Children may require lower doses of vitamins and minerals than adults do, which could be potentially dangerous if overconsumed (17). Gummy vitamins are especially easy to overindulge since many mistake them for candy.
Many children struggle to obtain all of the nutrients they require from their diet, whether due to picky eaters or following a vegetarian or vegan diet that lacks adequate iron content.
They Taste Bad
Gummy vitamins look and taste like candy, making them extremely popular with children. Unfortunately, however, their portability makes them too easy to overeat – which could lead to vitamin toxicity in some instances.
Cooperman noted that vitamins and minerals degrade faster in gummies’ semi-liquid, semi-solid form than when taken in tablets or capsules, noting they tend to be less stable delivery mechanisms: some brands have even been accused of including more sugar than listed on their labels.
Diet is always the optimal way to obtain essential nutrients, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. If taking supplements, however, try finding ones with limited ingredient lists free from artificial flavors and colors; additionally ideally they would have no added sugar at all – Hiya offers a toddler multivitamin without additional sweetener that uses monk fruit as its natural sweetener; these products can be found online and at select retail outlets.
They’re Easy to Overeat
Gummy vitamins resemble candy and may lead to children exceeding the recommended dose, leading to toxicity and health concerns.
Gummy multivitamins tend to be high in sugar; some varieties contain up to three grams per serving – more than some types of candy! In addition, many contain artificial flavors and additives as well as allergens such as milk, soy or wheat that may make their way into these supplements.
Children tend to eat too many gummy vitamins, leading to cavities and other dental issues. Furthermore, if your child is a picky eater, supplementing their nutritional needs through gummies may not be wise; rather it would be best to get nutrients through food that they already eat on a regular basis instead. In lieu of these treats, consider chewable multivitamins free from added ingredients that could harm teeth – although these might not taste as sweet.
They’re Not the Answer to Children’s Health
At its core, eating healthily will likely provide most of the vitamins and minerals your children require; but in cases when that’s not an option, multivitamin supplements designed specifically for kids may come in handy.
If you opt for children’s health gummies as supplements, make sure they contain no artificial dyes or sweeteners and are free from corn syrup and other potentially questionable ingredients. Also ensure they meet age group recommendations; those aged 2-3 require liquid or concentrated liquid drop vitamins while children 4 years and above can benefit from chewable options that will be easier for them to swallow.
Be mindful that overconsumption of children’s gummy vitamins may lead to vitamin and mineral toxicity, so make sure only giving your child their daily dosage of recommended doses.
They’re Not Healthy
Kids vitamin gummies have become incredibly popular in recent years and many parents rely on them as a way of making multivitamins more palatable for their kids. Unfortunately, they may not always be the optimal solution.
Gummy vitamins often contain added sugars, sugar alcohols, artificial colorings and fillers that can increase dental issues such as decay and cavities in children. Furthermore, they may be easily overeaten leading to further dental issues for your young one.
Overdosage of gummy supplements can result in vitamin and mineral toxicity (17), which poses particular danger for young children who view gummies as candy and are likely to consume more than recommended amounts.
Chewable multivitamins provide an excellent alternative to gummies as they do not leave behind sticky residue on children’s teeth and tend to be cheaper and contain more vitamins than their gummy counterparts. You may even find some made from fish oil to support brain and eye health; Hiya offers eco-friendly refillable jars along with multivitamins and other supplements directly delivered right to your door!
