Gummies are an increasingly popular option in the vitamin aisle because they offer an alternative to pills and capsules while providing comprehensive nutrition at once. Plus, gummies make for delicious treats!
Gummies may be popular treats, but their increased popularity also comes with some serious drawbacks: their sugar content. Five gummy bears can provide enough added sugar per day for adults (25 grams) or 36 grams in children (3 days).
Too much sugar can contribute to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer – as well as increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies.
They’re easier to take
Gummy vitamins come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and flavors that appeal to both children and adults alike who find swallowing pills unpleasant. Gummies offer an enjoyable way to supplement diets that lack essential vitamins and minerals with vital nutrients.
Gummies present a distinct problem in that they frequently contain too much sugar and other substances that could potentially be problematic for certain people. Many varieties like Sorbital contain up to 5 grams of sugar per serving – far beyond what is recommended for children and adults (25 grams daily for women and 36 for men).
Fillers in these pills or candies include corn starch, artificial food dyes and gelatin that may pose issues for some individuals. Furthermore, bioavailability refers to how well your body can absorb the nutrients contained within these supplements or candies.
They’re easier to digest
Gummy supplements have seen increased interest as people seek vitamin options that are easier to consume than pills and tablets, yet many gummies contain sugar or ingredients which may irritate their digestive systems.
Manufacturers add large amounts of sugar to make gummies delicious, often including fructose, glucose, sucrose and sorbital. All this sugar adds up quickly; according to the American Heart Association’s recommendations of 25 grams daily added sugar per woman and 36 for men; one gummy alone exceeds this threshold!
Gummies made without sugar may also cause digestive issues due to the added vitamins and minerals, including too much calcium which interferes with your body’s absorption of iron – leading to iron deficiency that is especially prevalent among vegans and strict vegetarians.
They’re easier to make a habit
Gummy vitamins can help kids form healthy habits for taking supplements regularly. Children tend to prefer these sweet, easy and fun treats more than capsules or tablets! Homemakers can easily make them with whatever vitamins and nutrients are required – for instance adding ginger can reduce period bloat by balancing estrogen and progesterone levels in gummies.
But be wary of “natural” gummies that claim to be healthy; many contain refined sugars linked with weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and tooth decay.
Gummies labeled as natural are less likely to contain added sugars; however, check their ingredients list for sources of other forms of sweetener such as corn syrup sweetener or sucrose that could contribute five grams of added sugar per serving! A child should only consume up to 25 grams per day while adults should stick within 37.5 grams per day.
They’re more palatable
Gummies come in all kinds of shapes, colors and flavors to appeal to both children and adults. Furthermore, they tend to be less expensive than other supplements and can offer an appealing solution for people who find swallowing pills unpleasant or challenging.
Some individuals may be concerned about the high concentration of sugar often present in gummy vitamins, which could contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure and tooth decay. Thankfully, some companies use natural sweeteners such as honey to limit how much sugar their products contain.
Notably, it is also important to recognize that one may overdo gummy vitamins and minerals. Too much calcium may reduce iron absorption. Meanwhile, too much zinc could result in deficiency of copper.
Gummies often do not contain sufficient probiotics and Omega-3 fatty acids, and may lose their potency over time.
