, you can! We do take it ourselves. We recommend 4-6 gummies per day for adults.

Is this product safe to take for children with allergies?

All of our products contain no yeast, wheat, milk, eggs, soy, gluten, salt, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or salicylates.

Are your products free of contaminants?

We are a California-based company and California's Proposition 65 governs our production. Our product has been independently tested, by two labs, and exceeds standards set by Prop 65.

What is the source of lactic acid in this product?

The lactic acid in all of our products comes from sucrose.

What it the daily intake of Vitamin A?

The daily suggested intake of Vitamin A for children over four years of age is 5,000IU. For children ages 3: 2200. Because vitamin A is fat soluble and therefore can accumulate in the body, we do not recommend giving your child 100% of RDI of Vitamin A in vitamin form, our multi provides 44% of a RDI for children ages 3 and under and 22% for children aged 4 and older.

SEE BELOW

The RDA for vitamin A was revised by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the Institute of Medicine in 2001. The latest RDA is based on the amount needed to ensure adequate stores (four months) of vitamin A in the body and is the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in each life-stage and gender group. RDA for Vitamin A are listed as Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE) to account for the different activities of retinol and provitamin A carotenoids. RDAs are also listed in International Units (IU) because food and some supplement labels list vitamin A content in International Units (1 RAE in micrograms = 3.3 IU). The table below lists the RDA values in both micrograms (mcg) of Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE) and international units (IU).
more information on these units, see the report.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Vitamin A as Preformed Vitamin A (Retinol Activity Equivalents)
Life Stage Age Males: mcg/day (IU/day) Females: mcg/day (IU/day)
Children 1-3 years 300 (1,000 IU) 300 (1,000 IU)
Children 4-8 years 400 (1,333 IU) 400 (1,333 IU)
Children 9-13 years 600 (2,000 IU) 600 (2,000 IU)
Adolescents 14-18 years 900 (3,000 IU) 700 (2,333 IU)

In January 2001, the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) of the Institute of Medicine set the tolerable upper level (UL) of vitamin A intake for adults at 3,000 mcg (10,000 IU)/day of preformed vitamin A (21).

Tolerable Upper Level of Intake (UL) for Preformed Vitamin A (Retinol)
Age Group UL in mcg/day (IU/day)
Children 1-3 years 600 (2,000 IU)
Children 4-8 years 900 (3,000 IU)
Children 9-13 years 1,700 (5,667 IU)
Adolescents 14-18 years 2,800 (9,333 IU)

Update on Lead - February 2009

Lead is a naturally occurring mineral found in the water, soil, and air, as well as many every day foods and botanicals.

The FDA has developed safe/tolerable lead exposure levels for particular age and sex groups referred to as provisional total tolerable intake levels. In early 2007, FDA conducted a limited survey by an independent testing firm to determine the lead content in multivitamin supplements for women and children. The results of the survey were published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in July 2008 and on the FDA website in August 2008. As a result of its survey, the FDA concluded that lead in the women's and children's vitamins tested was below the FDA's safe/tolerable levels.

Proposition 65 is a portion of the California Health and Safety Code that regulates a variety of chemicals, including lead. Proposition 65 has established a "No Observable Effect Level" for lead, which is even more stringent than the FDA's safety/tolerable level. The Attorney General of the State of California, which enforces Proposition 65, recently filed an industry-wide lawsuit for the purpose of addressing the precise allowable levels of naturally occurring lead in multi-vitamins sold in California.

SmartyPants regularly tests its products to ensure that any naturally occurring lead levels are well within the FDA's and Proposition 65's safety levels. SmartyPants uses botanical materials with the lowest detectable lead level available on the market and utilizes strict testing methods to ensure continued compliance with these requirements.

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